Employment

Creative Art Director
Caldwell Creative, April 2018 to Present

Self-employed freelance business providing art direction, marketing consultation, and design services.
— Outreach initiatives to keep audience engaged and supportive of a non-profit organization’s work
— Implement and design a map assisting tourists to find relevant local businesses and encourage exploration

Marketing Communications Manager
The National Quilt Museum, 2018-2019

— Develop initiatives to advance a non-profit brand and promote 12+ rotating exhibits annually
— Art direction of contracted media specialists and other in-house communication staff and intern
— Create and implement content to engage industry-specific audience and increase tourist awareness
— Cultivate marketing calendar, content library, CRM/database, website, and social media channels
— Collaborate with monthly guest pattern designers and moderate 12,000+ member online community
— Identify cost-saving measures through coordination of vendor contracts for marketing materials

Marketing Liaison
The National Quilt Museum, 2016-2018

— Assist museum with branding and marketing projects under contract arrangement with Horizon Media
— Design services for promotional materials, social media, retail products, and exhibit branding

Art Director
Horizon Media Group, 2008-2018

— Art direction and project management for small businesses and non-profit organizations
— Develop communication solutions and branding strategy for clients in local, regional, and national markets
— Design materials including catalogs, packaging, newsletters, mailers, and signage for print production
— Create logos, social media content, and multi-media elements to help shape consistent brand identity
— Extensive image editing and management of materials libraries

Awards include Gold Regional ADDY 2012, Silver Regional ADDY 2011, and Bronze Regional ADDYs 2012, 2013, 2014, & 2015

Certified Custom Framer and Class Instructor
Michael’s Arts & Crafts, 2014-2019

– Customer service for selection of framing options. Production assembly of artwork and framing to preservation standards.
– Provide instruction to knitting and crochet students, develop curriculum, and schedule yarn classes.

Recognized as Employee of the Month in March 2015.

Graphic Designer
American Society of Interventional Pain Physicians, 2006-2008

— Design, lay out, and manage content for print and digital materials
— Facilitate national political action campaigns, advertisers contracts, and vendor orders
— Manage member relations and coordinate Congressional, membership, and state society communications

Ad Designer
The Paducah Sun, 2004-2006

– Design ads running in daily newspaper and special sections for area businesses; layout for classifieds section.

Awards include First Place/Advertising Excellence in Kentucky Press Association 2006 Competition

Education

Marist College — Poughkeepsie, NY
MA in Integrated Marketing Communication, 2018

Classes include principles of IMC, marketing fundamentals, public relations, statistical analysis, social media, advertising management, brand management, and marketing research.

Lambda Pi Eta: National Communication Association honor society (Lambda Upsilon Chapter).

Washington University in St. Louis — St. Louis, MO
BFA in Visual Communications — Graphic Design; English Minor, 2004

Classes include graphic design, typography, art history, book structures, literature, color, painting.

Activities and Honors include Marguerite Roschke Reisner scholar 2000–2001, Howard “Tim” Hays scholar 2001–2003, dean’s list, School of Art service award, Art School council president and treasurer, Student Union school council Executive of the Year 2001–2002, Filmboard vice president, AIGA, admissions office host and ambassador.

Skills

Creative Talents

  • Art direction of junior design staff, photo and video media specialists, storyboarding
  • Project management and organization
  • Marketing for multi-media brand development, content creation, and small business strategy
  • Color and typography styling
  • Extensive design for printed materials and pre-press file preparation
  • Web design for graphics, SEO, UI, and search

Software and Technology

  • Mastery of Adobe Creative Suite (InDesign, Photoshop and Illustrator) on Macintosh operating systems
  • Advanced fluency in Acrobat, Microsoft Office (Word, Powerpoint, Excel)
  • Social Media management (Facebook, Twitter, YouTube, Instagram)
  • CRM and Email marketing (Constant Contact, Infusionsoft/Keap); basic HTML, CSS and PHP coding
  • CMS management (WordPress, Drupal, custom systems)

Community Involvement

  • Citizens Advisory Board, vice chair since 2018, member since 2015
    A federally-appointed member of the Department of Energy’s Environmental Management Site-Specific Advisory Board, providing feedback and recommendations regarding the ongoing cleanup activities at the Paducah Gaseous Diffusion Plant. As Vice Chair, I represent the local organization at the National Board Chairs conferences.
  • Paducah Rotary Club, member since 2013
  • Paducah Chiefs Baseball Club, volunteer marketing and design consultant, 2017-2019 seasons
  • Paducah Fiber Artists, member since 2017
  • Paducah Hospitality Association, member 2013-2019
  • St. Nicholas Healthcare Payment Assistance Program, design services and consultation
  • Oscar Cross Boys & Girls Club, mentor, 2011-2014
  • Paducah Rotaract Club, Public Relations Officer, 2012-2013