Résumé

“Opportunities to make a quantum leap in the output of your department and the satisfaction of the staff in that department don’t come along every day. You have just such an opportunity with Rachael. I hope you don’t let it pass you by.”

Sabrina Brown
Assoc. Vice President for Marketing and Communications
Longwood University // Farmville, VA

Overview

I am a highly motivated, award-winning creative professional with more than 15 years experience in graphic design, marketing and communications. I have a passion for design and an endless enthusiasm for my work. I believe there is no better substitute for clever words and beautiful images. I believe that good design — executed with authenticity and intention — can make a difference in people’s lives.
As a creative director, I strive to be the creative engine for my team. I also understand the importance of creative vision as it relates to the overall strategy and business objectives. I lead a team of copywriters, photographers, and graphic designers to produce creative collateral that delivers on-brand messaging to key audiences. I work on a variety of products including magazines, annual reports, digital advertising, social media campaigns, product sheets and brochures, direct mail campaigns, promotions, and trade show booths. I oversee each project from the initial concept to the delivery of the final product while maintaining high-quality standards, staying within budget, and meeting deadlines.

Work Experience

Creative Manager
Noble Research Institute, Ardmore, OK // March 2016 — present

  • Manages team of 4, including 2 graphic designers, photographer and writer.
  • Responsible for production, content development and design for bi-annual magazine and yearly annual report.
  • Creates and manages overall brand standards for the organization.
  • Provides clarity and direction to guide designers, writer and photographer in execution of projects.
  • Develops a variety of creative assets for multiple platforms, from digital to print.
  • Works with vendors to produce and deliver high-quality print products.
  • Establishes creative vision to execute overall strategy and meet objectives.

Creative Director
Hancock Fabrics, Inc., Baldwyn, MS // July 2014 — March 2016

  • Leads a team of designers and photographers to implement multiple graphic design projects.
  • Conceptualizes and develops appropriate marketing tactics and products.
  • Plans, schedules and implements graphic design projects related to marketing collateral.
  • Establishes and manages process for completion of creative projects.
  • Develops creative presentations to senior management.
  • Reviews design drafts to ensure work meets established style guidelines.
  • Proofs camera-ready art and ensures proper pagination and color assignment.

Design and Creative Services Manager
FNC, Inc., Oxford, MS // October 2009 — July 2014

  • Originated, prepared, and designed creative concepts for advertising, marketing communications, and presentation materials for traditional and online projects.
  • Prepared creative briefs for all creative projects.
  • Reviewed design drafts, proofed camera-ready art, and ensured proper pagination and color assignment.
  • Responsible for creating corporate branding specifications to ensure work met style guidelines.
  • Assisted web developers with web page design and production and corporate website edits.
  • Managed printers and vendors. Estimated costs associated with projects and developed efficient solutions across various media.

Graphic Designer III
The University of Mississippi, Oxford, MS // November 2005 — October 2009

  • Designed creative concepts for high-profile projects including quarterly alumni magazine, viewbooks, recruitment brochures, annual reports, and other university materials.
  • Conceptualized and developed ideas for printed materials.
  • Implemented multiple graphic design projects.
  • Proofed blue lines and camera-ready art from printers.
  • Performed press checks on site to ensure proper pagination and color assignment.
  • Responsible for applying established university branding specifications to ensure work met style guidelines.
  • Estimated costs associated with projects.
  • Art directed photography.

Education

BFA Graphic Design // 2004
Delta State University, Cleveland, MS

Skills and Abilities

skills

Highly skilled in Adobe Creative Suite
Proficient in Microsoft Office (Word, PowerPoint, Excel, Teams)
Experience with HTML, CSS, WordPress
Advanced knowledge of printing techniques and processes
Project Management (Lean/Agile)
Strong written and verbal communication skills
Proven flexibility and adaptability when faced with changes in work, deadline, priorities or scope
Excellent time management and prioritization skills

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