Jen Dando Email & Phone Number

Easton, Pennsylvania

Responsible for leading and creating best-in-class graphic design, while managing and developing a team of graphic designers responsible for global packaging graphics, visual merchandising, exhibit design, licensing opportunities, and marketing programs. Pivotal role in the product development process and is responsible for how the brand is portrayed at retail. Utilize creativity, managerial and organizational skills. Support Marketing, Sales, Licensing, Content, Education and The Crayola Experience.• Art direct & manage a team of designers (photographer and/or coordinator) through the graphic development process from concept to print production. – Establish objectives with Marketing and Package Engineering. – Personally develop and manage conceptual and production graphics – Art direct and lead projects such as branding for consumer product lines, global packaging communication graphics, graphics for in-store merchandising, exhibit design for the Crayola Experience, licensing opportunities, content (line art, sticker sheets, idea guides and instruction sheets), and marketing programs that support strategic marketing• Select & manage external resources such as designers, illustrators, photographers, crafters, and translators.• As a department leader, participate in objective setting, specify process improvements and technology upgrades for the entire department• Work directly with Project Manager to coordinate resources, maximize capacity of the group and assign projects• Provide feedback and performance reviews to direct reports, freelance resources and art interns• Assist in brainstorming new concept ideas with product design and help establish play patterns for products with respect to graphics.• Work directly with content team• Responsible for packaging print proof review• Act as hiring manager when positions are open on their teams and help identify high performing employees and mentor them for future expansion and personal development opportunities

Kulpsville, Pennsylvania

Responsible for designing and executing comprehensive print & digital materials for advertising and marketing campaigns, product launches, and corporate market positioning. Designs targeted to build and maintain customer interest in products and innovative technologies. Direct, manage and coordinate all 3rd party creative service providers, including: in-house designers, contractors, freelancers, agencies, programmers and printers.

Hatfield, Pa

Represent the creative presence in product positioning brainstorms. Work closely with the marketing team to conceptualize, design and bring concepts through to fruition.Art Direction:• Direct design team to best achieve the goals of the marketing team, uphold company branding & standards, and produce powerful creative solutions.• Manage CAD designers to develop best product renderings for packages, instructions, and marketing material.• Represent K’NEX at multiple events across the country (toy fairs, political appearances, competitions, school programs, etc.).Design:• Create designs for packaging, print ads, identities, catalogs and billboards. Lay out instruction booklets for a variety of building toys.• Follow a vast portfolio of products (core K’NEX, Lincoln Logs, TINKERTOY, Angry Birds, Nintendo’s Super Mario and Mario Kart, TitanFall, and private licenses) from concept to store shelf.

Chalfont, Pa

Rolls include art director, designer, project manager, and print coordinator. Clients range from ad agencies to corporate offices to small businesses. Seemless coordination with companies' writers, editors, programmers, developers and other team members.

Yardley, Pa

Primary creative contact for client service teams handling educational and promotional programs for Fortune 500 Pharmaceutical companies. Work closely with designers, other art directors and the print production team in creating visual design, layout and production of a wide variety of creative materials, through proficiency in all aspects of design composition, typography, and color. Report to Vice President of Creative Services and Senior Art Director.DESIGN• Precipitate ideas into appropriate visual design, through the design, layout and production of collateral materials (i.e. save the dates, invitations, monographs, folders, letterhead, signage, website registration pages, etc.)• Keep apprised of current design trends and methodologies• Act as a mentor for new designers, by assisting and guiding with creative processes and proceduresPROJECT MANAGEMENT• Responsible for both visualizing exciting creative solutions and taking direction to implement projects• Maintain constant, regular communication with creative staff, as well as client service teams and other individuals within the organization• Manage and work hands-on with projects from conception to completionPRINT COORDINATION• Provide project specifics for production, such as coordinating timelines, budgets, estimates, proofs, stock selection and finishes

Hightstown, Nj

Designer responsible for various projects consisting of books, manuals and college textbook covers; including numerous fields of study for multiple universities around the country. Worked directly with clients, authors and printers.

Greater Philadelphia Area

Projects included exhibit design, wayfinding, special event invitations and everyday signage. Other assignments consisted of exhibit maintenance and updating. Collateral materials encompassed 3M vinyl, brochures, packaging, flyers, identities and magazine and newspaper advertisements.

Bachlor Of Science, Graphic Design

• GPA – 3.62 (4.0) • Magna cum laude • Dean’s List Honors – September 1998 - June 2002 • Phi Eta Sigma (Freshman Honors Society) March.

Education record