Nick Rastenis

project management, and installation for all engagements. Partner with fabricators, engineers, and signage firms to install large-scale printed environmental designs. Design interior environments, pop-up displays, and trade show booths for clients including AAR corporation, Jim Beam, Dress Barn, Fort Knox Studios, Ulta, and Armstrong. Mastered Autocad, Maya, Sketch, InDesign, Illustrator, Photoshop, and large-print file management. * Supervised the design and installation of over 300 interior offices and lounges completing on-time and to client satisfaction for both AAR corp & Jim Beam corporate offices in Chicago IL. * Guided collaborative decision-making to integrate architectural and design best practices into final product. * Developed project budget, coordinated vendors materials logistics, and tracked spending for Dress Barn popup.

Partner with production manager to build world-class team that design and produce works including It’s a Wonderful Life, A Streetcar Named Desire, Picasso at the Lapin Agile, and Hands on a Hard Body. Envision and bring set designs to fruition that captivate audiences and invoke emotions. Manage and coach 3 to 5 crew members.
Integral to theatre’s progress toward Jeff Awards recognition (Chicago’s version of the Tony Awards).
Reimagined the linear design process to include multiple lifelike sets throughout play while maintaining storytelling continuity for She Loves Me.
Conducted extensive research to recreate the gritty, small town Texas atmosphere for Hands on a Hard Body.
Led brainstorming sessions that led to magical, defining moments during Picasso at the Lapin Agile.

Partnered with agency founders to develop an interior office design that captured Mekanism's quirky attitude and point of view. Applied set design principles to create environments to entertain clients including Starbucks, Jim Beam, Miller Coors, Pepsi, Red's Apple Ale, Jack Link's Beef Jerky, Skinny girl Cocktails, Nordstrom Rack, Alaskan Airlines, and Amazon. * Designed Chicago office interior to reflect a turn-of-the-century Victorian theme, incorporating diverse perspectives into concept, generating stakeholder buy-in, and addressing emerging design challenges. * Managed 10-member team, achieving high-quality outcomes within budget and on-time. * Developed project budget, coordinated vendors materials logistics, and tracked spending. * Created a branded environment that reflected the company's vision to entertain all clients Williams Street Repertory

Designed advertising campaigns, online branding, and print media for dance company's performances. Gathered requirements from executive leaders to accurately represent brand. Sourced and managed printing, recording, and production vendors to control costs and leverage external expertise. Developed marketing and media plan, gathering and reviewing social media and campaign analytics to gauge results. * Translated theater design methodologies to develop a 125- page, compelling instructional guide. * Managed multiple projects to achieve deliverables to stakeholder satisfaction.

Managed production, budgeting, vendor relations, and contractors for commercials. Planned and executed spots for Sprint, Chicago Prostate Cancer Center, and Kellogg's. Orchestrated multiple concurrent priorities, relationships, and tasks in a fast-paced environment. Oversaw set-building, reviewed locations, and produced sketches and drafts. * Located and procured specialized props totaling $20K to adorn a remote location in time to complete the Sprint NBA Game Time TV commercial shoot. * Expertly modified props to achieve team vision and deliver impactful commercials to clients.

Established and fulfilled creative vision and direction for music videos and fashion commercials in a highly innovative and cutting-edge environment. Liaised with pre-production and production teams, ensuring buy-in, coordinating scheduling, and resolving issues. Hired, supervised, and managed vendors and contractors. * Rigorously tested unique props prior to commercial shoots that led to seamless use during production. * Thrived in environment demanding on-the-spot innovation, improvisation, and problem-solving. * Oversaw tight planning and production schedules to remain on budget and provide deliverables on-time.

Partnered with NBC and their Client American Express to find a local store Merz Apothecary to produce a commercial for "Lets Shop Small" small business Saturday November 26. * Designed set for an American Express commercial alongside Simon Doonan, the well-known Barney's NYC window display designer. * Supervised 2-person production team to locate and secure all set design elements in less than 18 hours

* Partnered with production team to devise and execute a cohesive concept for monsters of the backyard exhibit. * Reimagined audience egress configuration and lighting conventions for exhibit delivered in an open floor plan.

Partnered with creative team of designers for advertising agency, driving ideas from initial conception to client-ready pitches. Gathered client requirements and led brainstorming, storyboarding, and deliverable production. * Produced out-of-the-box Christmas commercial design proposal for Kmart in 1 week. * Storyboarded concept for an avatar-based video game to increase Sears' employee engagement. SELECT PROJECT ENGAGEMENTS

* Coordinated vendor relationships and logistics for video music award show at Radio City Music Hall. * Established strong documentation and tracking practices to achieve shared goals in a time-sensitive environment.

* Coordinated with director and production team to bring the set for "Flaming Guns of the Purple Sage" to life. * Envisioned solution that overcame logistical limitations while creating an intimate audience experience.