I led a small but agile design team of 3, with primary responsibility over the robust Education and Shows & Special Events categories. I reported directly to the Senior Director of Marketing, followed by the Vice President of Marketing for BSG. I served as reliable and consistent resource for special projects and presentations for executive leadership, particularly when a versatile skill set was needed. Communication and proactive project management was key to my success. Within my own direct area of responsibility, I delivered stunning marketing collateral from digital to traditional print, from sign boards to fixtures, incredibly huge banners and much more, for 3 national shows and 9 BSG shows for the Shows and Events team. In-store education flyers... hundreds per month. 9+ special events per year with end to end support.With the blessing of our Senior Creative Manager, I took on hands on responsibility for art direction of our 2018 show materials, leading the brand look and messaging. My aim was to elevate and evolve our show related visual acumen within the structure of our overall corporate brand, while establishing key distinctions and a specific voice. I then negotiated an improved brochure agreement for FY 2018 with our print vendor. This allowed an increase of page count of the brochure by a third, from 24 to 36 pages. At the same time, I was able to lock in pricing which saved a minimum of 20% over the previous year. With these combined efforts, I was able to streamline the approval process over previous years at multiple decision points. We were able to nail down an approved concept in record time that really spoke to our target demographic. Ticket sales boomed! All metrics, from volume to dollars exceeded milestones and expectations for Spring 2018 shows. I’ve handled transitions of leadership with no misses on our commitments, clear communication to management, and encouragement to my direct reports and others within the department.

In this role, I was responsible for project management and accurate execution of design production for a high volume, Fortune 500 account. My team regularly exceeded expectations by factoring Client objectives into production process strategy. We were responsible for print production of accurate, press-ready projects: monthly, quarterly, semi-annual and annual publications, ranging from 4 to 1624 pages, utilizing InDesign with the EasyCatalog plug-in, Adobe Acrobat and advanced automation processes to create multiple priced project versions. My daily tasks included assigning staff and resources to meet Client objectives and timelines, along with hands-on direction and management of a team of 12 production artists. In our busiest seasons, I managed up to 20 direct reports. I worked hard to determine best practices and a strategic approach to each challenge, documenting the team instruction necessary to execute each project. I assessed our training needs and authored extensive training documentation on account processes, requirements and client standards. This simplified training new hires and seasonal contractors. While I Initially contracted as a production artist, I was hired after a few months to supervise the rapidly growing Catalog production team (Oct 2009).

I was the primary point of contact for all advertising and marketing inquiries, reviewing and analyzing proposals for presentation to company President. In this position, I took a principle role in renegotiating contracts and monthly advertising, resulting in better advertising rates over previous arrangements. I improved our monthly advertising delivery for the company, restoring positive relationships with publications and improving brand recognition in the industry and marketplace. I was responsible for organizing and determining advertising schedule, negotiating advertising rates and bonuses, processing all insertion orders, working directly with publication advertising executives and company executives. I communicated advertising specifications, product focus and message with our team of designers and our creative agency. Delivery of approved advertising material to publishers was once again on time.I had the opportunity to plan and execute all aspects of our corporate events; from contract negotiation and payment according to company policies, display design and execution, allocation and logistics of sampling, staffing, sponsorship and promotion, to arrangement of travel and accommodations for company executives, staff, and guests. I organized our company presence at over 15 events ranging in size from 600 to 150,000 attendees, and booth sizes from 100 to 800 sq. ft. When needed, I worked on-site at events to manage staff and ensure event success. I also researched and hired talent for advertising and public appearances. I planned and executed catering arrangements and private company-hosted parties for staff and industry contacts. This also included periodic office lunches as well as holiday celebrations.

As Marketing Designer, I was responsible for copy- and technical writing for this international fine art giclee reproduction firm with a monthly multimillion-dollar sales volume. I worked on a a wide variety of projects including logos, flyers, signs, banners, publicity campaigns, and training manuals in multiple languages. I reported directly to the Vice President of Marketing and Corporate Events. This gave me an opportunity to participate in brainstorming sessions and perform research. I wrote regular internal marketing proposals for presentation by the VP of Marketing to the executive management team and CEO.I also had the opportunity to flex my writing muscles a lot here! I produced requested copy on demand, ranging from letters to the sales field on behalf of company executives, to press releases, promotional announcements and more. Eventually, I executed a complete rewrite of our corporate and replicated customer websites. Our department of 3-5 was also responsible for marketing and sales field support. We came up with creative contests and promotions, refreshing graphic design, and event planning and execution for 6 international conventions (attendance: 250-2200), monthly training and motivational events (attendance: 600), and more. There is something truly exhilarating when you see those smiles! I also worked directly with key vendors to locate collateral and promotional products for 3 international conventions per year, negotiating terms and best price values for the company, resulting in a net-cost savings over previous relations. Lastly, I worked closely with auditioning and casting talent for convention entertainment; from diverse performances of the National Anthem and internationally themed performers to promote and celebrate international expansion, to voiceovers and keynote speakers. I wrote, cast, directed and produced a dramatic adaptation of a painting into a vision of the company’s ideals and goals for an international convention.

I was the principle Graphic Designer for this internationally-distributed adventure gaming company.I handled everything relating to print production, including package design, quarterly catalogs, monthly advertisements in consumer and industry related magazines, and both grayscale and full color game books (144 pages). I also helped out with the company's new social media presence and forums.I was responsible for product photography, and regular updates to web sites and distributors regarding product release schedules and promotions. Periodically, I assisted with promotional events and conventions.