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.
