Michele Coletti

I began working at SmartPractice as a contract graphic designer doing catalog production. Shortly upon completion of the initial 300+ page project, I took a lead role in training and managing work flow of 8-10 freelancers for several catalog projects happening concurrently. Upon completion of those projects, I was assigned specific market catalog covers as lead designer and worked with two freelancers to deliver covers in a creative and timely manner. During this period, I also completed ManageSmart, a 26 week class on developing and understanding management techniques to enhance communication and leadership skills. I redesigned 4 market catalogs and continued taking a lead position on these projects while working with various freelancers.

After transitioning catalog projects to new designers, I began to work on several promo direct mail pieces and had the opportunity to start working with the web team designing e-mails, static landing pages and banners using html and CSS for the e-commerce website. Testing, loading and scheduling e-mails using Publicastor through Blue Sky ESP.

Current job duties include designing animated/static web banners, email, new product, direct mail, and catalog design and production for the Health Care markets.

Worked: 1994-1995, 1999-2001, 2003-2004

Working as a contract graphic designer allowed me to be exposed to diverse project experiences and client relationships. One of my strengths is being quickly productive in an unfamiliar environment and assuring on time completion of the client’s project. Job duties typically include design, layout, corrections, typesetting, scanning, photo retouching, importing and placing files, separations, file preparation for web, electronic or print output and maintenance of electronic files.

Clients have included: Motorola, PETsMART, SmartPractice, EarthTek, KnowledgeNet, Papagallo’s, Adcom Communications, Hi-Health, LemonnAid Marketing, Fry’s Food & Drug, AlphaGraphics, Gerber Industries, American Golf, Advo and Independent Newspapers.

Did production and layout on Grand Opening circulars and other print advertising. After a short period of time, trained a new designer to take over this project and was hired full-time as Production Artist I for the Petsmart State Line Tack circular. Designed layouts, ordered product shots and managed job progress. Promoted to Production Artist II (Designer) and joined the Mass Media team for projects ranging from in-store signage, print advertising to print collateral. Successfully concepted and presented design ideas, art directed photo shoots and took a lead position with co-workers on projects.

Handled all in-house and client design projects for the Phoenix corporate office and five other offices throughout the southwest. Duties were varied and included design, managing and producing projects for outside clients and developing vendor relationships.

Ordered quotes, scans, proofs, film and printing, design and layout for all in-house forms, letterhead, business cards and print advertising. For each client quote, developed and maintained financial reports tracking time spent on job, materials costs and profit margin. Responsible for researching, upgrading and troubleshooting all Mac hardware and software for my department. During busy periods managed temporary designers.

Page design and layout and creation of technical illustrations for proposals and technical publications. Designed the regional newsletter for the offices in Florida. Other responsibilities including: paste-up, framing, matting and mounting of various media for client presentations, scanned and prepared artwork electronically for print production.