Amber Podratz

Design Director

CA, USA
My name is Amber Podratz and I’m the unicorn candidate you have been looking for. I’m an expert designer, a thoughtful strategist, a natural leader, and ultimately an idealist. I believe thoughtful design can elevate a brand, an image, or a way of life. I believe in establishing meaningful working relationships and to lead with joyful enthusiasm.

Work Experience

Toms

Design Director

October 2019 - March 2020 Playa Vista, California, United States

Walt Disney

Senior Branding Designer

September 2018 - April 2019 California, United States

Siegel+Gale

Design Director

Freelance design lead for brand identity and brand systems projects. Provided creative direction to junior/mid-level designers, and outside creative vendors.
April 2018 - August 2018 California, United States

Bristols Six

Design Director

Designed and managed a brand refresh, and company name change. Refresh included new designs for the following: packaging, proprietary icon system, website, email newsletters, POP, packaging displays, brochures,
and photoshoot creative direction.

Presented brand and social media strategies to transition into the new branding approach and visuals.

Managed vendor relationships, maintained design schedules, budgets, and off-site work schedules.
March 2017 - April 2018 Venice, California, United States

Kaiser Permanente

Senior Creative Strategist

Provided creative direction from an integrated brand perspective to agency partners.

Assured overall creative and brand integrity.

Acted as a strategic consultant to agency partners. Oversaw the development of concepts, writing, and the design of marketing and advertising materials.

Lead creative strategist for brand interactions and elements, including iconography, photography, typography, and graphics.
April 2014 - June 2015 Burbank, California, United States

Kaiser Permanente

Senior Designer

Responsible for the design of MarCom level projects including environmental design, annual reports, facility openings, and brand style guides.

Presented design concepts to MarCom team and executive leadership.
Provided team members with creative direction and project feedback. Increased department visibility through an increased engagement within the design community. Initiated process improvements within the in-house creative and production teams.
February 2012 - April 2014 California, United States

Robert Louey Design

Senior Graphic Designer

Directly managed international client accounts.

Provided oversight and art direction to the design team. Traveled to manage and provide art direction on client photo shoots. Attended press checks, managed vendors, coordinated photo shoots.

Designed, from concept through to production, marketing materials for hospitality and luxury brands, including identity systems, menu design, and brochures.

Clients Included:
HYATT HOTEL CORPORATION
ABERCROMBIE & KENT
PARK HYATT SHANGAI
ANDAZ
PARK HYATT CHICAGO
PARK HYATT MASTERS OF FOOD & WINE
April 2008 - November 2008 Santa Monica, California, United States

Freelance

Senior Graphic Designer

Designed and managed, from concept through to production, various collateral materials including museum exhibition book, identity systems, brochures, annual reports, and brand interactions.

Clients Included:
DOUGLAS JOSEPH PARTNERS
FIDM
KAA DESIGN GROUP
INTERVAL
November 2008 - January 2012

Education

Art Center College Of Design

Bachelor of Fine Art, Graphic Design

August 2001 - August 2004 Pasadena, California, United States

Alexandria Technical College

Associate, Applied Science, Communication Art & Design

September 1998 - June 2000 Alexandria, Minnesota, United States

Awards

Graphic Design USA

2013 American Graphic Design Awards, Certificate of Excellence

2013

Logolounge

Logo Published

2013

Graphic Design USA

2013 American Inhouse Design Awards

2013

Skills

Creative Strategy , Adobe CS6, Annual Report Design, Art Direction, Book Design, Brand Development, Brand Guidelines, Branding, Branding Strategy, Brochure Design, Design Direction, Letterpress Printing, Logo Design, Prestation Skills, Production, Typesetting,

Additional Information

Interested in international travel, yoga, pilates, and fashion