Professional Summary

An enthusiastic and self-motivated individual offering 12 years of wide-ranging experience in graphic design, marketing, communications, project management and event planning.
An equally creative and organized problem-solver. Dedicated to improving brand visibility, communicating company mission and helping clients say what they mean with smart solutions that command attention and make people take notice.

 

Professional Background

Graphic Designer – The O’Ferrall Group
June 2014 – Present

• Develop and execute marketing initiatives and comprehensive communications strategies for OFG clients through the creation of digital and print collateral, social media, email and web communications.
• Craft effective email communications; design and schedule outbound email campaigns.
• Implement social media strategies to distribute organization, industry and member news; manage the posting of content to social media platforms including Twitter, Facebook and LinkedIn.
• Assist with the planning, organization and implementation of annual events including the Building Congress & Exchange Foundation Gala, Craftsmanship Awards Ceremony and Spring Golf Outing as well as education seminars and monthly networking events.
• Provide logistical and hands-on support at events; serve as event photographer.
• Coordinate projects with vendors, photographers and writers; provide recommendations and direction to executive committees and board of directors.
• Design various communications materials from initial concept through completion including marketing materials, newsletters, advertisements, brochures, flyers, postcards, posters, invitations,calendars and event signage.
• Effectively manage multiple assignments, perform day-to-day tasks with a positive attitude and uncanny attention to detail in a fast-paced environment with fluid schedules and strict deadlines.
• Preserve, organize and digitize historical archives as well as recent photography and digital files.
• Maintain and update website content.
• Maintain and update email, event registration and membership databases.

 

Senior Art Director – Today Media Custom Communications
July 2013 – June 2014

• Exhibited advanced hands-on understanding of all aspects of publication design and layout from initial concept through print production, project completion and delivery.
• Developed original designs and produced numerous print publications for tourism, business-to-business, chamber of commerce and higher education clients.
• Demonstrated extensive first-hand experience creating original designs utilizing sound principles of design; incorporating graphics, color and typography appropriate to subject, client message and target audience.
• Planed the preparation, creation, selection and use of photographs, illustrations, line art and additional imagery with editorial content.
• Routinely evaluated project specifications and client needs; provided consultation, direct support and creative direction to staff and clients.
• Promoted teamwork and fostered relationships by collaborating with creative directors, writers, editors and project managers.
• Conducted quality reviews for errors, consistency and technical soundness; prepared publications for commercial printing and online publishing.

 

Communications Specialist – Solari Creative Inc.
July 2011 – July 2013

• Designed marketing materials in the form of brochures, flyers, fact sheets, challenge coins, posters and promotional items for U.S. Army organizations.
• Assist with the planning, organization and implementation of special events; provided personnel and event support at industry trade shows, strategic meetings and dinner banquets.
• Developed brand identity for PD PNT organization; managed brand standards and facilitated utilization of brand guidelines between client and relevant stakeholders and industry partners.
• Simplified complex information into easy-to-understand illustrations, infographics, charts and graphs.
• Conceptualized and designed environmental design projects including large scale graphics, complex wall displays, environmental office displays, wall murals, dimensional signage and trade show exhibits.
• Created Power Point slides and presentations (briefings) to be utilized by Army leadership.
• Managed various vendor/client relationships; provided project specs and schedules, acquired price quotes, communicated cost, budget and time estimates to Army clients.

 

Art Director/Graphic Designer – Today Media Custom Communications
November 2006 – July 2011

• Designed and produced various print publications, media sales kit, and other visual materials from concept to delivery with minimal supervision.
• Provided graphic support for web-based communication projects by creating web graphics and banner ads; managed and posted articles to publication websites.
• Assisted art directors with magazine production; assisted on photo shoots; prepared electronic files for final output for both commercial printing and online publishing.

Advertising Production Artist – Today Media Custom Communications
June 2004 – November 2006

• Designed print and web advertisements; routinely managed the production of all ads for multiple publications simultaneously.
• Conducted quality reviews of artwork; detected and corrected technical problems requiring advanced knowledge of commercial printing standards.
• Provided guidance and technical assistance to other staff and customers pertaining to design, image manipulation and final production of artwork.
• Trained staff regarding desktop applications; consulted for expertise in resolving design issues related to graphic programs and commercial printing processes.

 

Software Proficiency

Skilled in both MAC and PC environments; advanced understanding of Adobe InDesign, Illustrator and Photoshop. Other software knowledge includes:

• WordPress
• Constant Contact
• Adobe Acrobat Pro
• Microsoft Word, Excel & PowerPoint
• Hootsuite

 

Education

eMarketing Essentials Continuing Education Certificate
Community College of Baltimore County – Baltimore, MD
Winter 2016

Social Media Marketing Boot Camp
Baltimore, MD
Fall 2014

Introduction to Web Development, HTML and CSS
University of Baltimore – Baltimore, MD
Spring 2014

Bachelor of Arts in Graphic Design
Magna Cum Laude
Salisbury University – Salisbury, MD
December 2003