WORK EXPERIENCE

Creative Director/Senior Designer November 2017-Present
American Bar Association Chicago, IL

  • Art Direct and design three printed and digital publications including photo shoots, obtaining photography, and creating editorial illustrations

  • Take work from concept to final execution within deadlines for multiple simultaneous projects

  • Manage project schedules, budgets and production requirements throughout each project life cycle

  • Delegate responsibilities to other designers, freelance illustrators, and photographers

  • Solid art direction experience on photo shoots and in post-production, including editing, color grading, and online finishing

  • Present completed ideas to clients/team members

  • Lead creative development of core marketing initiatives and product launches, develop brand campaigns and graphic standards, to ensure that the creative campaigns are executed across all brand channels (print, digital and social)

  • Ability to bring fresh, distinctive art direction and design to each project while using research and strategic thinking skills to understand project goals and audience

  • Oversee the production phase to ensure final deliverables follow brand standards, ladder up to the creative concept, and align with the brief

  • Provide creative leadership, guidance, and mentorship to Graphic Designers

  • Stay on top of all trends and maintain best practices and explore and expand skills to try new technology, techniques, software in various formats

HIGHLIGHTS

  • Awarded two Peter Lisagor Awards for Best Illustration and Best Design

  • Awarded multiple Regional and National AZBEE Design Awards for design 2018-2021

  • Awarded multiple GDUSA awards for design and illustration 2020-2022

RESULTS

  • Managed social media campaigns that have increased member engagement

  • Award-winning journalistic-design and image creation

Senior Designer August 2012-November 2017
Corporate Identification Solutions Chicago, IL

  • Articulate and share conceptual ideas for signage, wayfinding, and branded graphics for regional/national clients and branded interior spaces

  • Prepare and refine design presentations for internal review and client presentations through production and installation

  • Successful completion of project documentation from schematic design through construction documents

  • Demonstrated superior graphic/building design + 3D visualization skills

  • Design, generate technical drawings and proposals for branded environments and corporate signage for retail locations and large events and conferences

  • Calculate space available and square footage to create visual solutions and create final fabrication art, determine installation processes and generate installation instructions and templates

  • Expert level critical thinking skills utilized while juggling multiple projects within a large group of varying brand identities

  • Bring industry knowledge to the team and mentor designers

HIGHLIGHTS

  • Designed signage and printed materials for multiple retail locations within O’Hare International Airport

  • Designed complex interior and exterior renderings for the Colorado Convention Center, Los Angeles Convention Center, Starbucks, Circle K, Midway Airport and Chicago Park District

RESULTS

  • Developed and awarded creative proposal that generated $14 million in annual sales to the organization

  • Introduced alternative production solutions to minimize costs on projects

Senior Designer July 2011 to August 2012
HG Exhibits Naperville, IL

  • Design and preparation of production materials for large-scale exhibits, branded environments, and interior design showrooms

  • Transform client information into accurate design and create solutions for various project scenarios

  • Work cross-functionally to lead design discussions and reviews and meet project timelines and deliverables

  • Complete and review mechanicals, taking responsibility for accuracy ahead of installation

  • Push expressive boundaries while working within existing brand standards

  • Responsible for keeping the design phase on schedule and managing outside vendors

  • Renders design concepts and prepares visual presentations

HIGHLIGHTS

  • Hand-painted rock mural showroom wall within the Merchandise Mart

  • Designed all promotional pieces, signage and handout materials for multiple successful tradeshows

RESULTS

  • Created effective ideas and proposals that generated income during a difficult economic time

  • Met the demands of clients and provided full-service solutions to generate higher revenue

SKILLS

Highly creative yet technical

Good design instincts, aesthetic taste, and solid typography

Attention to detail, strong organizational and conceptual skills

Great communication skills and positive attitude

Familiarity with spatial design and architectural interiors

APPLICATIONS

Expert level Adobe Creative Suite (digital, print)

Proficient Microsoft Office, SketchUp, Revit and WordPress

Expert level pre-press and production skills

VOLUNTEER WORK

Building Love Amongst Cultures
Art Director

Chicago Riots Roller Derby
Social Media Manager & Coach

EDUCATION AND AWARDS

Columbia College Chicago, Bachelors of Arts and Communications

Recipient of the Albert P. Wiesman Grant for co-editing and designing a small press magazine

Peter Lisagor Award Winner for Best Design and Best Illustration

Multiple Regional and National AZBEE Award winner 2018-2021

Multiple GDUSA Design Awards 2020-2022

ADDITIONAL DESIGN EXPERIENCE

Castco Communications
January 2008 to October 2010

Sir Speedy Printing
February 2002 to January 2008

Marsh & McClennan
October 1999 to February 2002