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Portfolio
Welcome to my portfolio. I am a seasoned designer with a rich history of crafting iconic visual identities—most notably my impactful work with MCA Records and my early tenure as Assistant Art Director at Image West. My practice is driven by a passion for hand-drawn logos, bold publicity campaigns, and mentoring emerging talent. Explore my career evolution below.
Image West Ltd.
Patty Berns
Assistant Art Director
Video Effects
Patty Berns
Assistant Art Director
Video Effects
Image West Ltd. was a pioneering Hollywood-based electronic animation studio (late 1970s–1980s) known for using Scanimate analog technology to create iconic motion graphics for television, including sports opens for ABC, NBC, and CBS.
Scanimate allowed animators to manipulate video signals using knobs and patch cables, creating the vibrant, glowing text and logos that defined TV graphics of that decade
Working for 4 demanding Scanimate computer Art Directors as Assistant Art Director at Image West Ltd. SPFX, I managed the high-intensity, M–F grind between the drafting table and the darkroom—processing the graphics and optical titles that brought real-time animation to life.
Their reel included work for ABC’s Wide World of Sports, NFL, Super Bowl XV, PGA Tour, and various commercials.
Scanimate analog technology was used to create iconic motion graphics for ABC, NBC, and CBS.
Produced custom line art for ABC Sports' Scanimate-based optical titles.
Scanimate created real-time, analog video animation and motion graphics in the 70s/80s.
Earth Wind & Fire music video effects were created by Ron Hayes, creative director at Image West Ltd. using the Scanimate.
Image West Scanimate system originated the trendy 'color feedback' effect using real-time motion graphics popular in the early 1980's.
1980s Video Effects Catalog. Custom Effects: $500 ea. Ω
Designed custom marketing brochure for Coldwell Banker highlighting the historic 1985 Figueroa Tower, a 12-story Class A office landmark.
My hand-drawn 1985 Figueroa Tower listing: $2.23/sq ft, full service. Ω
Publicity & Mailers | Bullock's HQ: Created at the historic Seventh & Broadway headquarters in Downtown Los Angeles.
Bullock’s Wilshire didn't just sell fashion; it sold a lifestyle.
Bullock’s Wilshire Campaign: Print & Display
Hand-assembled catalog layouts featuring physical paste-up type and photo imagery.
Created column ads with borders, and magazine placements to drive retail engagement.
Designed and produced seasonal catalog mailers, mailed quarterly to luxury clientele. (1980s) Ω
I then joined Graphic Orb in North Hollywood as a Graphic Designer, crafting movie ad slicks and theatrical print campaigns for Universal, Paramount, and Sony Pictures.
I created numerous ad slicks for entertainment press kits at Graphic Orb.
Press kits were designed to give the press everything needed to write an article or promote a release.
1980s press kits contained photos, ads & story synopsis. They were packed with tactile promotional materials required to write an article or advertise a release.
1980s press kit photos typically featured info printed directly on the front bottom margin or on a paper caption sheet (called a "slug") glued to the back.
In the 1980s, theaters 'cut-out' camera-ready ad slicks from large printed sheets to create local newspaper ads.
MCA Records
Patty Berns
Graphic Designer
Publicity • Illustrator
Patty Berns
Graphic Designer
Publicity • Illustrator
MCA Records publicity was located in the iconic Black Tower.
I loved the large "MCA World Headquarters" sign outside Universal City's iconic Black Tower.
Promoting recording artists earned us invitations to the exclusive screenings and premieres we helped publicize.
Linda Ronstadt | What’s New (1983) | Publicity & Media Relations
Oingo Boingo | In the Shadows (1984) | Publicity & Tour Promotion
I enjoyed creating the detailed promotions for Gladys Knight’s 1986 show at the Hollywood Aquarius Theater.
Crafting the promos for "Sisters in the Name of Love" and capturing the elegance of the "Empress of Soul" remains a standout moment from that vibrant era of 1980s entertainment marketing.
Managed artist publicity for Patti LaBelle, Dionne Warwick, and specifically Gladys Knight.
Created publicity tickets using traditional paste-up design methods.
Creating Hollywood newspaper promos for the Back to the Future trilogy presented creative new challenges.
Our dedicated team rose to every occasion as publicity took off in the early 1980s.
Designed initial WAX FAX masthead (MCA Records/Universal Music Group)
featuring custom hand lettering.
featuring custom hand lettering.
Hand-drawn illustration and lettering for MCA Records (WAX FAX Publications)
Designed the masthead for MCA WAX FAX Publications
Created the graphics for MCA WAX FAX Publications
Created publicity articles in Hollywood Reporter
Created publicity articles in Daily Variety.
Young Doctors in Love (1982) – Humorous Promo Tees & Swag
Designed cassette and record labels using optimized layout templates.
At Graphic Orb, I designed home video packaging and cassette labels following strict legal requirements for layout and information.
Legal details were included on cover designs (i.e.) Back to the Future VHS 1989
Their newly acquired theaters expanded opportunities for new publicity, press kits, posters, and advertising.
Proud to have been part of the dedicated team navigating the early '80s publicity surge.
The iconic Black Tower encapsulates my days at the drafting table for MCA Records.
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Patty Berns Art
Graphic Designer
Publicity • Illustrator
Graphic Designer
Publicity • Illustrator
Patty Berns Art was based in Santa Barbara’s historic Fithian Building. Specialized in hand-drawn logos, lettering, print advertising, and publicity.
