Dustee Markusson, Creative Director in Alexandria, VA

About

A highly practical designer with very creative problem solving abilities...I would call myself a very literate designer as I can write clever marketing copy as well proofread a piece, thanks to my journalism background and my years in marketing. I'm good with clients and in a brainstorming session. I've been known to mentor younger designers, but also, crank through piles of work quickly on a deadline. I'm highly proficient in design software, I have a solid background in print, I've worked in several email and registration systems, I can build quality HTML emails, and I have designed websites, infographics, social media graphics and app screens and icons.

Education

Certificate Desktop Publishing

George Washington University

1998 - 1999
B.S Journalism

Kent State University

1994

Concentration in Magazine Design

Experience

Director, Content, Marketing & Creative

Manufacturers Alliance

Arlington, VA

Aug 2017 - Present (8 years 10 months)

Leading the organization's creative vision, responsible for website, email strategy, corporate materials and event marketing. Launched a new brand, modified name, new URL, and new website in 2021. Head of marketing and research departments, responsible for original and partner content, social campaigns, event promotion and customer experience.
Principal Designer

Blue House Creative

Alexandria, VA

Jan 2006 - Present (20 years 5 months)

Launched a freelance company in 2006 that focuses on graphic design, web design, traditional and online marketing, copywriting/editing and account management. Provide strategic creative development, project design and management, and printing and production assistance.
Creative Manager

ConnellyWorks, Inc.

Arlington, VA

Jan 2010 - Jul 2017 (7 years 6 months)

Manage multiple clients’ marketing and creative needs, including website development, infographics, email campaigns, print collateral, presentations and advertising. Provide strategic direction, information architecture assistance and creative elements.
Creative Consultant and Designer

The Tiny Kitchen

Annandale, VA

Mar 2006 - Nov 2011 (5 years 8 months)

Provided creative and marketing advice relating to The Metropolitan Cooking & Entertaining Show as well as other company products. Designed ad campaigns, show directories, billboards, marketing materials, newsletters, business collateral and packaging.
Creative Consultant

CSG Creative

Alexandria, VA

Mar 2006 - Jan 2008 (1 year 10 months)

Handled client relationships and account management, including writing proposals, creative development, project management and copywriting/editing. Designed projects for all CSG clients as needed.
Creative Director

CSG Creative

Alexandria, VA

Sep 2001 - Mar 2006 (4 years 6 months)

Helped launch this design group that specializes in trade show and conference marketing. Worked in all aspects of the division, including creative development, new business pitches, project design, account management, production and printing, and invoicing. Built the creative department from one designer to a five-person team.
Senior Designer

SatoTravel

Arlington, VA

Sep 2000 - Aug 2001 (11 months)

Coordinated and designed flyers, posters and sales collateral. Redesigned the company’s newsletter and helped implement a logo change. Directed the design for a custom-built trade show booth and executed the design concept in all show materials, including invitations, direct mail, promo items and signage.
Copy Editor, Designer

FCW Government Technology Group

Falls Church, VA

Feb 1995 - Sep 2000 (5 years 7 months)

Started as an editorial assistant with a variety of responsibilities. As a copy editor, handled proofreading, designing, production and headline writing for all publications. As a graphic designer, developed marketing materials for the publications and events.

Awards

The Webby Award, Nominee in Websites - Associations, Manufacturers Alliance;

IAEM Art of the Show, First Place, Brand Design/Development for TS2;

IAEM Art of the Show, Honorable Mention, Exhibitor Sales Brochure for the International Association of Chiefs of Police;

American Society of Association Executives, Gold Circle Award, “The Artist Inside,” published in Kent Alumni Magazine

Industries

Skills

Elsewhere on the Web

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On Coroflot

@dusteemarkusson, member since 2016