Double Play Designs by Jeanine Leech
My story begins in 1987 when I graduated from the Art Institute of Pittsburgh. Armed with an Associates Degree in Visual Communications, a camera, and a passion for music and sports. My diligence, training, work habits and legendary attention to detail were rewarded as I have worked as a senior graphic designer for more than 20 years.
Double Play Designs was established in 1992 to showcase my talents as a designer, and photographer. Beginning with a fortuitous market for Pittsburgh Penguin artwork and a growing freelance clientele I started small, even doing craft shows to support my art. It wasn't until 1997, that my dream really took off, when my work caught the eye of Canadian Rock and Roll Hall of Fame Musician, Rik Emmett. (Truth is I ambushed him at a sound check and forced him to look at my design concepts.) The bold move paid off and Rik relies on Double Play Designs for all his CD-packaging, posters, books, and concert photography. Recently, I worked with Rik on his "Ten Telecaster Tales" book and CD project, creating over 20 custom illustrations.
Then in the summer of 2005, I got my big break in to photography when Pittsburgh Penguin Team Photographer Matt Polk offered me the position of Assistant Team Photographer. I jumped at the chance. Giving a new take on the "double" in Double Play Designs – Jeanine Leech the designer and Jeanine Leech the photographer. For 2 years, I captured once in a lifetime moments and milestones for the Pittsburgh Penguins.
In 2009, my hard work with the Penguins landed me a position with one of the premier photography wire-services in the country, Icon Sports Media. As Icon's lead Pittsburgh Sports Photographer, I capture game events and peak action for the NHL, NFL, MLB, as well as top level NCAA sports.
In the spring of 2010, I was commissioned by the Pittsburgh Penguins and the James Gallery, Inc., on behalf of the Sports and Exhibition Authority of Pittsburgh, to create original and iconic artwork from my photographs. Produced on hi-gloss aluminum with an average size 48" x 70", I have 17 stunning images proudly on display throughout the home of the Penguins.
Today, I continue to work double duty – designer daytime, and photographer at night.