EXPERIENCE

Rutgers University, Newark, NJ      Sept 2024 – Present
Visiting Professor

Seasoned instructor teaching a senior-level Portfolio Development course in the undergraduate Graphic Design program. Possessing extensive experience in both the Graphic Design industry and in teaching at the college level. Owning a deep understanding of portfolio creation and the ability to guide students in curating and presenting their best work including mentoring aspiring designers and a proven track record in education.

JustMedia, New York, NY     May 2021 – Jan 2024
Creative Director

Head of the Creative Department for a non-profit, overseeing the creative process from concept to completion.

Managing two interns, redesign/management of website, production budget, revising digital presentations, outreach/promo materials, video assets, proposals, planning company advertisements, monitoring brand campaigns, social media assets, and shaping brand standards to match the requests of the Executive Director

• Responsible for 100% of logo design / letterhead / curriculum booklets / educational toolkits / board presentations / powerpoint presentations

• Achieved redesign of website / mobile and search engine experience / branding and identity / content plus archival management

• Accomplished the addition of over 1000 films to the website archive adding positive database growth

•  Worked closely with multidisciplinary project teams, i.e. curriculum writers, IT/web developer, external client communication

• Lead the creative team in the production of all marketing assets: indoor/outdoor/virtual

• Implemented research skills to contract a digital marketing company / artistic direction of the social media agency

• Spearheaded management of onboarding materials, print/digital quality control, team building, and mentoring

Blue Apron, New York, NY     May 2020 – July 2021
Senior Production Artist

Collaborated with the Senior Manager, alongside the Editorial Culinary Team and Photo Studio to create, traffic, update, pre-flight, upload materials to the website, and recipe cards on a national scale.

Ownership of page layout, flagging and managing any new assets as needed, then uploading final files to printers

• Effectively supervised the onboarding of lead production artist

• Managed art revisions, minor retouching, and text corrections

• Diligently improved from 40% to 100% management of menu layout, print files, and website updates

• Consistently created mechanicals for print production and digital marketing

Write It Up, New York, NY     Sept 2018 – Current
Creative Director / Senior Graphic Designer (freelance)

Creating engaging designs for a wide range of assets including but not limited to print ads, web banners, logos, icons, infographics, presentations, packaging, promotional materials, eBooks, marketing collateral, brochures, and event booths

• Successfully developing compelling presentations in both PowerPoint and Google Slides and working with stakeholders to ensure key message are presented effectively

• Effectively working with members of the marketing team and other internal stakeholders during planning phases to understand design requirements and strategic vision

• Coordinating and partnering with external agency and freelance partners, providing creative direction and ensuring alignment with brand guidelines

Rolling Stone Magazine, New York, NY     Nov 2015 – Nov 2017
Senior Graphic Designer (freelance)

CLIO Silver Winner 2016 – Dos Equis, Most Interesting Man, Final Interview (Adios Amigo)

Created promotional ad materials for the marketing department

• Successfully designed cover ad and editorial layout for LEVI’S Iconic Denim

• Effectively created Faux cover and editorial layout for Dos Equis

• Developed editorial ads – Gillette, M&Ms, RAM Trucks, Transitions Lenses and Various Festivals

• Improved design materials for the Super Bowl events, PowerPoint presentations and digital marketing

Urban Word NYC, New York, NY     Aug 2012 – Jul 2018
Resident Art Director/Designer (freelance)

Designed all brand and event promotional materials

• Created logos, book covers, booklets, flyers and web materials for National Youth Poet Laureate

• Designed promo materials for the Annual NYC Youth Poetry Slam at the Apollo Theater

• ARTITUTE Workshop: Educated teens with Graphic Design tools to create posters based on social activism.

J. Walter Thompson (JWT), New York, NY     Jul 2008 – Aug 2015
Art Director

Clients: Estée Lauder Companies (Aramis, Tommy Hilfiger, Aerin Lauder, Tory Burch, Donna Karan, Coach, and more)

Managed a team of branding and mechanical artist, collaborated with Creative Directors, Brand Managers and Video Producers to create video shorts, gift endings for international marketing, digital platforms and in-store promotions.

• Supervised the development and design of print advertisement including brand collateral, high-level photo retouching and color correcting

• Directly created storyboards, brochures, book covers, mall banners, interior art, flyers, direct mails, sales sheets

• Maintained brand identity (logos and letterheads), and packaging

• Oversaw edits on t.v. commercials in multiple languages (copy, images, art, stock photography, voice over talent and visual effects)

• Managed typography, color, illustrations, photography, and other imaging

• Designed event-specific logos and sales promotional pieces

Laird and Partners, New York, NY     Mar 2005 – Jun 2008
Production Designer

Clients: GAP, Nautica, Juicy Couture, Vera Wang, Bottega Veneta, DKNY and Schweppes

Collaborated with Art Directors and Copy Writers in creating ad mechanicals for magazines, billboards, production proofs, comps and mock-ups for new business presentations. 

• Supervised production team workflow and finalizing files

• Generated ad layouts and paste-up

• Photo retouching and color correcting

• Dispatched ads into system for production

• Coordinated the typesetting, photography, artwork and printing

• Managed files for release to printers and various international trade publications

Marc Eckó Enterprises (Eckó Unlimited), New York, NY     Nov 2002 – Mar 2005
Senior Production Artist

Print Production Manager of all promotional materials, supervised a production team, demonstrated a keen ability to successfully meet tight deadlines, manage work flow to finalize files in accordance with numerous high-profile magazines and various international vendors.

• Dispatched ads into data systems for production

• Coordinated the typesetting, photography, graffiti art, and illustration

• Prepared files for release to printers and various international trade publications

• Successfully oversaw proofs (checking print films for matching colors)

• Produced printouts, comps and mock-ups for presentations

• Communicated with clients and numerous sales departments