Melissa Dispenza
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About
Strategic and visionary Creative Professional with extensive experience in print and digital design, specializing in art direction and brand development. Proven ability to lead creative projects from concept to execution, ensuring cohesive visual storytelling and alignment with overarching brand strategy.
Experienced in guiding multidisciplinary teams, collaborating with stakeholders, and translating business objectives into compelling, high-impact creative solutions. Strong background in brand management, with a deep understanding of maintaining visual consistency while evolving brand identity to remain competitive and relevant.
Bringing a comprehensive visual perspective through expertise in both digital and film photography, enhancing campaign development and content direction. Thrive in fast-paced environments, confidently managing multiple projects, meeting tight deadlines, and upholding the highest standards of design excellence.
Recognized for building strong client and cross-functional relationships, fostering collaborative creative environments, and mentoring designers to elevate overall team performance. Committed to delivering innovative, strategic work that drives engagement, strengthens brand presence, and produces measurable results. -
Education
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Certificate Digital Production Web & Digital ProductionNYU School Of Continuing Education2009 - 2013
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Bachelor of Fine Arts Graphic DesignMonmouth University2001 - 2005
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Bachelor of Arts PhotographyMonmouth University2001 - 2005
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Experience
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Manager, Design & Brand StrategyWashington, DCAug 2017 - Present (8 years 10 months)Strategic creative leader specializing in art direction, brand identity systems, and integrated campaign development across print, digital, and experiential platforms. Lead end-to-end creative execution including identity design, executive communications, presentation strategy, information and environmental graphics, event branding, and comprehensive wayfinding systems for large-scale conferences. Oversee pre- and post-production, photography direction, and vendor partnerships to deliver high-impact, on-brand creative aligned with business objectives.
Act as a strategic creative partner to cross-functional teams, elevating enterprise-wide design standards and driving a modern, cohesive brand presence throughout the organization. Manage and mentor in-house designers and freelance talent within a fast-paced, agency-style model while directing project pipelines through Workfront to ensure strategic prioritization and on-time delivery.
Lead photography coverage for national REALTOR® conferences, producing real-time social media assets and event storytelling content. Published photographer in REALTOR® Magazine (covering the President of the United States’ visit to the REALTORS® Legislative Meetings & Trade Expo) and RISMedia Magazine (featuring NAR’s 2018 Leadership Team). -
Freelance Art DirectorJan 2007 - Present (19 years 5 months)Creative Services & Brand Development
Led concept-to-execution creative across advertising, brand identity, print collateral, packaging design, website design, presentations, newsletters, and marketing campaigns. Directed pre- and post-production processes, event and studio photography, high-end retouching, and full client lifecycle management including contracts and proposals. Delivered strategic, brand-driven creative solutions tailored to diverse client objectives across entertainment, publishing, consumer products, and nonprofit sectors.
Managed and expanded a diverse client portfolio including The Prudential Center, Girls Who Code, Cherry Lane Music Publishing, The Harry Fox Agency, Xist Talent, Microtex / Manhattan Kids, 24 Carrot Gourmet, and NUK Products.
Key Achievements
• Scaled client portfolio from 10 to 30 active accounts within one year through strategic relationship development and referral growth.
• Served as house photographer for major concerts and live events at The Prudential Center, including performances by Jay-Z and Marc Anthony.
• Retained The Harry Fox Agency for 2.5 years, leading a comprehensive rebrand and overhaul of all marketing collateral.
• Produced print advertising campaigns published in Billboard Magazine. -
Graphic Designer | PhotographerFeb 2013 - Aug 2017 (4 years 6 months)Executed brand-focused creative across identity design, print collateral, newsletters, presentation decks, web banners, and website design. Managed pre- and post-production workflows, event photography, high-end retouching, and vendor partnerships to ensure cohesive, high-quality deliverables across print and digital platforms.
Key Achievements
• Developed promotional print materials for major music festivals including Bonnaroo, Lollapalooza, Loufest, and Austin City Limits.
• Led the rebrand of 8 off 8th, a Nashville-based weekly concert series, establishing a refreshed visual identity and marketing presence.
• Redesigned BMI.com’s Indie page to support promotion of emerging artists and enhance digital engagement.
• Produced print and digital advertising campaigns published in Nashville Scene and Music Row.
• Photography featured in The Wall Street Journal. -
Senior Graphic Designer | PhotographerApr 2011 - Jun 2012 (1 year 2 months)Developed and executed multi-channel marketing assets including email campaigns, web banners, print collateral, retail marketing materials, and social media content. Managed social media strategy and design, studio photography, and high-end retouching to ensure cohesive brand storytelling across digital and in-store platforms.
