Michael Beener

Graphics Specialist

Fullerton, CA, USA
Eleanor Roosevelt once said “Do one thing everyday that scares you.” That’s exactly the attitude I take in my life. Try something new, look at it from a completely different perspective... but always staying fresh and creative. I am a award-winning, outgoing, outdoor loving and think outside of the box individual. I strive to work in an atmosphere where I can feel the creative juices flowing and a field that promotes creativity. I have always and will always believe that great ideas are always just around the corner. I’m not afraid to look in places I’ve never looked. Life is an adventure and I am drawing the map as I go.

I have had the opportunity to work on all sorts of projects, from small to large, teams from one to many and everything in between. My portfolio includes pieces from Amtrak, Capitol Corridor, WSD Design and more. More recently, I have had the pleasure of researching, designing and building a “Communications Toolkit” for the California Library Association. Additionally, I have a strong background in the non-profit, transportation and library fields. I’ve worked with Amtrak, Capitol Corridor, Fullerton College and San Jose’s Shasta-Hanchett Park Neighborhood Association to name a few. Additionally, I’m a keen cyclist and have an interest in historic advertising and as well as transportation. Combine my interests with my experiences and you have a strong candidate.

Work Experience

Michael Beener Designs

Communication and Branding Specialist

Client list includes work with Amtrak, Caltrans, CCJPA (Capital Corridor Joint Powers Authority), Fullerton College, Huntington Beach Public Library, Oregon Department of Transportation, Radisson Hotel, Razor’s Edge and Rockstars (San Francisco softball teams), San Jose’s Shasta-Hanchett Park Neighborhood Association, University of California - Berkeley, Washington State Department of Transportation and WSD Design.
August 1999 - Present California, United States

Yorba Linda Public Library

Graphics Specialist

I am responsible for all creative aspects of communication for the library, including designing publications, creating social media campaigns and building a new website as well.  My position is a one-stop shop for multiple departments requesting a variety of items with quick turnarounds on a daily basis. With a $3.5 million annual budget and a material circulation pushing past 850,000 per year, the constant requirement of information to our patrons is a top priority.
August 2005 - February 2019 Yorba Linda, California, United States

Golden Gate Railroad Museum

Director of Communications and Marketing

Duties included producing, designing, writing and editing all communication materials for the museum including monthly member newsletters, member mailers, e-mail blasts, brochures, flyers, donor reports and website. Planned and executed all publicity and promotional campaigns for both the general public and members. Served as the face and voice of the museum when interacting with the media. Maintained an extensive media contact list as well as all social media outlets (Twitter, Facebook, Flickr, YouTube). Attended all major museum events and served as a liaison of the museum by interacting with the general public. Worked with outside companies and individuals to complete various projects. Reported directly to the President of the museum and worked to develop a yearly budget for advertising, communications and capital campaign costs. This was a contracted position and ended when the museum was forced to cancel operations while looking for a new location to build a new museum.
May 2009 - September 2011 Redwood City, California, United States

Education

Southern New Hampshire University

Bachelor of Arts, Advertising

Presently wrapping up my last class prior to completing my degree. Continuing into the Graduate program in Fall 2015.
September 2012 - March 2015 Manchester, New Hampshire, United States

Awards

American Library Association

Public Relations and Marketing - 2014 Best In Show (Teen)

2014

Graphic Design USA

In House Designer

2010

Graphic Design USA

In House Designer

2008

Skills

Adobe Creative Suite, Adobe Illustrator, Adobe Indesign, Adobe Photoshop, Corel Draw, Microsoft Office, QuarkXpress, Wordpress CMS,

Memberships

Member - American Library Association
Member - California Library Association (Former Marketing and Public Relations Interest Group Chair 2008-10, 2012-13)
Member - American Institute of Graphic Arts