Nina Bays

Head the creative team for the design and production of two news magazines - one weekly and one bi-weekly and several annual signature publications - as well as events signage, web graphics and site updates, and sales support collateral across a variety of channels. Work closely with vendors to obtain quotes for signature projects and site upgrades, as well as monitor department expenses. Liaise with sales, editorial and circulation departments to implement and streamline processes.

Responsible for branding, art direction, story concepts and concept-to-completion design of bi-weekly newspaper (Greater Wilmington Business Journal) and monthly women’s lifestyle magazine (WILMA). Provide creative direction for photoshoots and manage freelancers to execute editorial vision. Manage outside vendors and oversee production of print and online material to ensure all high quality of projects. Create and implement comprehensive marketing/communications plan for WILMA and GWBJ events and promotions. Write scripts for event-related radio and commercial spots. Concept and implement supporting digital products and campaigns for B2B and B2C audiences, as well as design collateral for affiliated events. Launch and promote new events each year to cultivate readership and community engagement. Made monthly television appearances to discuss topics covered in publications, and co-emceed the annual Women to Watch Awards event.

Lead designer for international ski/snowboard apparel brand. Responsible for design/print management of all corporate collateral including identity, brochures, direct mailers, one-sheets, catalogs and press kits as well as art direction of lifestyle and product shoots. Developed print and web-based marketing initiatives (direct mailers, mass emails, retailer POP program, and managed Google AdWords campaigns) for both B2B and B2C markets. Managed freelance apparel designers to concept outerwear collections. Partnered with Design Director to determine palette, fabrics and trims as well as create all apparel embellishments such as zipper pulls, embroideries, screens, labels, hangtags, packaging, linings and repeat patterns.

Responsible for maintaining visual continuity of the Spinning brand for an international audience. Revamped brand identity and helped reposition the Spinning program within action sports industry to maintain top market share in the indoor cycling category, domestically and internationally. Designed company brochures, ads, postcards, flyers, trade- show materials and sell-sheets from concept to completion as well as apparel graphics and print catalog for full Spinning-brand clothing line. Art directed photoshoots for marketing collateral. Partnered with Marketing Manager to develop cost-effective marketing initiatives as well as compile/edit monthly newsletter (distribution of 10,000.) Directed design/production of all print materials: developing production specifications, establishing project timelines, sourcing vendors, implementing competitive bidding, maintaining budgets, pre-press management, press approvals, deadlines and billing. Managed one in-house graphic designer and several freelance designers.