Amy Jo Wimmer
Chicago, IL, USAWork Experience
Amy Wimmer Graphic Design
Self Proprietor
As the Sole Proprietor of Amy Wimmer Graphic Design I work with a variety of corporate, retail, educational and nonprofit clients to create compelling visual communications.
Design excites me, and I enjoy helping my clients benefit from an effective project management model consisting of realistic schedules, adherence to budgets, and an efficient review and edit experience.
Design excites me, and I enjoy helping my clients benefit from an effective project management model consisting of realistic schedules, adherence to budgets, and an efficient review and edit experience.
1996
- Present
Chicago, Illinois, United States
Dimensional Innovations
Senior Art Director
My first priority as Senior Art Director for Dimensional Innovations (DI) was to inventory the existing company-branded assets and improve or create new deliverables for a variety of marketing touch points and daily business communication needs. I also spearheaded a brand refresh which included a unique stationary suite, printed or digital presentations for new business efforts, e-templates and print advertisements. I also worked closely with the design-build and innovation teams on several billable client projects. In addition to DI efforts, I was also able to draw upon my experience in product marketing to help strengthen the brand of their subsidiary, shieldcasework.com.
July 2012
- July 2013
Overland Park, Kansas, United States
McMurry/TMG
Senior Art Director
My primary role at McMurry was to help create and market products for five professional niches—speech writers, administrative professionals, managers, copy editors and custom content creators. Under each audience umbrella I worked on updating existing brands and creating new brands from the ground up.
In addition to product assignments, I helped create print and digital marketing promotions for our publications, seminars, award programs and a range of different interactive products.
As art director, I also helped manage a team of production coordinators, multimedia designers and several freelance graphic designers, illustrators and photographers. I also served as project manager on all publishing and product design projects for five off-site editors.
In addition to product assignments, I helped create print and digital marketing promotions for our publications, seminars, award programs and a range of different interactive products.
As art director, I also helped manage a team of production coordinators, multimedia designers and several freelance graphic designers, illustrators and photographers. I also served as project manager on all publishing and product design projects for five off-site editors.
2006
- 2012
Phoenix, Arizona, United States
Towers Watson
Senior Graphic Designer
As senior graphic designer at Towers Watson I collaborated on communication campaigns with expert consultants in the areas of employee benefits, talent management, employee rewards, and risk and capital management.
During a typical campaign, I creatively brainstormed and conceptualized a variety of visual approaches for content, and carried out those concepts through engaging visual products. These products incorporated logical strategy, clear readability, visual hierarchy and balance, logical structure, typographic relationships and color balance. Understanding and adhering to established client nuance and branding was of the utmost importance.
In addition to design, I also created schedules and estimates, tracked budgets, confirmed billing, and helped oversee production with numerous outside vendors.
During a typical campaign, I creatively brainstormed and conceptualized a variety of visual approaches for content, and carried out those concepts through engaging visual products. These products incorporated logical strategy, clear readability, visual hierarchy and balance, logical structure, typographic relationships and color balance. Understanding and adhering to established client nuance and branding was of the utmost importance.
In addition to design, I also created schedules and estimates, tracked budgets, confirmed billing, and helped oversee production with numerous outside vendors.
2000
- 2006
Chicago, Illinois, United States
Education
University Of Kansas
BFA | Visual Communications | Graphic Design
1996
Lawrence, Kansas, United States
Design Management Institute
Managing the In-House Design Department
2005
-
Chicago, Illinois, United States
Referrals
“Having worked with Amy Jo on a variety of projects, I can attest to the fact that the quality of her work is unparalleled. She meets deadlines, and is full of ideas on how to make a good idea "brilliant".” Top qualities: On Time, High Integrity, Creative
Stacey Lukas, Auxiliary Director, The Pembroke Hill School
“Amy was in charge of design and layout for the Copyediting newsletter. When I first came on board, Amy helped me get up to speed quickly with the production aspects of the newsletter and was patient with my newbie errors. Amy was always open to ideas for the newsletter, encouraging me to try new things with it. Whether copy ran short or long, Amy had solutions for making the newsletter come out just right. Thanks, Amy!”
Erin Brenner, Editor of Copyediting, McMurry
“I highly recommend Amy to anyone looking for a dynamic, creative co-worker. As personable as she is professional, her eye gives her work a style all its own. She's a treasure!”
Doris Meyers, Accounts Receivable Specialist, McMurry
“Amy is a pleasure to work with. She led the design efforts on the beautiful new August 2011 issue of The Office Professional newsletter to coincide with the website redesign. In her spare time she designed a poster for the Reach Out and Read organization in her city. Her submission was one of four finalists and it won The People’s Choice Award. I recommend her to anyone who needs design work.”
