Krista Edmonds

Define and maintain the aesthetic direction for IU Kokomo marketing initiatives, ensuring all materials align with university branding guidelines. Oversee the full creative lifecycle for print and digital products, including advertisements, magazines, brochures, postcard mailers, reports, social media, and other digital media. Lead the creative process for projects, ensuring they are completed within budget and meet deadlines.

Creative Services Manager at Indiana University Kokomo (2022-08 – Present)

• Define and maintain the aesthetic direction for IU Kokomo marketing initiatives, ensuring all materials align with university branding guidelines.
• Oversee the full creative lifecycle for print and digital products, including advertisements, magazines, brochures, postcard mailers, reports, social media, and other digital media.
• Lead the creative process for projects, ensuring they are completed within budget and meet deadlines.
• Review layouts, designs, photography, and other visual elements to ensure consistency, quality, and brand adherence.
• Collaborate with university stakeholders to develop creative strategies that support recruitment, engagement, and institutional priorities.
• Prepare final layouts for printing and review, including managing external vendors for production needs.
• Coordinate and maintain vendor relationships for quoting, maintaining quality, and meet delivery timelines.

Puzzle Art Director & Social Media Specialist at Suzanne Cruise Creative Services, Inc. (2020-10 – Present)

• Design and produce social media content and layouts to market artists and their artwork, collaborating directly with them to optimize visual appeal.
• Art direct layouts, formatting, and updates of paintings for puzzle production.
• Conduct research to identify emerging artists and new consumer product companies for licensing opportunities.

Freelance Designer at Leap Year Publishing (2022-02 – 2024-04)

• Developed and executed original, brand-aligned product concepts for kids' and adult puzzle lines, from ideation through production.
• Created visually compelling packaging, logos, and layouts that enhanced brand identity and product appeal.
• Applied licensor style guides and innovative design solutions to ensure consistency and market relevance.
• Prepared print-ready files, maintaining accuracy and quality standards.
• Collaborated with marketing to align creative with promotional goals and audience needs.

Freelance Designer at Fire Door Solutions (2021-06 – 2023-03)

• Conceptualized and designed innovative layouts, copy, and color schemes for diverse materials, including advertisements, brochures, business cards, publications, postcards, newsletters, flyers, banners, merchandise, and social media graphics.
• Ensured high-quality visual assets by adhering to core design principles and applying attention to detail, prepress knowledge, and printing production workflows.
• Managed multiple projects simultaneously, collaborating with the Marketing Manager and coordinating with team members and stakeholders through strong verbal and written communication.
• Maintained professionalism, organization, and excellent interpersonal and telephone skills while organizing, packaging, and archiving electronic files for print production and long-term storage.

Freelance Designer at Cra-Z-Art (2021-01 – 2022-04)

• Led new product development for children's and adult puzzles and games from concept through production, applying licensor style guides to create original, on-brand concepts.
• Designed cohesive brand visuals, including logos, packaging, catalogs, marketing materials, color systems, and layouts.
• Developed creative assets for social media, advertisements, sell sheets, and direct mail campaigns.
• Collaborated on licensed brands such as Peanuts, PBS, and Kellogg's, ensuring brand compliance and high creative quality.
• Wrote engaging instructional copy and product materials.
• Conceptualized and executed innovative design solutions aligned with brand and business goals.
• Managed multiple projects simultaneously, preparing and delivering print-ready files while maintaining accuracy and production standards.
• Partnered closely with in-house marketing teams to ensure creative output supported strategic objectives.

Production and Design Manager at SDI Innovations - Ag Printers (2019-06 – 2021-04)

• Managed production scheduling, annual planning, and workflow optimization to ensure on-time delivery and operational efficiency.
• Implemented quality control systems and ensured compliance with industry regulations and documentation standards.
• Scoped projects, developed accurate design and production estimates, and led client consultations to define requirements.
• Coordinated vendor relationships to maintain quality and meet delivery timelines.
• Supervised production team and improved overall performance and output quality.
• Managed and enhanced design tools (including Ag Printers Elements) and conducted design reviews to ensure high-quality deliverables.
• Designed custom projects based on client specifications.

