Don Grabowski Email & Phone Number

Munster, Indiana, United States

Pflugerville, Texas, United States

• Led design and production efforts for monthly publications covering Central Austin, Southwest Austin/Dripping Springs and Lake Travis/Westlake, using Adobe InDesign, Photoshop and Illustrator.
• Received team recognition as the 2022 Newspaper of the Year (Central Austin) and earned the top editorial design award in September 2022.
• Collaborated closely with reporters and editors to create accurate graphics, charts and maps, ensuring visually engaging and informative content.
• Managed ad proofing process to ensure timely client approval and achieved the top ad design award three times within my first year at the company.

Cedar Park, Texas

• Secured 1st Place Page Design recognition for Hill Country News in the 2019-2020 Texas Press Association's Better Newspaper Contest.
• Produced layouts, graphics and maps for print and digital media, meeting strict weekly deadlines.
• Efficiently interpreted instructions from editorial teams at various newspaper publications, ensuring timely completion of editorial tasks.
• Strengthened communication skills to effectively convey project statuses and updates, ensuring projects were completed on time.
• Maintained accurate project management schedules and databases.

Austin, Texas

• Designed branding and marketing assets such as logos, brochures, event badges, posters, packaging, PowerPoint presentations and web/social media content.
• Developed innovative design solutions for clients, collaborating closely with the CEO and Director throughout project development.

Whitney, Texas, United States

• Elevated the community newspaper's visual appeal by enhancing layout, typography, color schemes and photography, using Adobe Creative Suite to refresh retail advertisement aesthetics.
• Provided guidance to newspaper clients on advertisement styles, strategies and campaigns, delivering ad proofs promptly via email, fax or in-person consultations.
• Implemented efficient proof checks and streamlined newspaper file preparations, often exceeding press production deadlines.
• Increased website traffic and Facebook presence for the newspaper by optimizing presentation using WordPress, Adobe Photoshop and expertise in web and social media management.

Austin, Texas

• Guided content creation for educational assessment exams at both Texas and national levels, utilizing HTML, XML, Flash and Adobe Illustrator across web and tablet platforms, operating within both Mac and Microsoft OS.
• Facilitated seamless collaborations with external contractors and Pearson staff to successfully launch educational products, adhering to predetermined timelines and budgets.
• Achieved a more than 200% improvement in item production efficiency through adept problem-solving and meticulous planning.
• Nurtured productive relationships with key stakeholders, fostering connections within the Online Content department and across associated departments.
• Played an active role in Pearson's sustainability initiatives as Green Team Communications Chair, overseeing the design of websites, logos, newsletters, posters and other materials while adhering to corporate branding.

Austin, Texas

• Revamped protocols for state assessment tests in NM, NJ, OH, TX, WA and the SAT college entrance exam.
• Created online certification assessments and a reporting database to assess staff proficiency with department tools across projects, using Microsoft Access.
• Utilized flowcharts and signage to streamline departmental procedures, employing Microsoft Visio.
• Offered guidance and mentorship to seasonal staff, reviewing and editing their work to align with test specifications.

Bachelor Studies, Communication Design

Activities and Societies: Coursework in Print Design, Typography, Color Theory, and MarketingSchool Of Art

Aas, Interactive Design, Gpa 3.7

Activities and Societies: AIGA; Coursework in Interactive Design, Desktop Publishing, Press Operation, and Web Design