Get to Know Me

Hello!

My name is Colton Wilhelm. For over a decade, design has been at the center of everything I do. What started as a role in production art has evolved into a career spanning 2D artistry, 3D design, and development management.

Along the way, I’ve grown into a multidisciplinary creative who can move seamlessly from concept to execution. Most recently at Lockheed Martin, I became a true jack of all trades within the design space. I’ve led high priority projects from early 2D and 3D concept development through fully realized, high profile interactive experiences viewed by congressional audiences.

Whether collaborating across teams or managing multiple disciplines, I focus on delivering thoughtful, polished work that performs at the highest level.

Download Resume

Work Experience

Lockheed Martin

Level 2 Graphic Artist & Team Leader
2020-Present

At Lockheed Martin, I worked as a 2D designer 3D interactive artist, and animator, blending visual design with real-time development to create immersive, high-impact experiences. My role spanned modeling and texturing detailed products, coding interactive applications, and translating complex concepts into engaging digital environments. Within the experimental Blue Sky Creative group, I served as a cross–business area design leader, collaborating across all five divisions to unify creative strategy, elevate visual standards, and push innovative solutions that connected teams and capabilities across the organization, creating applications that were seen by U.S Congress.

Creatacor, Clifton Park, New York

Designer & Production Artist
2017-2020

As a CED team member my role as both Designer & Production Artist allowed me to carry solutions from 2d & 3d Concepts to large format produced graphics. Working from concept through project completion allowed me to fully understand the clients needs and provide quick, cost effective solutions to changes at any point of the project.

Schools Out

Alfred University

BA with focus in Graphic Design
2013-2017

GST BOCES

Graphic Digital Media
2011-2013

Take A Hike

In order to balance the amount of screen time that comes with designing and development I spend as much of my free time outdoors. No matter the season you will find me out on the mountains, rock climbing in the summer, snowboarding in the winter & hiking all year. This time outdoors allows me to reset and draw inspiration from the world and culture around me.

I began my design career in 2D, starting in 2011 at GST BOCES, where I graduated top of the Digital Media Arts program with a Photoshop certification. I continued my studies at Alfred University, earning a BA in Graphic Design while working in local galleries and the campus print shop.

After graduation, I spent three years at Creatacor in Albany, NY, sharpening my skills under tight deadlines. In 2020, I joined Lockheed Martin, where I’ve applied that foundation to create high-visibility graphics, including materials presented to the U.S. Congress and pitch decks supporting major wins like the $88M NORSE project.

Programs

* Illustrator
• Photoshop
• Premiere

* After Effects
• InDesign
• Muse

* Lightroom
• Bridge

While at Creatacor, a need for additional 3D support opened the door for me to step into exhibit design. Eager to expand into three dimensions, I quickly learned Vectorworks, focusing on functional layouts and detailed design. As my skills grew, I began working directly with clients and cross-functional teams, delivering projects on deadline while deepening my technical expertise.

At Lockheed Martin, I advanced those skills further by learning Blender and building animations, Texturing, models, interactive environments, and production pipelines in Unreal Engine.

Programs

* Vectorworks

* Cinema 4d

* Blender

* Unreal Engine

In college, I began working in both physical and digital production, gaining hands-on experience in large-format vinyl graphics through the campus lab and Graphic Solutions in Corning. At Creatacor, I took over the production department, managing equipment and applying custom vinyl installations.

Alongside production, I developed web solutions, building sites for Creatacor’s rental system and Roadshow Americana tours before freelancing for additional clients. During COVID-19, I expanded into C# scripting, creating virtual trade show booths and augmented reality apps to support product marketing. At Lockheed Martin, I further advanced my interactive development skills by building applications using node-based C++ systems.