Kurt Higgins, Network Administrator, McMurry
“You've chosen five of the best artists you could find. Now, make room for Amy, because her unique style, skillful designs, motivational attitude and overall passion for her craft and colleagues make her stand out above the rest. I was fortunate enough to have worked with Amy at McMurry, where she spearheaded the overhaul of print and online designs, giving them not only a fresh look but intelligence. As a Creative Director, she always designed with the customer in mind and did it with purpose. To me, THAT is intelligence, and Amy does it day-in and day-out. Amy's unique point of view will stop you in your tracks as well. She's an idea-generator. The combinations of design and marketing that she brings to the table are spot on. It's like she has a think-tank between her ears, and you only wish you'd thought of it, because her concepts get both looks and results. She's also never afraid to tap into the resources around her (both tools and people). She chooses to be pro-active rather than wait in the shadows or fall back and rely on others to get it done. Her integrity and care for the development of her staff are two of my favorite things about Amy. She truly does inspire her team to exceed the expectations of others and themselves. I know I have grown professionally from her wealth of experience and positive outlook. She'll be the first to put others in the limelight, but she's the reason you're there. It's been said that an intelligent manager hires those stronger than themselves. If you agree, then Amy should be at the top of your list.”
Dean Shirley, Multimedia Producer / Project Manager, McMurry
“Amy is an energetic, passionate art director who was always seeking fresh ways to connect with customers through strategic design. Her enthusiasm and can-do attitude have always impressed me, as has her commitment to her team and to the growing our business.”
Beth Tomkiw, VP/Strategic Content, McMurry
“Amy is one of those rare finds that not only produces absolutely amazing work, but also gives so much of herself to her work. Over the past few years as Creative Director, she has transformed our print and online design, and as I like to say, she makes us "look bigger than we are." She does this through modern, professional design, and because of this, she has enhanced the image of our products and helped to create an image that instills high-quality to our customers. And Amy doesn't stop there. She thinks of original ideas on how we can market our products - be it in print, online, through e-blasts, or even in newer or not released avenues, such as the iPad. She is always thinking forward and pushing us to be better. Amy is also a joy personally. She is funny, caring, and not afraid to speak her mind or bring up ideas when it's needed. So, if you want someone with an amazing creative mind, someone who provides you with innovative forward-thinking ideas, and someone who you look forward to seeing every day (and I know you do), Amy is definitely the perfect choice.”
Jenny Babich, Product Manager, McMurry Inc
“Amy is wonderful blend of the artist and the pro. She turns out great designs with no fuss and the bare minimum of muss. She quickly ascertains deeply and precisely what the overall editorial mission is and creates layouts that suit it. She's also great to work with, not just because of her sense of humor and generous spirit. She's what Malcolm Gladwell would call a "connector," as she goes about her day, always thinking of everyone in her business or social acquaintance, and finding ways to put them together for fun and mutual profit. In short: Amy's aces.”
David Murray, Editor, Vital Speeches of the Day
“Amy’s a real pro. She’s not only creative and talented, she has fresh ideas that serve the strategic needs of the organization. As someone who goes out of her way for others, Amy goes above and beyond her job description in promoting teamwork and camaraderie. I have very much enjoyed working with Amy and think any organization who decided to work with her would benefit.”
Lee Vikre, VP Talent and Culture, McMurry
“Amy Wimmer brought more than a strong design sensibility to our team; she really gets how design needs to serve the business goals of a product. She's innovative, coming up with new products and developing them from concept through execution. And she's a supportive team member with a strong work ethic and an ability to juggle many competing demands.”
Wendalyn Nichols, Editor, McMurry
“Amy is amazing. She has her pulse on all things creative and understands what it takes to get exceptional work done well. Not to mention she is a pleasure to work with.”
John Fisher, Fine Artist, JF|FA
“Amy Jo has a passion for the arts, working hard to develop new creative ventures and is also easy to work with. You put all those things together and any company would be crazy not to want such a terrific asset!”
Kurt Barbee, Owner, 5280 Lasers LLC and Laser Tag Cartel
“Amy is a hard worker with great attention to detail. She managed large, complex jobs without any trouble. Amy is very creative and is a great member of a brainstorming session. A pleasure to work with.”
Geoffrey Stone, Senior Designer, Towers Watson
“Amy was our main contact at Towers Watson and was a pleasure to work with. As an outsourced IT provider it's critical that we have a strong internal lead to keep communication open and get things done most efficiently. Amy was that lead!”
Ben Greiner, Founder, Forget Computers, Ltd.
“Amy Jo is a very talented graphic designer with excellent communication and organization skills and a "take charge" attitude. I believe she would be a great asset to any company seeking a creative, professional individual.”
Carolyn Williams, Senior Illustrator, Towers Watson
Stacey Lukas, Auxiliary Director, The Pembroke Hill School
“Amy was in charge of design and layout for the Copyediting newsletter. When I first came on board, Amy helped me get up to speed quickly with the production aspects of the newsletter and was patient with my newbie errors. Amy was always open to ideas for the newsletter, encouraging me to try new things with it. Whether copy ran short or long, Amy had solutions for making the newsletter come out just right. Thanks, Amy!”
Erin Brenner, Editor of Copyediting, McMurry
“I highly recommend Amy to anyone looking for a dynamic, creative co-worker. As personable as she is professional, her eye gives her work a style all its own. She's a treasure!”
