ERIC @SKILHAVEN.com

Since June 2013, guided and mentored the 25 year-old B2B advertising agency Gigante Vaz Partners through the birth of their new branding practice. Conceived, authored and executed complete cross-channel identity system, guidelines, and real world implementation for the $1B graphic imaging pioneers, EFI.

Over a 2 year span directed teams, lead workshops, pitched new business, and executed intensive hands-on design solutions as a Senior Consulting Director within the branding department of Foote Cone & Belding (FCB), New York. High profile clients included Busch Gardens, Pfizer, Boehringer Ingelheim, Eli Lilly and Company.

Independently developed brand identity and/or design solutions for Miami Theater Center, Chubb, Borough Fare food vendor project, American Express Cards, NYC and Company, Museum of Arts and Design, New Museum of Contemporary Art, WNYC Greene Space.

Revitalized the portfolio of a young, emerging branding agency while shepherding a variety of hospitality, consumer, healthcare and financial industry design programs. Designed, directed and managed roll-out of massive Oterra Hotels (India) and Florida BLUE Store destination brands. Marshalled nearly five years of design and messaging for internal and sponsored engagement projects at BNP Paribas, the french-owned banking giant. Created digital motion graphics, web and event visuals for the Nielsen Companies, BNP Paribas, Highstar Capital, Pi5NY Math Tournament and Newbury Partners private equity group.

Presided over the in-house design department of one of America’s most revered and avant garde performing arts destinations. Acted in the dual role of both manager and agitator of the organization’s often-cited brand identity. Built, oversaw and nurtured core-department and numerous freelance resources to fulfill all digital, environmental and print communications over nine seasons. Reinvigorated the look of the center’s 20 year-old Next Wave Festival contributing to the most successful season in the organization’s history. Garnered awards and book mentions for design of Next Wave Festival materials. Worked closely with outside consultants in the conception and approval of website redesign, building signage and most major interior and exterior renovation projects.

Led identity strategy, brainstorming and design for three unique clients: a national service brand from Amtrak; a comprehensive retail brand strategy for Così Sandwich restaurants; and imagery platforms for the Ekco and Baker’s Secret retail houseware brands.

Directed teams in the realization of client strategy, identity and brand experience. Designed and directed logotype identity solutions for a wide variety of internet, industrial, hospitality and media industry leaders such as The New York Times Company, DuPont, Affinia Suite Hotels and Pactiv Corperation. Assisted Executive Creative Director in the hiring of Corporate Identity department. Produced, directed and co-edited brand video for world’s second largest PC manufacturer at the time, Compaq, while authoring photographic, layout and style guidelines for company’s entire e-business initiative.

Administered the writing, design and implementation of long-term strategic and promotional design programs. Worked closely with clients, creative directors, writers, photographers, illustrators and junior staff in the culmination of what the company calls “Corporate Voice” an all-encompassing expression of client personality through language, image and behavior. Led program to update identity and branch signage of second largest retail bank in Canada, Scotiabank. Designed all outdoor media for Apple Inc.’s MacWorld event in San Francisco. Assisted Creative and Design Directors in the design of marks, advertising campaigns and a variety of print collateral and presentations as needs arose.