Professional

Award-winning and dynamic creative professional with 10+ years’ experience in steering graphic design, art and creative direction.  Proven history of leading design team operations, campaigns, brand enhancement initiatives, and various creative projects for international corporations. Revered for building high-performing teams and mutually beneficial cross-functional relations.

Personal

Certified morning-person. In the summertime, I enjoy morning walks around the neighborhood. In the wintertime, I’ll ride my indoor cycling bike. Avid traveler as the past 3 years travel house-sitting has introduced me to wonderful new people and great adventures featuring amazing local hikes. I believe in mentoring young professionals, breaking old habits, and staying positive. I’m grateful for the amazing people I have in my life and the air in my lungs.

Education

B.F.A. Visual Communications
Northern Illinois University 2012

RECENT COMPLETED COURSES

• IBM Design Thinking
• IDEOU Prototyping for Digital Experiences
• IDEOU Leading for Creativity
• Design for Accessibility
• Chamber of Commerce’s Leadership Academy

Areas of Expertise

• Art Direction
• Creative Direction
• Design Management
• Graphic Design
• Web Design
• UX Design
• Digital Publishing
• Social Media Management
• Client Relations

Skills

• Adobe Ps, Id, Ai, Xd, Ru
• WordPress
• Design Strategy
• Brand Architecture
• Digital Marketing
• HTML/CSS
• Project Management
• Corporate Branding
• Storytelling
• Presentations

Career Experience

CREATIVE SERVICES MANAGER

American Academy of Sleep Medicine  |  2016 – Current
Darien, IL

Spearhead award-winning departmental operations and identity development with in-depth case studies, developing B2B and B2C multi-channel campaigns, and prioritizing projects. Define art direction and concepts, leading creative department projects from conception through completion via human-centered design methods. Refine creative concepts and draft visual presentations, leveraging expertise of creative team. Establish interdepartmental collaborations, creating marketing timelines and objectives in line with allocated budget.

• Manage the creative team and ensure high-quality work is produced on time and within budget for 400+ creative tickets with weekly/quarterly reporting for 15+ brands.
• Oversee the entire creative process, from concept development to final completion, ensuring that projects meet our own high standards.
• Direct copywriters, videographers, visual designers, UX designers, and brand strategists to work in unison. 
• Serves as a thought leader and creative strategist for the brand.
• Drives creative strategy across all touchpoints inclusive of: digital touchpoints inclusive of website and owned and operated channels, and brand content production workstreams.
• Owner of the Brand Book for in-house brands. Ensures that each deliverable is reflective of the brand strategy and identity.
• Monitor and analyze industry trends, landscape, and emerging technologies to inform creative strategies and drive innovation.
• Provide mentorship and professional development opportunities to team members, fostering a culture of collaboration, growth, and continuous improvement.
• Drive personnel engagement initiatives, improving productivity by 30% and employee satisfaction by 90%. 
• Report communications and inform stakeholders on metric-driven feedback to make informed decisions. 
• Supports print and digital projects with hands on involvement in design work
• Prioritize and complete multiple tasks/projects within deadlines and with a high degree of quality

FREELANCE

Graphic & Web Design  |  2012 – Current
Elmwood Park, IL

Collaborate with small – medium sized companies to launch their message into the wild. Available to assist in creation of brand development, web redesign, multi-media campaign layouts and other creative needs.

• Increased client annual revenue by 20% via custom marketing materials. Owning end to end creative process including budget, timelines, and production.

SENIOR GRAPHIC DESIGNER

MorningStar Media Group  |  2012 – 2016
Sycamore, IL

Translated client brand standards into aesthetic design principles for digital and print marketing materials. Hired, trained, and supervised new designers. Oversaw app development, web design, wireframes, digital publications, magazines, social media campaigns, mailers, and bus ads, to ensure timeous completion of projects. Established relations with clients in financial services and healthcare industries, ensuring regular communication and maintaining high level of customer service. Teamed up with sales and web development divisions to steer timely delivery of projects within allocated budget while remaining true to defined goals. Directed multiple projects simultaneously, coordinating design and development teams’ daily functions.

• Created custom new-client initiative which lead to 50K in revenue.
• Directed multiple projects simultaneously, coordinating design and development teams’ daily functions.
• Clinched 30K deal for web design project.
• Stay up to date on the latest trends and techniques to develop beautiful visuals exceeding client expectations
• Provide input on creative direction for long-term campaigns

GRAPHIC DESIGNER

Jack Olson Gallery  |  2011 – 2012
DeKalb, IL

Consistently provide exceptional designs and strong presentations to support brand image. Provide support to production design department.

• Provided support to production print department
• Incorporated brand standards across social media platforms

GRAPHIC DESIGNER

Women’s Resource Center  |  2009 – 2010
DeKalb, IL

• Design flyers, promote and developed concepts for events
• Explain design concepts and ideas to clients and colleagues
• Produce presentations, leaflets, marketing materials and large scale banners