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Senior Graphic Designer
Park Ridge, NJ
Jun 2014 - Present (9 years 10 months)
*Contracted Full-Time through The Creative Group - June 2013 - June 2014
• Developed both print and web-based promotion materials for private label candy brands
• Generated original concepts for proprietary and private label brand packaging
• Created marketing materials including brochures, FSI coupons, and POP displays
• Executed production mechanicals, consulted with brand managers and vendors, and attended press checks to ensure accurate set up and delivery of printed materials
• Built and maintained universal file system for all design assets
Results:
• Greater brand exposure and growth in e-commerce and social media applications
• Increased shelf appeal as a premium product, improving how the brands compete and thrive in a retail space
• Effective promotions which drove product exposure and sales
• Streamlined assets, keeping both the graphics department and brand managers up to date with the latest creative assets, resulting in a more efficient workflow with improved version control, saving costly production errors
Brands: Welch’s Fruit Snacks, Sour Jacks, Original Gummi Fun Mix, Tuxedos, M&M’s, Planters, Toggi, SunMaid, Fisher
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Graphic Arts & Design Consultant
Freelance
Stanhope, NJ
Nov 2008 - Present (15 years 5 months)
Clients: Kraft Foods, ReMax Platinum Group, Safely Back Home, BowStopper Enterprises, The Strive Group, Element Six Creative Group, One Flight Up Design & Innovation, Foremost Property Preservation, Extreme Energy Solutions, GX Green Power, Johnson & Johnson, Ayni Healing Arts Center
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Graphics Professor
Newton, NJ
Jul 2009 - May 2013 (3 years 10 months)
Courses Taught:
• GRAD 122 – Typography & Layout
• GRAD 135 – Advertising & Package Design
• GRAD 201 – Presentation & Print Production
• GRAD 280 – Internship
• GRAD 281 – Portfolio Prep and Presentation
Results:
• More competitive skills among the students, making them stronger job candidates
• Improved course lesson plans, resulting in a stronger graphics education program
• Revised Capstone portfolio curriculum, resulting in improved student craftsmanship and presentation
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Art Director
Hanover, NJ
Feb 2008 - Nov 2008 (9 months)
• Collaborated with and managed staff through the design process
• Consulted with creative directors and account executives to develop new promotions
• Executed design, layout, and production of various print collateral and retail displays including trade ads, FSIs, and POPs
Results:
• Increased exposure and sales of existing and new brands for the retail pharmaceutical markets
• Improved idea generation and project workflow
• Helped drive new sales for client’s brands and services
Clients: Wyeth, Ferrero, GlaxoSmithKline, Casio, Schering-Plough, Hasbro, PlaySkool, Nice-Pak, Fresh Pet, Gateway
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Graphic Designer
Boonton, NJ
1999 - 2008 (9 years)
• Executed innovative design layouts for packaging and components
• Devised workflow for new packaging
• Trained personnel in the areas of production and comp presentations
• Consulted with clients on key project procedures
• Art directed photo shoots for support imagery used in final packaging
• Optimized content and images for the web
Results:
• Fresh look and increased shelf appeal for toy and craft merchandise
• Cut costs by using on-site staff to deliver accurate pre-production samples to the clients
• Maintained a consistent level of excellence the company’s clientele came to expect
• Increased accuracy and efficient workflow which improved project timing and budget
Clients: MEGA Brands International (formerly Rose Art Industries), Spin Master, Binney & Smith, New Adventures, Peachtree Playthings, Geospace, Prime Time International, Blue Box, B2X, Kodak, Mattel, DIC, Those Characters From Cleveland, Sportcraft, Pfizer, Johnson & Johnson, Post, Nabisco, Kraft, CraZArt
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Graphic Designer
New York, NY
1995 - 1999 (4 years)
• Conceptualized and constructed 3D structures for product gift sets, cartons, and displays
• Directed department staff and printers in stages of comp setup and assembly
Results:
• Innovative brand seasonal promotions with improved sales potential
• Established production workflow involving the separation of digital and paste up artwork for use in silk-screened printing, stamping, and embossing plates
Clients: Coty, Elizabeth Arden, Lancome, Avon, Dana Perfumes, Clinique