Art Director, Senior Graphic Designer


Passionate and dedicated creative leader with extensive expertise in developing graphic design and visual communication solutions, overseeing crucial projects and providing clients with dynamic collateral that meets needs, creates brand, product/service awareness and delivers positive returns on investment.


Accomplished art and design professional driving relationships and creative campaigns by applying years of design experience, effective communication skills, and marketing expertise, to produce work that is visually appealing, functional, and engaging. Dedicated and skilled designer, adept in developing high-impact design deliverables and brand identities for traditional, digital and emerging technologies. Works closely with Marketing/Creative Director, cross-functional team and clients to define project requirements, establish budget, produce inspired advertising and marketing communications. Successfully leads and develops rich, user-design experiences that grow internal and external audiences. Proven results have launched and expanded businesses; fostered collaboration and lasting relationships; created online viewership and audience engagement, while increasing enrollment, sales, memberships, and brand awareness.

Work Experience

Graphic Design Manager
– May 10, 2021 to October 25, 2023.

STAFFING INDUSTRY ANALYSTS (SIA) 

– Mountain View, California. (Remote)

Oversee the creation and execution of visual imagery and design solutions (the creation of concepts, designs, templates, layouts, style guides, digital marketing, etc.), for Staffing Industry Analysts (SIA), a research and advisory firm dedicated to the workforce solutions ecosystem. Provide dynamic visual communication solutions and deliverables used for corporate and event branding, marketing, advertising, sales, conferences, webinars, social media, and web and print design.

Lead, mentor and encourage design team to reach goals while implementing the company's vision, with the aim of communicating SIA’s messages to their target audiences, in accordance with the company’s brand guidelines and standards.


  • Hands-on expertise in developing design solutions and campaigns across a variety of mediums. Managed multiple projects including corporate and event branding, online ads, webinars, invitations, research report covers, digital design, social media graphics, email marketing, animation, PowerPoint presentations, mobile and print collateral.
  • Conceived, designed, developed and delivered a diverse range of event branding (conference collateral designed specifically for staffing executives), in the form of marketing packages that increased awareness of SIA’s products and services. These comprised designing Hero and subpage images, conference Keynote and Keynote Panel social badges, section headers, web banners and sliders, skyscraper ads; HTML, e-Blast articles, speaker and sponsor ad templates; and web design layouts in Adobe XD.
  • Effectively trained, mentored and supervised the work of in-house designers and freelancers, delegating job responsibilities, ensuring that design work reflected brand standards; exceeded expectations for quality, creativity, and accuracy, and was completed on budget and on time.
  • Appropriately chose engaging, professional stock photos, images, and other visual elements in accordance with project requirements and company objectives.
  • Collaborated with multi-disciplinary development teams to meet company goals, increase corporate memberships, and product/service awareness, while keeping abreast of emerging technology and consumer insights.
Art Director & Senior Graphic Designer
– June 2013 to the Present, on an as needed basis.

KRAM & ASSOCIATES MARKETING SOLUTIONS (Remote)

Provided creative, conceptual ability, time management and collaborative skills, to produce graphic design and web development solutions for national brands, such as the Kroger Company and Honda of America.

Cultivated client relationships and knowledge sharing to understand project requirements, and apply visual design expertise to creating imagery, digital media and print design deliverables, that exceed brand expectations.

  • Successfully provided innovative concepts, user experience (UI/UX) design; branding, identity solutions, web design, mobile asset creation, layout and print production, to meet the needs of clients nationwide.
  • Managed projects of varying levels of complexity and scope, whilst leading the design, development and production of visual communications and marketing materials.
  • Delivered a diverse range of collateral, including flyers, brochures, social media and press ads, direct mail, brand identity, promotional materials, PowerPoint presentations, websites and more, that increased visual impact and online engagement.
  • Effectively developed creative solutions (from concept to completion), and digital communication that improved client awareness and user experience.
  • Successfully interviewed, hired and directed staff through the creation of marketing materials and design assets, using external resources such as on/offshore contractors, vendors, copy writers, editors, programmers, photographers, etc.
Visual Communications Specialist
– June 2016 to January 2017 (Short-term Contract).

OHIO DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH – (Columbus, Ohio)

Partnered with cross-functional marketing teams to plan advertising, media, scheduling and project delivery of informative, well-designed, healthcare collateral, tradeshow-booth branding, and event displays at the Ohio State Fair and various health conferences. Increased interest and public awareness of the ZIKA Virus and the need for required Back to School Vaccinations and Immunization for Attendance by 43%, as more than 913,000 people visited the Ohio State Fair in 2016.

Streamlined healthcare details into discernable, aesthetically pleasing information, using interactive forms, flyers, factsheets, brochures, infographics, PowerPoint presentations, interactive media, digital assets and online communications. This helped to promote customer understanding and buy-in from leadership, to support various health initiatives by 60%, whilst creating brand clarity and continuity.

  • Customized announcements, publications, and educational content for use by internal/external clients; Produced marketing materials for industry events, conferences, health fairs, education programs, and employee training.
  • Analyzed historical campaigns and designs to assess performance, improve content and automation; recommended computer hardware and software, digital resources, best practices and improved methods, to benefit productivity.
  • Translated complex ideas into easily understood digital and print solutions, and communicated effectively with management, coworkers, and customers to deliver design assets on target and on time.


Front-end, Web Developer & Graphic Designer
– June 2007 to the March 2013

COLUMBUS STATE COMMUNITY COLLEGE – (Columbus, Ohio)

Provided consulting, web, and user experience design and development services. Ensured quality of 10,000-page website: Created, updated, and maintained visually appealing landing pages, websites, and microsites that fostered a strong online presence. With design software and accessible portals, provided students with eye-catching, multimedia content and information, resulting in a 25% increase in student retention.

