About
Multi-skilled creative ninja with over 15 years of experience as design lead in diverse environments offering a broad skill set that drives all aspects of brand marketing for print, web, social, PR, and bespoke content creation. Proven success in art direction, graphic design, and brand development for digital and print projects. Motivational team member and leader, accustomed to collaborating effectively with multi-functional teams, organizing workflow, and delivering projects on time and within budget. Leveraging high-level experience of managing multiple clients’ accounts for advertising agencies, an in-house designer on the client-side, as well as supporting many clients as a freelancer. Accustomed to delivering exceptional quality with great attention to detail, have a solid work ethic, and a high level of professionalism with a contagious positive attitude.
More details...From a very early age, I knew I would become a designer. I have fond memories of painting with my grandparents who were artists by profession, spending hours with my father who loved photography and always had his SLR camera in arms reach and working with my mother who instilled in me the importance of words and sentence structure. As you can see, these are important elements of marketing, and it is in my blood. These early experiences have served me well.
After graduating with a Bachelor of Science degree in Graphic Design, I started my career as an entry-level production artist. I have since worked my way up the totem pole. I have tackled all aspects of marketing projects: brainstorming and storyboarding, design and conception, copywriting, photography, branding, logos, websites, and then carrying out the design throughout all mediums. During my tenure as an Art Director / Sr. Graphic Designer, I have developed a reputation for creating smart, clean visual solutions that stand out in a crowd. My ability to translate ideas into visual concepts that are appealing and effective has allowed me to create designs that meet client expectations and surpass them. |
I have a great work ethic and am a quick, efficient designer with great attention-to-detail. In addition, I also have a high level of professionalism and a positive attitude that is contagious.
During the past several years, I have learned many things. I know that it takes a person with excellent communication and interpersonal skills to be a team player in a productive setting. By hiring me, you will get these skills as well as someone who is highly creative, motivated, flexible, independent, and not afraid to find innovative ways to complete a job. |
Education
|
Bachelor of Science in Graphic Design, Art Minor,
Keene State College, Keene, New Hampshire |
Qualifications
|
|
Professional Experience
|
Kelly Harkins Designs, LLC, 1997 - Present
Freelance Senior Art Director / Senior Graphic Designer
DATIX, St. Louis, MO, November 2019 - November 2020 Contract Art Director Redesigned, programmed, and managed two company websites with high functionality and visibility, and was instrumental in the seamless migration process to consolidate hosting accounts; datixinc.com and erp-demos.net. Redesigned dozens of outdated marketing spec sheets for sales team. TOMCAR, Phoenix, AZ, February 2019 - October 2019 Art Director Responsible for all creative assets for the TOMCAR brand. As the lead creative, I was tasked with designing all visual concepts, rebuilding and launching the new tomcar.com website utilizing video banners with a better load speed and responsiveness, all print collateral, and contributed to the creative development of this thriving off-road brand. Demonstrated my conceptual thinking and excellent communication skills while being passionate about creating original, meaningful, and effective design. Provided company-wide IT support, initiated Hubspot CRM integration, and reported directly to the CEO. Advanced Genomic Solutions (AGS) LTD., Scottsdale, AZ, October 2016 - December 2018 Art Director Art Direct, designed and wrote all content for www.ags-health.com and worked with a marketing/programming team to rebuild and launch database on Hubspot platform. Audited Health & Wellness Genetic Report database and rewrote all content to be easier-to-understand. Designed new Genetic Report with unique art and worked with scientist in Hong Kong lab to integrate new design with software algorithm. Designed and launched 3 additional genetic tests globally. Erickson-Hall Construction Co., Escondido, CA, February 2010 - April 2013 Art Director Independently create an Erickson-Hall look and maintain it throughout all new corporate collateral. Design, write and maintain ericksonhall.com website. Verari Systems, San Diego, CA,January 2006 - December 2009 Corporate Branding & Media / Senior Graphic Designer Independently create a Verari Systems look and maintain it throughout all new corporate collateral. Magnifi Group, San Diego, CA, July 2004 - October 2004 Senior Graphic Designer / Account Executive To maintain relations with clients and act as the liaison between the client and our team. Head of creative on branding campaign for Giuseppe Restaurants and Fine catering. Designed all pieces of collateral: business cards, table tents, post card and web site (www.giuseppecatering.com). PETCO, Inc., San Diego, CA, February 2002 - February 2004 Senior Graphic Designer / Junior Art Director To conceptualize, design, illustrate, produce the creation of: monthly circular, logos, direct mail, flyers, banners, newspaper ads, store signing and graphics, corporate annual reports, newsletters, brochures, company communiques and special projects) and art direct photo shoots. Direct Partners, Marina Del Rey, CA, 1999 - 2001 Graphic Designer Design high-end direct mail packages and self-mailer’s for various clients such as: EarthLink and DirecTv. David Wilson & Associates, Needham, MA, 1999 Graphic Designer / Production Artist Created recruitment advertisements, updated existing ads, development of original artwork, production coordination and other related assignments for publication in newspapers all across the United States. TMP Worldwide, Waltham, MA, 1998 - 1999 Production Artist / Back-up Photographer Revised recruitment advertisements for publication in newspapers, logo enhancement, typesetting, scanning and troubleshooting. Conducted photo shoots. O’Connor School Portraits by Life Touch, Tewksbury, MA, 1997 - 1998 Sports Photographer / Group Photographer Photographed high school sports teams in action for placement in local newspapers and yearbooks. Photographed children for classroom portraits, graduating senior class photos, clubs, sports, and more. |
Volunteer
|
|
Activities
|
Running, yoga, photography, art, traveling, and family
|
