Ralph Hermens Email & Phone Number

New York City Metropolitan Area

The US creative director plays a pivotal role in shaping the visual editorial identity of Motorsport Network’s US-based media properties: Motor1, Inside EVs and RideApart and Motorsport.com—with the task of creating a compelling visual experience that leverages the unique capabilities of digital media to engage and retain readers and create dynamic and interactive digital media for both on- and off-platform initiatives.• Design and create impactful visual assets (article illustrations, podcast thumbnails, social media packaging, infographics) in a cohesive visual style that enhances the engagement and loyalty of editorial products. • Develop design assets that can be reused for various reoccurring editorial needs (e.g., news topics, vehicle tests, driver head-to-head matchups, etc.) • Work closely with editors, writers, and creators to develop innovative ways to tell stories visually through the use of illustrations and photo shoot. • Oversee the creation and integration of multimedia packaging elements for various social media platforms to enrich the storytelling and engage users.• Collaborate with the digital product team in areas of User Experience (UX) and User Interface (UI) design to ensure site experience is intuitive, user-friendly, engaging, and on brand.

As the Associate Art Director, I am deeply immersed in the vibrant intersection of creativity and strategy, driving the visual narrative for our brand across various marketing levels. My role is a dynamic blend of conceptualizing and executing creative campaigns, projects, and initiatives. Working under the guidance of the senior art director, I contribute to shaping the visual identity of the classes, enterprise, product, and editorial marketing materials.• Creative Development & Execution: I actively collaborate with multiple creatives, and cross-functional teams to transition from abstract ideas to compelling visual stories. My role demands a sharp ability to conceptualize ideas and translate them into engaging visual expressions, utilizing decks, mood boards, write-ups, and more.• Strategic Visual Storytelling: I specialize in crafting detailed visual narratives that connect with both consumer and enterprise audiences. Using my understanding of marketing channels, performance marketing, and paid and organic social platforms empowers me to contribute to the development of creative concepts for class launches and broader campaigns.• Design Leadership & Mentorship: My role extends to guiding and mentoring junior team members, ensuring our work maintains a consistent and premium aesthetic. I work in tandem with art directors and creative leads to align the creative and strategic vision of class launches with overarching Marketing and Content objectives.• Adaptability & Innovation: I thrive in a fast-paced environment, participating in brainstorming sessions, peer reviews, and driving innovation within the team. My ability to multitask, adapt quickly to new directions, and pivot strategy in response to shifting priorities is key to delivering creative work on tight deadlines.

Wfh

• Deliver intriguing and original concepts for the Class Guide and Sessions digital products• Work independently and lead the communications for class guides with cross-functional teams (R&C, GFX, Sessions)• Assign and art direct freelance illustrators• Provide creative feedback to other editorial designers • Involved in creating improved workflow processes for the publishing team for existing and new projects

Los Angeles, Ca

• Establish the creative direction and interactivity of the digital layouts • Publish and troubleshoot the user interface to ensure all interactivity is properly functioning• Work with Editor-in-Chief collaboratively to establish direction of cover art

New York, New York, United States

• Alongside another art director, we established creative direction of all layouts• Maintain hire from network of world-class creatives photographers and illustrators• Coordinate/conceptualize/execute photoshoots for studio and on location shoots• Concept and execute compelling, engaging visuals for stories in concert with editorial team

Brea, Ca

• Work with creative director and copy writer to concept and design low- to mid-funnel ad media buys for print, social and digital formats• Present designs internally and to clients• Clients include Suzuki, Ecstar and Pelican

Irvine, Ca

• Head up the art director(s) and in-house photographer(s) to create all print titles for motorcycle group• Work closely with Editor-in-Chief of each title to create stunning visual stories • Build the company’s network of world-class creatives, photographers and illustrators• Coordinate/conceptualize/execute photoshoots for studio and on-location shoots• Maintain brand standards throughout all editorial, marketing and event advertising• Collaborate with editors on new content• Spearhead redesign of Cycle World as a high-end quarterly in late 2018

Irvine, California

• Curate, conceptualize and design all departments and features for each issue of Motorcyclist Magazine through input gathered from the editors• Coordinate/conceptualize/execute photoshoots• Create web graphics, marketing materials and advertising campaigns for events• Oversee wholesale redesign of Motorcyclist to create a more clean, high-end aesthetic with beautiful original photography in early 2017

Yorba Linda, Ca

• Managed marketing for SFI and FTA, firearm training companies working with everyone from new shooters to high-level military personnel• Elevated brand recognition for both companies • Generated print media, email blasts, and social media on a regular weekly schedule• Analyzed data trends weekly or monthly• Attended classes/events to create content with photos and video• Designed new website but was not implemented due to budget constraints and layoffs

Newport Beach, Ca

• Responsible for designing a monthly print/digital magazine with additional interactive content• Worked with editorial staff to create compelling content• Directed a global group of freelance photographers, illustrators, and photo editors• Assisted in the launch of the R&T photography app that focuses on world-class automotive photography

• Responsible for creating the internal manual for product placement in retail stores• Generated illustrations and graphics• Regularly edited photos

Newport Beach, Ca

• Created an award-winning in-house studio for upstart company in 2006• Helped grow company from 12 agents to more than 200+ in three years• Responsible for creating/conceptualizing various online graphics, direct marketing, and advertising campaigns for all branches of the company• Directed permanent staff and freelance artists• Responsible for brand management and quality control

Newport Beach, Ca

• Created marketing and advertising print campaigns• Directed 13 artists• Proofed all materials for design• Managed production workflow and hired staff