Creative design lead with more than 15 years of experience in CPG project management. I excel in collaborating with Procurement, R&D, Commercialization, Regulatory, Marketing, and Creative teams. As a leader, I unite teams to achieve project goals and objectives, through effective communication and mentorship.
WORK EXPERIENCE
Production Design Manager Impact Networking, Chicago IL
September 2023-December 2024
Collected project requirements and oversaw the production of print material for clients, including vetting vendors, negotiating costs, establishing deliverable timelines adhering to budgets.
Maintained print production schedules, resources, vendors, and quality control processes for over 90 clients.
Developed SOP processes with Accounts Payable, Purchasing, and Accounts Receivable to ensure accuracy from vendor quote, to purchase order, and final invoice.
Reduced printing costs by 60% on projects through vendor selection and leveraging stock materials.
Supervised production team and outsourced freelance support as needed.
Managed licensing of fonts and photography for out-of-home advertising, website, and social client needs
Production Design Manager JD Sports, Indianapolis, IN
July 2021–August 2023
Managed production artists, providing art direction, process management, training, and quality standards for in-store, social, and site assets.
Led production team through seasonal store change-outs for retail displays, window displays, and digital placements for 132 stores including the Times Square and Chicago flagship stores.
Established and maintained brand standards site for Finish Line and JD Sports brands, providing centralized access to 600+ digital and print templates.
Graphic Design Contractor October 2019–June 2021
Finish Line, Indianapolis, IN
Created branded assets for Finish Line and Finish Line MACYS consumer websites.
Designed engaging and relevant emails that showcase new product launches
for Nike, Adidas, Skechers, Converse and Finish Line.Developed in-store merchandising graphics for Finish Line and Finish Line MACYS stores across the US adhering to strict brand guidelines.
Visual Communications Consultant Blue Beyond Consulting, Indianapolis, IN
December 2018–July 2019
Conceptualized complex ideas and data into simplified visual solutions for clients using journey maps, infographics, interactive worksheets, educational collateral and presentations.
Developed internal communications and marketing materials for Danaher,
Kaiser Permanente, Hewlett Packard, StubHub, Visa, Ingredion and Symantec.Designed digital marketing campaigns, website graphics and promotional materials for Blue Beyond Consulting.
Creative Manager Heartland FPG, Carmel, IN
November 2017–November 2018
Independently managed design team; prioritized daily workloads, assigned projects, and provided art direction. Developed processes, and procedures while establishing timelines for all project requests from national and international Splenda marketing teams.
Creative lead for launches of Splenda Coffee Creamer, Splenda Fiber, and Java House Coffee from concept to building pre-press files and press approvals.
Directed all stages of production and development for Splenda and private-label products including sweeteners, creamers, aseptic, and cold brew coffee businesses nationally and internationally with more than 80 retail customers.
Managed 175 projects simultaneously, coordinating workflow and production through Procurement, Commercialization, Brand, Regulatory, and Vendors; updating all product artwork to comply with 2019 FDA nutritional information updates.
Graphic Designer Henkel, Indianapolis, IN
October 2013–October 2017
Collaborated with Brand executing marketing campaigns, new product launches, and Ulta in-store displays for Kenra Professional, Kenra Platinum, and Kenra Color marketing campaigns and product launches.
Coordinated all Kenra Professional and Kenra Platinum products for EU product launch, incorporating regulatory compliance and updating artwork to include 5 languages.
Established the visual tone and aesthetics for all Kenra Professional brands collateral packaging and in-store merchandising.
Collaborated with interior and exterior clients to maintain and develop marketing products and strategies.
Developed workflow for creative and branding departments to ensure accuracy and efficiency in creating, updating and routing all packaging artwork
Adjunct Professor August 2015–January 2016
Ivy Tech Community College, Indianapolis, IN
Taught introductory course on typography which included the history of type, typographic terminology and design.
Responsible for classroom management and evaluation of student work
in addition to software training of Adobe Creative Suite.
Senior Graphic Designer New Sunshine LLC, Indianapolis, IN
November 2008–September 2013
Partnered with Procurement to implement and maintain brand and color standards for Australian Gold, Swedish Beauty, California Tan, and Designer Skin brands.
Art direction for 6 industry-leading tanning and skin care brands
Effectively met all deadlines in a fast-paced work environment while managing multiple projects simultaneously
Trained, mentored and hired freelance and junior designers.
Collaborated with cross functional teams for successful product development:
by budgeting, sourcing, and designingCreative direction and design for Australian Gold, Swedish Beauty and JWOWW brands.
Consulted with outside vendors; photographers, printers and production houses collecting estimates and making recommendations.
Designed and updated websites including motion graphics.
Implemented FDA regulations on Australian Gold SPF product packaging.
Creative Manager Heartland FPG, Carmel, IN
November 2017–November 2018
Independently managed design team; prioritized daily workloads, assigned projects, and provided art direction. Developed processes, and procedures while establishing timelines for all project requests from national and international Splenda marketing teams.
Creative lead for launches of Splenda Coffee Creamer, Splenda Fiber, and Java House Coffee from concept to building pre-press files and press approvals.
Directed all stages of production and development for Splenda and private-label products including sweeteners, creamers, aseptic, and cold brew coffee businesses nationally and internationally with more than 80 retail customers.
Managed 175 projects simultaneously, coordinating workflow and production through Procurement, Commercialization, Brand, Regulatory, and Vendors; updating all product artwork to comply with 2019 FDA nutritional information updates.
Graphic Designer Henkel, Indianapolis, IN
October 2013–October 2017
Collaborated with Brand executing marketing campaigns, new product launches, and Ulta in-store displays for Kenra Professional, Kenra Platinum, and Kenra Color marketing campaigns and product launches.
Coordinated all Kenra Professional and Kenra Platinum products for EU product launch, incorporating regulatory compliance and updating artwork to include 5 languages.
Established the visual tone and aesthetics for all Kenra Professional brands collateral packaging and in-store merchandising.
Collaborated with interior and exterior clients to maintain and develop marketing products and strategies.
Coordinated all Kenra Professional and Kenra Platinum products for EU product launch,incorporating regulatory compliance and updating artwork to include 5 languages
Developed workflow for creative and branding departments to ensure accuracy and efficiency in creating, updating and routing all packaging artwork
Adjunct Professor August 2015–January 2016
Ivy Tech Community College, Indianapolis, IN
Taught introductory course on typography which included the history of type, typographic terminology and design.
Responsible for classroom management and evaluation of student work
in addition to software training of Adobe Creative Suite.
Senior Graphic Designer New Sunshine LLC, Indianapolis, IN
November 2008–September 2013
Partnered with Procurement to implement and maintain brand and color standards for Australian Gold, Swedish Beauty, California Tan, and Designer Skin brands.
Art direction for 6 industry-leading tanning and skin care brands
Effectively met all deadlines in a fast-paced work environment while managing multiple projects simultaneously
Trained, mentored and hired freelance and junior designers.
Collaborated with cross functional teams for successful product development:
by budgeting, sourcing, and designingCreative direction and design for Australian Gold, Swedish Beauty and JWOWW brands.
Consulted with outside vendors; photographers, printers and production houses collecting estimates and making recommendations.
Designed and updated websites including motion graphics.
Implemented FDA regulations on Australian Gold SPF product packaging.