Graphic Designer at Spin Master (2017-08 – 2019-04)

Laid off

Freelance Designer at Spin Master (2016-07 – 2017-08)

• Led end-to-end product development for children's and adult puzzle lines, with full ownership of the adult portfolio.
• Conceptualized innovative products and packaging by leveraging market research and trend analysis to drive new development.
• Collaborated cross-functionally with vendors, licensors, and internal teams to ensure timely production, high-quality standards, and accurate prototypes for Toy Fairs and buyer presentations.
• Interpreted licensor style guides and managed approval processes through direct communication with partners.
• Developed licensed products for major brands, including Disney, Hasbro, Paw Patrol, Peppa Pig, L.O.L. Surprise!, and Marvel.
• Partnered with marketing to align product development with campaign objectives and support retail strategies across key accounts such as Target, Meijer, Walmart, and Barnes & Noble.
• Designed planograms and merchandising materials to enhance in-store presentation and drive sales performance.
• Managed the annual product catalog from concept through production, including design, copywriting, proofreading, and print coordination.
• Prepared print-ready files and collaborated closely with printers to ensure production accuracy.
• Streamlined workflows and improved project organization to meet tight deadlines and increase team efficiency.

Marketing Specialist at Aidex Corporation (2016-02 – 2017-04)

• Developed and managed marketing collateral, social media content, and campaigns to promote educational products while ensuring brand consistency.
• Collaborated with web development partners and managed CMS updates to maintain and enhance website performance.
• Partnered with sales teams to align marketing strategies with business goals and drive results.
• Conceptualized and executed creative design solutions to support marketing initiatives.
• Coordinated projects, contributed team feedback, and ensured efficient workflows with on-time delivery.

Freelance Designer at C.R. Gibson, LLC (2015-04 – 2016-07)

• Designed cohesive product and packaging layouts—including logos—for a wide range of specialty lines such as puzzles, paint sets, wall décor, holiday kits, games, and activity books.
• Developed planograms and visual merchandising materials to support retail and marketing strategies.
• Created custom artwork, prototypes, and presentation-ready samples for trade shows and promotional initiatives.
• Prepared and finalized production files to meet print specifications and quality standards.
• Managed multiple projects simultaneously, ensuring organized workflows and on-time delivery.

Senior Designer at MEGA Brands, Inc. (Acquired by Mattel, Inc.) (2006-09 – 2015-03)

Laid off

• Designed cohesive brand experiences across logos, layouts, color palettes, and copy for products, packaging, catalogs, social media, and advertising.
• Conceptualized and executed innovative design solutions from ideation through production, including developing product samples for presentations, trade shows, and sales initiatives.
• Led new product development, partnering with licensors (e.g., Disney, Looney Tunes, Skylanders, Highlights, Smithsonian Institution) and major retailers (Target, Meijer, Walmart, Barnes & Noble) to secure approvals and drive successful launches.
• Managed end-to-end annual catalog production, including design, copywriting, proofreading, print coordination, and planogram development to support retail merchandising strategies.
• Directed product photo shoots, collaborated with vendors, and prepared final production files to ensure print readiness and high-quality standards.
• Developed and maintained a comprehensive image database, optimized workflows, and supervised, mentored, and art-directed in-house designers and freelance teams.
• Researched design and industry trends, attended trade events (e.g., Surtex), and contributed to creative reviews to maintain a competitive edge.
• Collaborated closely with in-house marketing teams to meet campaign objectives and wrote clear, engaging instructional copy for games and products.

Graphic Designer at Purdue University (2000-08 – 2006-09)

• Developed cohesive visual assets—including logos, layouts, color palettes, and copy—for a wide range of materials such as advertisements, brochures, business cards, publications, posters, newsletters, flyers, websites, programs, and campus signage.
• Created and implemented innovative design solutions aligned with client objectives and brand identity.
• Managed multiple concurrent projects, consistently delivering high-quality work on time and within budget.
• Partnered with clients and customer service teams from concept through completion, maintaining clear and professional communication.
• Applied strong attention to detail while adhering to design principles and prepress/print production standards.
• Directed photography, performed image retouching, and prepared production-ready files for print and archiving.
• Supported team efficiency through collaboration, constructive feedback, and organized workflow practices.
• Provided exceptional customer service, including professional phone communication and client relationship management.

Bachelor of Liberal Arts in Visual Communications Design – Purdue University (2000 – 2000)

Minor in College of Technology with a concentration in Organizational Leadership and Supervision – Purdue University (2000 – 2000)