Created high-quality digital assets to support CSCC’s internet and intranet, CMS database, E-learning portals, and social media platforms: including websites, slideshows, web banner ads, interactive design, video, animation and more, which resulted in a 65% increase in online traffic and student interest.

  • Successfully produced graphic design, promotional, digital marketing, and brand communication assets (including signage, banners, brochures, infographics, flyers, posters, and more) to generate interest and enhance messaging.
  • Managed various job functions, such as providing customer, marketing, and college events support, interactive media, photography, and digital design for print, web, and various social media channels.
  • Established brand guidelines, policies and project expectations in partnership with design department, to deliver the accurate production of print and digital assets, internal communications, UI/UX solutions and online information.

Art Director & Senior Graphic Designer
– January 2006 to the Present, on an as needed basis.

WEBPHOTOGRAPHIX (Remote)

Developed and operated creative consultancy business, providing dynamic visual communication solutions, graphic design and marketing collateral, that met and exceeded client expectations. Strong project management experience and decision-making skills, with proven track record for finding cost-effective solutions and meeting demanding deadlines.

Employed multiple platforms and media to create unique images for a variety of projects including presentations, brochures, advertisements, catalogs, direct mail, corporate identity packages, websites, social media, newsletters, posters, flyers, tradeshow graphics and more, that advanced small business and market position by 100%.

  • Produced visually appealing, user-friendly, responsive website design, slideshows, online promotions and interactive media solutions. Designed and developed dynamic collateral in accordance with client/company strategic direction.
  • Created compelling and effective designs, layouts, graphic illustrations and visual communication assets across a wide variety of media, that influence and drive product/service awareness and increased sales.
  • Successfully translated company and client thoughts, ideas and needs into actionable branding, mobile assets and design deliverables, whilst producing compelling graphic content that increased customer engagement.
  • 97.3% of the time, managed multiple design projects, met deadlines and exceeded expectations for quality, creativity and accuracy while keeping abreast of emerging technology and consumer insights.
  • Collaborated with a variety of stakeholders, multi-disciplinary development teams, industry professionals, vendors and more, to meet customer need and establish a strong visual presence for clients like the Ohio Board of Regents (OETC), Kroger Company, various Family Thrift stores, DHDC Engineering and the National Children’s Cancer Society.

Personal Details



Education

Columbus College of Art & Design (Columbus, Ohio)
– 2004.
  • B.F.A. In Advertising & Graphic Design
  • B.F.A. In Media Studies (Still Photography)


The University of the West Indies (Trinidad & Tobago)
– 1995.
  • B.A. English Literature with a minor in Fine Art and Psychology.


Technical Skills

Software Applications & Expertise include:


  • Adobe Photoshop
  • Adobe InDesign
  • Adobe Dreamweaver
  • Adobe Illustrator
  • Adobe Acrobat
  • Adobe XD
  • Microsoft Word
  • Microsoft Powerpoint
  • Microsoft Teams
  • Microsoft SharePoint
  • Asana
  • Skype
  • Zoom
  • HTML & CSS
  • Photo-Retouching
  • Remini AI
  • Pic Monkey
  •  iMovie
  • Scanning


Interpersonal Skills:

  • Self-motivated, reliable, independent thinker with a passion for design

  • Success-driven, innovative, and committed to excellence

  • Hard-working, knowledgeable, and articulate, with strong project management and leadership skills

  • Shows integrity and values a hands-on approach

  • Flexible, yet able to prioritize, multitask, understand and solve creative challenges

  • Strong design, layout, typography, and coordination skills

  • Ability to multitask and work in a fast-paced, deadline-oriented environment

  • Creative lead with positive attitude and focus, able to manage multiple projects with initiative and excellent follow-up skills

  • Effective auditory, verbal, and written communication skills

  • Organized with meticulous attention to detail | Able to work independently or collaboratively

  • Desire for learning and drive towards continuous growth

  • Multi-faceted, with good sense of humor

  • Enjoys challenges

Awards

Awards & Prizes include:


  • 2000 – $30,000.00 Part Scholarship from the Columbus College of Art & Design (Ohio)

  • 1996 – Top Distributor Award from Tri-Island Wholesale Company Ltd. (an affiliate of DS Max International, Canada)

  • 1995 – Top Distributor Award from Tri-Island Wholesale Company Ltd (Trinidad & Tobago)

  • 1994 – First Prize for Creative Writing from the University of The West Indies (Trinidad & Tobago)

  • 1989 – First Prize in the Penta Painting Competition (Trinidad & Tobago)

Online Design Portfolio Links


References

  • Anna Wan
    Director of Digital Solutions, Marketing (Recently retired)
    Staffing Industry Analysts
    408-307-1111
    annawan1201@gmail.com

  • Elizabeth Lane
    Senior Director of Marketing
    Staffing Industry Analysts
    415-221-9088
    blane@staffingindustry.com

  • Mark Hall
    Owner and CEO
    KRAM & Associates Marketing Solutions
    614-402-5672
    krammkt@msn.com

  • Charmaine Jordan-Morton
    Chief Operations Officer (Longterm Client)
    Africentric Personal Development Shop (APDS)
    614-253-4448 Ext. 108
    cjordan@apdsinc.org

  • Jerry Saunders
    Chief Executive Officer (Longterm Client)
    Africentric Personal Development Shop (APDS)
    614-496-1991
    jsaunders@apdsinc.org