Resume
Profile ​
info​​
As an experienced graphic designer, I bring not only a wealth of design expertise but also strong leadership skills that have been honed through my professional journey. My desire to serve, teach, and create goes beyond the realm of design; it's a passion that drives me to craft visual concepts that not only inspire but also effectively communicate information to diverse audiences. With a keen eye for detail and a creative mindset, I am committed to ensuring that each visual element tells a story and evokes the desired emotions. My experience and aspirations converge to create a well-rounded designer dedicated to making an impact in any project or endeavor.
Skills
Creativity, Communication, Planning, Leadership, Time Management, Collaboration, Problem Solving, Strategy, Training
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Design
Layout, Print Design, Campaigns, Presentations, CRM Management, B2B, B2C, Co-branding, Video Editing, Motion Graphics, UI/UX, Social Media, Email, Writing
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Adobe Creative Suite
InDesign, Photoshop/Lightroom, Illustrator, Premiere Pro, After Effects, Audition, Dimension, Aero, XD, Spark, Acrobat
Microsoft Office
Word, Outlook, Excel, PowerPoint, Teams, Publisher
Additional
Wordpress, Jira, QuarkXpress, MultiAd Creator
Work​
experience​
Creative Design Manager
​Hallmark Home Mortgage | Nov 2017 - Aug 2023
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As a versatile professional, I was responsible for various aspects of brand development and design creation. This includes managing corporate brand design across platforms, collaborating with third-party copywriters for impactful campaigns, and streamlining internal operations through platform enhancement. I excel in crafting educational resources for clients and sales teams, producing event and brand promotional materials, and designing advertising materials for print and digital media. My skill set extends to ensuring digital photo perfection and executing website design and with proficiency in online content management, I am adept at creating and maintaining CRM materials, email campaigns, and captivating designs. My capabilities further encompass writing and producing educational videos and commercials, and creating motion graphics.
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Marketing Manager
​Ruoff Mortgage | May 2013 - Nov 2017
​At the helm of a 10-person creative marketing team, I spearheaded the production and upkeep of branded materials for both corporate and satellite sales offices. My role encompassed fulfilling customized requests from sales and department leads, while effectively managing and prioritizing workflows to ensure timely delivery. I played a pivotal role in website design and diligently upheld brand standards across diverse media platforms such as print, web, and social media.
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Associate Art Director
​Fort Wayne Newspapers | Nov 2011 - May 2013
As an art director, my expertise spanned a range of responsibilities including comprehensive content research, seamless coordination of photo shoots, and adept layout and design contributions to a monthly magazine and its supplementary publications. With a keen eye for detail, I ensured compelling page layouts. I excelled in tasks like photographic scanning, digital manipulation, and efficient ad coordination. My dedication extended to the consistent upkeep of product branding and meticulous online content management.
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Niche Designer
​Fort Wayne Newspapers | July 2009 - May 2013
​As a niche designer, I successfully created diverse full-color and grayscale advertisements for both magazine and newspaper publications. My role also involved expertise in photographic scanning, digital correction, and manipulation, along with designing and producing impactful trade-show promotional materials. I excelled in ad coordination, page layout, and design for various monthly magazines and niche publications. Moreover, I played a pivotal role in maintaining and managing company branding while handling online content editing and management proficiently.
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Advertising Designer
​Fort Wayne Newspapers | Oct 2006 - July 2009
In my role as an advertising designer, I specialized in producing full-color and grayscale advertisements, as well as gang pages, for a variety of newspaper publications. I was also responsible for tasks such as photographic scanning, digital correction, and addressing pre-press troubleshooting and correction.
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Graphic Designer
​Gratiot County Herald | Oct 2005 - Oct 2006
As a graphic designer, I created full-color and grayscale advertisements and gang pages for publication, worked on photographic scanning, digital correction, pagination and pre-press imaging along with designing promotional pieces for local events.
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Graphic Designer
Morning Start Publications | June 2004 - Oct 2005
My first role out of college allowed me to create full-color and grayscale advertisements for multiple newspaper publications, and become skilled in photographic scanning and digital correction.
Accomplishments
In-house Awards - Fort Wayne Newspapers
Best Pick - March 07, July
07 and (2) February 2008
2007 Michigan Press Association
1st place Classified/ROP
Automobile Ad
2007 Michigan Press Association
1st place Best Use of Newspaper Art Service
Education
Bachelor of Science in Journalism
Major - Advertising
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Minors - (1) Art and Graphic Design and (2) Media Production, Design and Technology
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Central Michigan University
Mt. Pleasant, MI - 2004