Custom hand-drawn script for
Crazy Shirts of Hawaii
apparel collection.
Crazy Shirts of Hawaii
apparel collection.
Hand-Lettered catalog cover
Multiplicity Gallery
San Francisco
Multiplicity Gallery
San Francisco
Hand-drawn illustration
Cafe Rouge Montecito Inn
Cafe Rouge Montecito Inn
Hand-drawn illustration
Olive Mill Bistro
Montecito Inn
Olive Mill Bistro
Montecito Inn
Hand-drawn lettering & cover
Fire At The Mine
Tomesha Corporation 1990
Fire At The Mine
Tomesha Corporation 1990
Hand-drawn logo design
Hollywood Improv Comedy Club, (Est. 1974)
Hollywood Improv Comedy Club, (Est. 1974)
Demonstrating airbrush techniques as the
1st Place artist for
SB Earth Day.
1st Place artist for
SB Earth Day.
1st place in
Santa Barbara Earth Day
annual logo competition
Santa Barbara Earth Day
annual logo competition
Hand-drawn logo
Tomesha Corporation
Tomesha Corporation
Hand-drawn logo design
Tomesha Corporation
Tomesha Corporation
Hand-drawn
postcard design
LA Nicola Hollywood
postcard design
LA Nicola Hollywood
Hand-drawn logo
The Hub Market
LA Nicola
The Hub Market
LA Nicola
Shirt designs for
KCET Los Angeles
as gifts to donors
KCET Los Angeles
as gifts to donors
Illustration
Olive Mill Bistro
Montecito Inn
Olive Mill Bistro
Montecito Inn
Hand-drawn logo
Gables
Clothing Co
Gables
Clothing Co
Hand-drawn lettering
and illustration
Death Valley Croquet
and illustration
Death Valley Croquet
Hand-drawn logo
AKARI Hair Salon
Santa Barbara
AKARI Hair Salon
Santa Barbara
Hand-lettered in chalk
on their chalk board menu
The Hub Market Deli
on their chalk board menu
The Hub Market Deli
Hand-drawn logo
Graffy Software Design
Graffy Software Design
Hand-drawn logo
Keane's Wonder Mine
Keane's Wonder Mine
Hand drawn logo
Weisman
Photography
Weisman
Photography
Hand-drawn logo
Play It Again Sam
Vintage Clothing
Play It Again Sam
Vintage Clothing
Hand colored
& photography
portraits
& photography
portraits
First day of teaching art! Made screen prints with kindergarteners in my son's classroom.
Silk-screening directly onto Eucalyptus & Pepper Tree leaves
So popular, each fall, I led silkscreen workshops for every student from K thru 6th grade in the school auditorium.
Providing individual instruction to each student.
Teaching the flood, the pull, and the print.
Silk-screening directly onto grass.
Hand-printed with love for Mother's Day.
Screen-printing custom Camp Sealth felt badges.
Crafting Treasure Chests from Upcycled Materials
Popsicle Stick Treasure Boxes
1st graders (trace their hands) create hand made Thanksgiving turkey character storybooks.
Paper Making promotes cognitive development.
Creating hand made paper art!
Cake decorating enhances focus, patience, and fine motor skills.
Linoleum Block Printing is creative & rewarding.
Creating block print art on card stock for greeting cards!
This 4th-grade potato-printed tablecloth raised $1,000 for the school’s art program.
A seasonal highlight: Bringing the Fiesta Children's Parade float to life with real flowers.
The popular 'Sign Painters Club' met Fridays at noon to paint colorful banners.
A few of the banners for school events!
Eagerly, 4-6th graders fulfilled banner requests from admin & teachers.
Projecting school spirit to the community!
With guidance, students designed and painted unique lettering.
Each sign was a work of art!
Patty Berns Art
Graphic Designer
Art Mentor • Art Teacher
Graphic Designer
Art Mentor • Art Teacher
I love mentoring artists and teaching diverse art workshops.
Crafted with love: your personal guide to mastering calligraphy.
Building confidence through guided templates.
Connecting the LA community through calligraphy workshops designed for every age and skill level.
Calligraphy is more than just writing—it’s creative meditation.
Calligraphy builds fine motor skills and improves handwriting.
Offering hands-on cursive for 1st–2nd graders alongside calligraphy workshops for all skill levels.
Weekend Workshops: Cursive for Beginners.
Family calligraphy workshops: crafting beautiful, handmade greeting cards together.
Made by a 1st grader! Follow the 'magic' lines with a cool dip pen.
Weekend Lino: Creative Block Printing.
Designed and directed her gallery installation.
Hand-painted
Solvang Holiday Window Art
Solvang Holiday Window Art
Hand-lettered Capiz shells for a Maui event.
A hand-lettered gift for every guest.
Hand-painted ornaments in Santa Ynez.
Created hand-lettered place cards for a special event in Napa Valley.
Handmade paper artwork. Donated to and sold at the Santa Barbara Art from Scrap benefit auction.
My first hand lettered sign for Sur la Table Pasadena!
Weekly hand-lettered signage for Sur la Table Pasadena...
Here is a look at a few of my weekly hand-lettered signs for Sur la Table Pasadena!
I teach this exact freehand technique!
The technique of skipping the sketching phase and diving right onto the board.
When a job gives you a strict 30-minute deadline...
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