Paul J Connolly Email and Phone Number

Assisting brands with the following:• Package design for Food and Consumer Products Industry • Partnering with existing creative teams for brand synergy on packaging • Concept illustrations and design • 3-D renderings of concepts • Pre- / post-production on all designs with client facing meetings to final production sample approvals• Brand Voice, Vision and Storytelling • Partnering with team leads on seasonal content ideation and creation • Pre-production - swipe, ideation, and concept designs • Post-production - mechanicals and press proofsClients include: Inclusion Companies (licensee for Warner Brothers, Universal), Outside The Box, Llc, Third + Berry Creative, Inc.

As a part of PVH’s internal Marketing Department for the IZOD, oversaw all aspects of creative for the brand.• Led team of 3 - 6 designers • Worked with cross functional marketing teams - graphic designers, web design, project management, video editors, production and copywriters.• Collaborated with department and divisional team leads on brand strategy, positioning, seasonal road maps, content calendars focusing on company ROI.• Led development of 360 campaigns from concept to execution of seasonal creative, new product launches and ongoing brand support. Includes post production edit / creative direction, in-store signage, advertising (digital + OOO), scheduled marketing, site updates, video, motion graphics and social content.• Cultivated and managed internal & external relationships with brand leaders, key stakeholders, photographers, stylists, hair and makeup artists, producers, agents, vendors and agencies.• Led photoshoot development with design and production teams: concept, on set direction, shot needs, location scouting, casting and prop / set design for all seasonal branded campaigns.• Worked with project management (operations) to evaluate creatives workload, deliverables, timelines and resourcesto identify / resolve potential roadblocks.• Managed seasonal retouching and freelance budget needs with project management and VP, Creative Director.• Worked with licensing brand leads on setting consistent voice, visual direction and graphic standards for all domestic and international partners (in-store, digital, OOH, trim & packaging).• Partnered with teams on the launch of D2C eCommerce for the IZOD website.• Working alongside VP, Creative Director, oversaw content creation of targeted eComm campaigns that increased site traffic by 61% and tripled sales revenue since the launch in 2018.• Partnered with sales and retail teams on seasonal floor plans to maximize marketing opportunities and impact from lease line to point of purchase.

Managed the creative needs for the marketing and PR department for NAUTICA, an American lifestyle and apparel brand, including all art direction for the licensing division for the brand.• Directed a staff of 5 full time and freelance graphic designers including freelance illustrators and photographers.• Oversaw design executions in a wide array of projects for marketing promotions for both retail & outlet divisions.• Worked directly Senior Creative Director on all aspects of Bryant Park Fashion shows from visuals to casting to run of show.• Collaborated with visual merchandising team on all store windows and displays.• Art directed lookbook shoots, including photographers, models , stylists and make-up artists.• Pre and post production on all seasonal lookbooks from design to retouching, as well as, budget management.• Designed the product packaging for the relaunch of Nautica men’s underwear in both Fall 2008 and 2011. Responsibilities included travel overseas to production facilities to oversee print production and approvals to meet in store deadlines.• Worked with fragrance licensees on NAUTICA OCEANS & VOYAGE packaging, including conceptual work for potential future product launches.• Redesigned all of the brands extensive Home Bedding line and its Kids Collection packaging, both launched in Spring 2007.• Directed the creation of logo, packaging and marketing materials for the launch of Nautica’s Spa Collection.• Led team in design of all trim and packaging needs for the brand.

Creative direction to this monthly lifestyle periodical geared towards the cultural nightlife, entertainment and arts scene of Astoria & Long Island City in NYC. Worked alongside the editor-in-chief and team of designers to create the look and feel of the magazine prior to its launch in December of 2010. Produced the design guidelines that a team of freelance designers could follow to maintain creativity consistent from launch to subsequent issues.

Managed full service print and package design agency, providing strategic leadership to a team of 3 designers, as well as, additional freelance design, illustration and photography professionals. Led design direction, maintained client relationships and managed all sales efforts. Designed innovative labels and packaging using both knowledge of the gourmet food market and a keen sense of humor to create eye-catching packaging.

Hired as Graphic Designer and promoted quickly into position of Art Director with increased responsibilities. As Art Director, supervised staff of 6 designers and artists, coordinated with print and manufacturing productions, as well as, sales teams to ensure client satisfaction and on time delivery of projects.• Partnered with sales to meet with clients to discuss their brands needs.• Supervised branding campaigns for package design and product identification for high profile clients in the fashion industry, such as Sean John, J.CREW, and GAP brands.• Played key role in new business development presentations which resulted in winning addition of clients, such as Donna Karan, Wrangler, Abercrombie & Fitch and Ralph Lauren.• Produced over 150 projects yearly including logos, packaging, hang tags, and innovative woven labels including company’s own advertising and marketing projects.• Successfully led the growth of the design team from 2 employees to 6 employees during a period of 2 years.

Designed creative package designs which were consistent with an environmentally-friendly/homeopathic line of skin care products, used recycled papers and inks, as well as, took a minimalist approach with the design to reduce unnecessary packaging waste.

Designed editorial, advertising and event promotions, media kits, direct mail and ads for this medium sized advertising firm utilizing both my talents as a designer and illustrator.

Designed promotional materials for small businesses that included logos, brochures and mailers.