Chicago Graphic Designer

In-house and Freelance Graphic Design


As a graphic designer with an extensive knowledge of print, web design, SEO, and social media marketing, I'm motivated by the satisfaction of creating designs and developing projects that make a positive impact for an organization. My background includes completing design and marketing projects for wholesale, retail, arts and crafts, manufacturing, computers, construction, transportation, the food industry, publishing, health and beauty, and volunteer services. Known for strategic creativity, flexibility, dedication, and understanding the client's vision.

Key areas of expertise are:
- Brand Development
- Logo Design
- Brochure design
- Catalog Layout
- Typography
- Trade Show Displays
- SEO
- Social Media Marketing
- Interactive Design

WordPress
HTML + CSS
Photoshop
InDesign
Illustrator
Premiere Pro
Google Analytics

Education

Bachelor of Arts, Arts Administration

1990 - 1995

University of Kentucky

Bachelor of Music, Vocal Performance

1990 - 1995

University of Kentucky

Work Experience

Senior Graphic Designer

2018 - Present

Project-manage company-wide campaigns from concept to completion, coordinating product managers, strategic communications, marketing support, facility managers and outside vendors to create, produce and install signage and flyers throughout 20+ office buildings.

Design infographics and icons and create layouts for print and digital advertising, social media, descriptive bulletins, posters, information sheets, case studies, and guidebooks.

Develop, edit and enforce process standards and quick reference guides to ensure consistency across the marketing department.

Lead weekly status meetings with editorial, marketing support, and creative services teams to coordinate and provide direction to make sure production deadlines are met.

Present communication, argument, and negotiation skills and techniques to small and large cross-departmental groups to improve collaboration throughout the company.

Train and mentor backend web developer and graphic design interns on departmental processes and graphic design knowledge. Train strategic communications team and product managers to use Episerver (content management system) and web design best practices.

Use the 4-step A3 problem solving process to define team challenges, find the root cause, test hypotheses, implement solutions, and measure the short-term and long-term effectiveness of solutions after application.

S&C Electric Company (Global Electric Power Systems)

Senior Graphic Designer

2015 - 2018

Create printed and digital marketing collateral from concept to release – including tradeshow displays, posters, brochures, advertisements, and PowerPoint presentations.

Manage SEO – Increased returning website visitors in the first year by 44%, new visitors by 36%, organic sessions by 48%, direct sessions by 18%, and referral sessions by 53%.

Create social media marketing and advertising campaigns on LinkedIn, Twitter, Facebook, YouTube and AdWords. Increased social media sessions by 127% in the first year.

Develop company website – Created, redesigned and optimized over 300 pages using WordPress, HTML and CSS.

Create gravity forms for quote requests, credit applications and inbound marketing.

Train and mentor junior designers and interns, providing instruction, support, and feedback.

Art direct video shoots and edit videos for product promotions, and company identity.

Develop brand guidelines and marketing standards, incorporating new elements into the brand and assuring they are used consistently throughout the company.

Design data sheets with detailed technical product specifications for security integrators.

BCDVideo (Computer Technology Manufacturer)

Graphic Designer

2001 - 2015

Directed company website redesign and addition of e-commerce capability, resulting in a dramatic increase in account applicants and sales team efficiency.

Created 400 page annual catalogs from layout and design to completion, for which I have been awarded bonuses for job performance and dedication.

Designed trade show booth displays and artwork for banners, panels and podiums.

Managed UI development, website content, analytics, SEO, and social media.

Created e-blasts, banner ads and interactive catalogs and flyers.

Designed full page ads for printed industry publications.

Created self-mailers, invitations and product labels, from concept through release.

Designed logos and signage for events and new products.

Directed photo shoots and perform high quality photo retouching.

Supervised branding consistency and thematic continuity for all graphics.

Wrote, proofed and edited copy for product descriptions and promotions.

Ed Hoy's International (Art Glass and Supplies Distributer)

Marketing Manager

1998 - 2001

Created all promotional materials (postcards, posters, newsletters) for four trade magazines.

Designed special sections for transportation publications, ITS World and Roads & Bridges.

Coordinated and designed displays for exhibitions at the largest trade show in North America, ConExpo.

Scranton Gillette Communications (Magazine Publishing Company)