Joined small group responsible for high-end imagery and comp support for local and national agencies. I have worked as both a digital specialist and senior designer for agency projects as well as direct to client projects. Clients include Bacardi, Tecate, Budweiser, Shell motor oil, Heineken, Anheuser Busch, and Corzo; as well as projects like event posters for local venues, CD and LP packaging, website design, and print materials.

While my role in this agency/studio shifted dramatically as we moved into working directly with clients as a full service creative group, I consider the ability to "do" paramount to our success so far and always look to bring on creatives with similar backgrounds.

Responsible for the design of new a soccer/fashion fusion-style line of apparel to coincide with the launch of a casual shoe line. I worked with sourcing agents and apparel developers to create sample lines, directed trade show booth design and consulted with retainer agency involved in marketing. I also created all in-house marketing materials, brand graphics and catalogs for the shoes and apparel for this brand. This job also entailed frequent travel for marketing research as well as trade shows and product sourcing meetings.

I worked on the New Business Team at Zipatoni in a hybrid role of art director and production specialist, utilizing all skills to work on all new business pitches and new client projects. This job involved every aspect of the creative visual process from comp to presentation to execution. In this role I had the opportunity to direct photoshoots, design client programs, and create digital comps. In the time I was on this team, we garnered work from Jim Beam, Maytag, White Castle, Winchester, Baci candy (Nestle UK) and several promotions added to the Miller and Energizer brands.

After that I transitioned to working as part of the team responsible for Energizer, White Castle and Viactiv. This move gave me the opportunity to learn more about working with a brand on a daily basis. I was able to lend digital and traditional illustration skills to the team while developing as a brand art director. I was also very involved in new business pitches and working with the visuals in new client assignments.

Concepted, developed and designed toys and products for a variety of licensed product lines including; Powerpuff Girls, Dexters' Laboratory, Osmosis Jones, Cartoon Network, Spy Kids, Godzilla (Movie and Animated series), Halloween, Christmas, Easter, Coca Cola, Tootsie Roll, and M&M. This included everything from original concepts to semi-engineering packets sent overseas. I was senior to 15+ designers and responsible for supervising workflow, communication meetings and brainstorming as well as working with packaging and R&D divisions to help with any support requests.

I also helped push a traditionally classic, art department towards using graphics software in their workflow as well as working as a designer in the marketing department for the last year I was with the company. I was responsible for design of marketing materials for sales personnel, PR promotions and media events. This included designing product feature sheets and whole-line marketing booklets, early conceptual logo design, concept and design of domestic and international sales ads, warranty cards , coupons, event booth displays, in-house presentations and catalog one sheets.

I was asked to teach at Southern Illinois University Edwardsville in the Art and Design department and have had a rewarding time working with students to create relevant projects that focus on design, typography and illustration in the upper level of their coursework.

VCUarts is ranked the #1 public university arts and design program in the country (US News & World Report)

Communication Arts is the study and exploration of the qualities, disciplines and technologies that enable us to create and communicate with insight, vision and voice. Students create visual solutions using a variety of media such as illustration/digital/ electronic imaging for print, television, film and the web.
Many graduates and faculty are nationally and internationally honored illustrators, artists, and designers.

The prestigious Society of Illustrators 2006 National Scholarship Competition in NY accepted more works by VCUarts Communication Arts students than any other university in the U.S.

School information:
VCUarts
Virginia Commonwealth University | School of the Arts
325 North Harrison Street
PO Box 842519
Richmond, VA 23284-2519
arts@vcu.edu
Phone: 804-VCU-ARTS (804-828-2787) | 866-534-3201 (toll free)
Fax: 804-828-6469