Doris Meyers, Accounts Receivable Specialist, McMurry
“Amy is a pleasure to work with. She led the design efforts on the beautiful new August 2011 issue of The Office Professional newsletter to coincide with the website redesign. In her spare time she designed a poster for the Reach Out and Read organization in her city. Her submission was one of four finalists and it won The People’s Choice Award. I recommend her to anyone who needs design work.”
Kurt Higgins, Network Administrator, McMurry
“You've chosen five of the best artists you could find. Now, make room for Amy, because her unique style, skillful designs, motivational attitude and overall passion for her craft and colleagues make her stand out above the rest. I was fortunate enough to have worked with Amy at McMurry, where she spearheaded the overhaul of print and online designs, giving them not only a fresh look but intelligence. As a Creative Director, she always designed with the customer in mind and did it with purpose. To me, THAT is intelligence, and Amy does it day-in and day-out. Amy's unique point of view will stop you in your tracks as well. She's an idea-generator. The combinations of design and marketing that she brings to the table are spot on. It's like she has a think-tank between her ears, and you only wish you'd thought of it, because her concepts get both looks and results. She's also never afraid to tap into the resources around her (both tools and people). She chooses to be pro-active rather than wait in the shadows or fall back and rely on others to get it done. Her integrity and care for the development of her staff are two of my favorite things about Amy. She truly does inspire her team to exceed the expectations of others and themselves. I know I have grown professionally from her wealth of experience and positive outlook. She'll be the first to put others in the limelight, but she's the reason you're there. It's been said that an intelligent manager hires those stronger than themselves. If you agree, then Amy should be at the top of your list.”
Dean Shirley, Multimedia Producer / Project Manager, McMurry
“Amy is an energetic, passionate art director who was always seeking fresh ways to connect with customers through strategic design. Her enthusiasm and can-do attitude have always impressed me, as has her commitment to her team and to the growing our business.”
Beth Tomkiw, VP/Strategic Content, McMurry
“Amy is one of those rare finds that not only produces absolutely amazing work, but also gives so much of herself to her work. Over the past few years as Creative Director, she has transformed our print and online design, and as I like to say, she makes us "look bigger than we are." She does this through modern, professional design, and because of this, she has enhanced the image of our products and helped to create an image that instills high-quality to our customers. And Amy doesn't stop there. She thinks of original ideas on how we can market our products - be it in print, online, through e-blasts, or even in newer or not released avenues, such as the iPad. She is always thinking forward and pushing us to be better. Amy is also a joy personally. She is funny, caring, and not afraid to speak her mind or bring up ideas when it's needed. So, if you want someone with an amazing creative mind, someone who provides you with innovative forward-thinking ideas, and someone who you look forward to seeing every day (and I know you do), Amy is definitely the perfect choice.”
Jenny Babich, Product Manager, McMurry Inc
“Amy is wonderful blend of the artist and the pro. She turns out great designs with no fuss and the bare minimum of muss. She quickly ascertains deeply and precisely what the overall editorial mission is and creates layouts that suit it. She's also great to work with, not just because of her sense of humor and generous spirit. She's what Malcolm Gladwell would call a "connector," as she goes about her day, always thinking of everyone in her business or social acquaintance, and finding ways to put them together for fun and mutual profit. In short: Amy's aces.”
David Murray, Editor, Vital Speeches of the Day
“Amy’s a real pro. She’s not only creative and talented, she has fresh ideas that serve the strategic needs of the organization. As someone who goes out of her way for others, Amy goes above and beyond her job description in promoting teamwork and camaraderie. I have very much enjoyed working with Amy and think any organization who decided to work with her would benefit.”
Lee Vikre, VP Talent and Culture, McMurry
“Amy Wimmer brought more than a strong design sensibility to our team; she really gets how design needs to serve the business goals of a product. She's innovative, coming up with new products and developing them from concept through execution. And she's a supportive team member with a strong work ethic and an ability to juggle many competing demands.”
Wendalyn Nichols, Editor, McMurry
“Amy is amazing. She has her pulse on all things creative and understands what it takes to get exceptional work done well. Not to mention she is a pleasure to work with.”
John Fisher, Fine Artist, JF|FA
“Amy Jo has a passion for the arts, working hard to develop new creative ventures and is also easy to work with. You put all those things together and any company would be crazy not to want such a terrific asset!”
Kurt Barbee, Owner, 5280 Lasers LLC and Laser Tag Cartel
“Amy is a hard worker with great attention to detail. She managed large, complex jobs without any trouble. Amy is very creative and is a great member of a brainstorming session. A pleasure to work with.”
Geoffrey Stone, Senior Designer, Towers Watson
“Amy was our main contact at Towers Watson and was a pleasure to work with. As an outsourced IT provider it's critical that we have a strong internal lead to keep communication open and get things done most efficiently. Amy was that lead!”
Ben Greiner, Founder, Forget Computers, Ltd.
“Amy Jo is a very talented graphic designer with excellent communication and organization skills and a "take charge" attitude. I believe she would be a great asset to any company seeking a creative, professional individual.”
Carolyn Williams, Senior Illustrator, Towers Watson