Key Achievements
• Increased email click-through rates and drove measurable revenue growth through strategic email design optimization.
• Grew social media audience and engagement by implementing consistent content strategy, elevated visual standards, and active account management. -
Assistant Packaging Design ManagerDec 2005 - Jan 2009 (3 years 1 month)Led 3D packaging design and point-of-purchase (POP) display development for licensed sports memorabilia, overseeing projects from concept boards and product illustration through production. Designed header cards, infographics, retail marketing materials, presentation decks, and print collateral while ensuring brand consistency through identity systems and style guide implementation. Managed pre- and post-production processes, supervised a junior designer, and collaborated with overseas manufacturers, coordinating international travel and logistics to support product development and quality control. Directed studio photography and high-end retouching to deliver polished visual assets for retail and e-commerce distribution.
Key Achievements
• Designed retail packaging and POP displays distributed through major national retailers including Walmart, Target, and Modell’s Sporting Goods, as well as leading e-commerce platforms such as MLBShop.com and NFLShop.com.
• Established and built the company’s in-house photography studio, enabling internal production of professional product imagery for the company website, major sports leagues, and external vendor partners—reducing outsourcing costs and accelerating go-to-market timelines.
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Awards
2025
MarComm Award Winner
The Advocacy Effect Campaign
2024
61st GDUSA Design Awards - Winner
• NAR 2024 Membership Guide
• C2EX App Launch In-Crowd Campaign
Hermes Creative Awards - Platinum Winner
NAR Brand Guide
Hermes Creative Awards – Gold Winner
NAR NXT The Realtor Experience “Own the Moment” Campaign
Hermes Creative Awards - Honorable Mention
• 2024 NAR Membership Guide
• C2EX App Launch In-Crowd Campaign
Muse Creative Awards - Gold Winner
NAR NXT The Realtor Experience “Own the Moment” Campaign
Muse Creative Awards - Silver Winner
• NAR Brand Guide
• 2024 NAR Membership Guide
dotComm Awards – Platinum Winner
NAR Brand Guide
dotComm Awards – Gold Winner
NAR NXT The Realtor Experience “Own the Moment” Campaign
MarComm Awards – Platinum Winner
NAR Brand Guide
MarComm Awards – Gold Winner
• C2EX App Launch In-Crowd Campaign
• 2024 NAR Membership Guide
MarComm Awards – Honorable Mention
NAR NXT The Realtor Experience “Own the Moment” Campaign
2023
Hermes Creative Awards - Gold Winner
• NAR Booth Design
• 2023 NAR Membership Guide
• NAR Realtor Benefits Rebrand
Hermes Creative Awards - Honorable Mention
Advocacy Resource Guide
Muse Creative Awards - Gold Winner
NAR Realtor Benefits Rebrand
Muse Creative Awards - Silver Winner
• NAR Booth Design
• 2023 NAR Membership Guide -
Affiliations
2021
Hermes Creative Awards - Platinum Winner
• Budget Review Booklet
• Social Media for Associations Booklet
Hermes Creative Awards - Gold Winner
• 2020 Association Accomplishments
• Corporate Ally Program Booklet
• Catalog of Member Resources
Hermes Creative Awards - Honorable Mention
Branded Content, Campaign: Business-to-Business - Pivot in Place
Content Marketing Awards - Finalist
Branded Content, Campaign: Business-to-Business - Pivot in Place
Telly Awards - Silver Winner
Branded Content, Campaign: Business-to-Business - Pivot in Place
Clarion Awards - Finalist
Branded Content, Campaign: Business-to-Business - Pivot in Place
W3 Awards
• Video: Best Remote Production, Pivot in Place - Gold Winner
• Video: Crisis Communication, Pivot in Place - Silver Winner
dotComm Awards - Honorable Mention
Video Series: Pivot in Place
2013
GDUSA Design Awards - Winner
Production Design; In-House Design Award Winner
Annual Report
Hermes Creative Awards - Platinum Winner
Annual Report
2009
Baked By Melissa Cupcakes – 2ND Place Winner
Photography Brand Contest
2007, 2006
Photographer’s Forum Magazine Finalist
Annual photo contest where various prints were published
in the yearly Best Of College & Amateur Photography book.
2005
Department of Art & Design Outstanding Photography Award Winner
Monmouth University
2005, 2004
Photographer’s Forum Magazine Finalist
Annual photo contest where various prints were published
in the yearly Best Of College & Amateur Photography book.
AIGA, PPA, & NAPW -
Industries
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Skills
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Elsewhere on the Web
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On Coroflot@mdispenzastudio, member since 2005
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Following 4
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Followers 10
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