ABOUT
Creative, professional and extremely conscious about your company’s image.
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I live brand identity and design. I'm a Creative Partner, here to innovate new brands, extend strong ones and reinvent those in need of a makeover.
In today’s competitive world, companies need an edge, something that makes them standout from their competitors. And with only one chance to make that first impression, it’s become even more important to put that strong brand image in front of your prospective clients.
I understand that creative work should be purposeful, and not just look great, it has to sing the same song as the marketing message.
John Kenney
As a visionary Graphic Designer and Lead, I inject a fresh perspective into conceptualizing designs that resonate with diverse audiences and adapt seamlessly to various formats, all while maintaining unwavering adherence to brand standards. Thriving as a dynamic and vocal force within an integrated communications and marketing unit, I am dedicated to advancing the institution’s mission and fostering continuous team building.
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In my role in Creative Management and Design Work, I played a pivotal role in Phoenix Raceway’s monumental $178 Million redesign project. Collaborating closely with the marketing team, I spearheaded the conceptualization and production of a diverse array of elements, ranging from new logos and environmental spaces to interactive fan pieces, website design, social media graphics, and event or stadium visuals. Notably, I crafted the distinctive brand logo for Phoenix Raceway, contributing significantly to the establishment of the current brand standards.
Experience
Graphic Design, Lead
Northern Arizona University
2/23 - Current
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Report directly to the Assistant Director of Design, to create high-level visual communication designs for digital and print, while inspiring the design team with an innovative, creative vision.
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Skillfully interprets and communicates the NAU experience and advances the university’s visual identity through sophisticated graphic design choices that align with the NAU brand.
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Confidently lead design initiatives or projects reinforcing NAU’s mission with creative energy and enthusiasm in design practices and collaboration.
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Freelancer/Owner
Blade-Creative
4/13 - 3/20
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An effective Creative Partner, specializing in creating strong visual brands and creating cohesive concepts for effective marketing campaigns in a variety of industries. Extensive experience designing for a variety of athletics-based brands.
Demonstrated experience applying an established creative guideline to directly implement and coordinate best-in-class, branded communications (both print and electronic).
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Strategized and presented new creative pitches to Clients and Senior Level Management and Creative Directors complete with brand or marketing solution ideas based on their needs.
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Managed a network of industry professionals to collaborate with on larger campaign and development projects including design professionals, digital media buyers, web programmers and more.
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Art Director
Blind Society
10/12 - 4/13
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Conceptualized and created the entire Four Peaks Brewery website including re-imagining the user site map and wireframes, establishing the look and feel, directing the creation of all design elements, collaborating with the development team, trouble shooting and making sure all deliverables were on-time. Timing was critical on this project as there were strategic conversations surrounding a potential buyout by Anheuser-Busch.
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Brought Desert Schools Credit Union an interactive mobile activation they could leverage through their sports sponsorships with the Arizona Cardinals and Arizona Coyotes. Concept included stars Larry Fitzgerald and Shane Doan in a green-screen photo opportunities around town that enabled data capturing and brand awareness.
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Mentored and directly managed junior designers assigned to projects.
Collaborated cross-functionally with product and content teams to deliver a cohesive message and voice across all brand platforms and campaign efforts to exceed client expectations.
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Art Director
Ideas Collide
10/09 - 10/12
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Oversaw the creative collateral of several local brands including Best Western, Gold Canyon Candles and Macayo’s Restaurants.
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Successfully created the design strategy platform for the overhaul of the Macayo’s brand both online and in-store. Included refreshed logo concepting, website redesign, consumer facing sales pieces and corporate collateral.
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Worked with cross-functional team to build out all pieces and implement cohesively in-market.
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Art Director
Applied Creative
1/05 - 1/09
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Delivered a wide-variety of creative direction for a portfolio of both local and national clients in sports, financial management and residential building. Concepts included mobile, experiential, digital and print mediums.
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Personally maintained all creative work for the Phoenix Raceway/NASCAR account at client’s request. Created memorable themed weekends for events such as Bright Lights! Big Party! and The Semi-Final Race in the Chase which were both used for multiple seasons and promoted across all marketing channels including TV, Radio, Online and in print.
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Mentored and led a team of 3+ designers to create cutting-edge graphics and collateral based on our client’s needs.
Key Skills
Full Life-Cycle Project Management
Cutting-Edge Graphic Design
Team Building & Leadership
Self-starter and Independent
Cost Control/Budget Administration
Brand Building and Reinventing
Deadline Drive + Responsive
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Technical Expertise
Adobe Creative Suite CC
Microsoft Office
WorkFront
Basecamp
Zoom
Loom
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Education
Arizona State University - 1997
Bachelor of Fine Arts,
Graphic Design
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Interest
International Travel
Painting
Printmaking
Cooking
DIY Projects
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Other Experience
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Full Time Online Faculty/
Adjunct Instructor
Grand Canyon University
8/19 - Current
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Teach marketing and design fundamentals through delivering lectures, facilitating classroom discussions, assessing student performance and preparing students to be successful leaders in the field.
• DDN 101 – Design Thinking
• ADV 110 – Fundamentals of Advertising
Provide a positive example to students by supporting the University’s Doctrinal Statement, ethical position statement and mission of Grand Canyon University.