OWNER
February 2007 - present
With my unique experience, passion for design and a great work ethic, I have had successful opportunities to be a creative resource for businesses. I bring a tremendous wealth of knowledge in preproduction as well as print production. I enjoy collaborating with clients to bring their vision to life resulting in their growth and success.
STUDIO PRODUCTION MANAGER
November 2004 - January 2007
While on staff at Dyson, I managed and executed all preproduction exemplifying brand guardianship. A major accomplishment was researching, evaluating and establishing three preferred print vendors. The result increased Dyson's print buying power and reduced expenditures by 20%.
GRAPHIC DESIGN MANAGER
March 2003 - October 2004
At Learning Curve International, Inc., a subsidiary of RC2 Corporation, I managed packaging design of three brands from conception to preproduction. In collaboration with marketing and project managers, we achieved on-time delivery for retailer bi-annual sets. A new responsibility I enjoyed was art directing infant lifestyle and product photography.
More...
I had tremendous career growth while on staff at Learning Curve International, Inc. My hard work and dedication was acknowledged and I achieved two promotions. I paved the way for the Production Department that was not yet formulated to date. Please read on.
SUPERVISOR OF PRODUCTION ARTISTS
September 2002 - February 2003
I held this supervisor role until LCI was purchased by RC2 Corporation. While in this position, I implemented procedures and streamlined workflow processes. I effectively increased quality and productivity of the Production Department by 50%. I delegated projects and assessed the workload of full-time and freelance artists. I evaluated keylines ensuring high-quality artwork with adherences to brand standards.
SENIOR PRODUCTION ARTIST
January 2002 - August 2002
One of my first goals as a Senior Production Artist was to standardize and develop packaging style guides for the five toy brands. The result created brand consistency, artwork accuracy and time conservation.
PRODUCTION ARTIST
March 2000 - December 2001
During my role as a Production Artist, I assembled and released keylines for packaging, ads and collateral components. I stepped in to a design role to allow Creative Directors to partner with Marketing focusing on brand strategies.
Where it all began.
My interest in Graphic Design began in high school. I was a Design Editor for the Yearbook and succeeded in an elective Graphic Arts class. I found such joy that I chose to major in Graphic Design with a minor in Art History at Bradley University.
I secured a Creative Department internship at Wunderman Cato Johnson during my summer and winter breaks. I landed my first full-time job at WCJ upon completing my degree. I credit my unique career path, colleagues who believed in me and wonderful experiences along the way that led me to the job of my dreams I hold today.
(Wunderman Cato Johnson experience is below.)
PRODUCTION ARTIST
May 1999 - March 2000
Maximizing efficiencies, careful attention to detail and yearning to learn more was where I thrived as one of an eight person Studio. My responsibilities included producing keylines, performing FlightCheck and problem solving electronic files for release to production on POP, direct mail and signage.
PROJECT MANAGER
May 1998 - April 1999
The top line task was to facilitate communication between Account Executives, Creative, Studio and Production Departments including all levels of management. I prepared estimates, tracked budgets, initiated billing and managed deadlines for the fast-paced internal workflow of a promotional marketing agency's deliverables.
CREATIVE INTERN
Summers and Winters of 1996 & 1997
I assisted all levels of the Creative Department with design concepts, created presentation boards and 3D mock-ups. It was the time to be a sponge. It was a joy and a privilege to learn the business from such talented and savvy creatives.