J. Michael Beckett Jr.

I am a talented, decisive, enthusiastic, energetic, efficient, and detail-oriented team player with 18 years graphic design experience in the publishing industry. I am a proven leader with advanced knowledge of design tools and techniques and an effective communicator with the ability to provide clear and detailed direction to design and editorial vendors, as well as present design concepts to design, editorial, and high-level leaders.

I worked independently under a tight monthly deadline during my four year tenure as the Art Director for Modern Trader as well as collaboratively with teams on long term projects at McGraw-Hill Education, Anthology, Inc., and Rigby Education.

At McGraw-Hill, upon joining the team, I took charge and assessed the shortcomings of the outside design vendor and provided a clear and effective process for achieving the desired project design and construction. Went beyond the required duties to help editorial with layout direction for the design and editorial vendors and developed and trained the team for an all digital workflow that cut time significantly in order to meet the trailing, original dates and maintain the budget.

I was instrumental in the redesign of Futures Magazine, a 40 year publication, into the award winning Modern Trader Magazine, which expanded the the page count from 42 to 84. The completely reimagined look and feel created a more contemporary, newsstand worthy publication which revitalized and bolstered reader engagement and lead to an increase in advertising, including rebuilding confidence in former advertisers. The cover and article designs under my direction and execution have received several awards including several finalist nominations and two wins, for Best Political Campaign Cover, 2016 (American Society of Magazine Editors People’s Choice Awards) and Best B2B Magazine of the Year (Nichee Award 2017.)

My design and martial arts teaching experience also makes me a great leader, motivator and mentor.