I am a highly creative and experienced graphic designer specializing in print graphics including print ads, direct mail, packaging, marketing collateral, retail and tradeshow signage, also email blasts and web banners. I am flexible enough to handle any size project from conception through production, independently or as a team member. I excel under tight deadlines and heavy workloads with excellent troubleshooting skills and craftsmanship. I am especially skilled at building and maintaining effective and productive working relationships with team members, vendors and clients. I have expert knowledge and proficiency in Adobe Creative Suite CC and Microsoft Office on Mac OS X platform. I know how to set up proper production files, the first time—vendors love me!
Work History
Freelance Graphic Designer – Detroit, MI
Current
Projects include catalogs, retail merchandising, newsletters, direct mail, email blasts, and web banners.
Art Director | Graphic Designer
Murad Skincare Inc. – El Segundo, CA
2008–2014
Managed a team of 4-6 designers plus freelancers. Lead brand/identity development. Conceptualized, designed and provided production-ready art for various print pieces such as packaging, print ads, advertorials, brochures, direct mail, catalogs, and retail signage. Directed photoshoots and retouchers—product and models. Supervised press checks. Managed Digital Asset Management software. Responsible for hiring freelancers and new designers and conducting yearly performance reviews.
Graphic Designer | Production Artist
ICEbox Advertising – Van Nuys, CA
2006–2008
Conceptualized and developed graphics for print ads, tradeshows, direct-mail, packaging and vehicle graphics for clients ranging from health & beauty to cemeteries & mortuaries. Created production-ready mechanicals to vendors. Maintained creative departments hardware, software and archives.
Graphic Designer | Production Artist
Exhibitgroup/Giltspur – Boston, MA
2005
Worked closely with account managers to develop tradeshow graphics for a wide array of clients including those in the health & pharmaceutical industries. Reduced production time, rush charges and stress by supplying accurate production-ready files to vendors and in-house printer. Responsible for proofing and approving final prints.
Freelance Graphic Designer – Providence, RI
2003–2005
Conceptualized, designed and supplied production-ready files for tradeshows and various print graphics for clients including previous employers.
Graphic Designer | Coordinator
Design Origins Inc. – Sterling Heights, MI
1992–2003
Responsible for developing, organizing and maintaining the tradeshow graphics programs for all clients including Delphi, Ford Motor Company and Unisys. Reduced vendors rush charges by over fifty percent by prioritizing and supplying error-free production-ready files in a timely manner. Spec’d production methods and mounting materials and acted as quality control of all graphics. Maintained graphics department hardware and software. Issued and approved purchase orders to vendors and suppliers. Trained and managed design/production staff.
Education
Wayne State University—Graphic Design
Michigan State University—Interior Design
