COMPASS TO BLISS CREATIVE
2020—Present
Principal Owner + Chief Creative Officer
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Using empathy and human-centered design to develop strategic solutions which help define and elevate small business clients within their marketplace.
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Providing brand identity, campaign development, website design, social engagement, and fully integrated campaigns. Learn more about the business at www.compass2bliss.com
PRUDENTIAL RETIREMENT
2015—2020
Senior Art Director
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Created, managed, developed and implemented marketing strategies and innovative design solutions for Internal, B2B and B2C markets, from concept through completion.
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Developed user-centric campaigns and experiences which elevated the brand and brought Business Partners’ sales and marketing goals to life in the most engaging ways possible. Thus helping to drive business results , establish and maintain the company as a leader within the industry.
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Managed timelines, workload and projects within the department. Established creative templates. Reviewed and directed creative from junior designers & contractors. Ensured deliverables were executed with accuracy, precision timing and within brand guidelines.
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Facilitated design thinking workshops that produced successful, human-centered results, and incorporated full collaboration and partnership with various departments across the organization.
VICTORINOX SWISS ARMY, INC.
2009—2015
Graphic Design Manager
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Lead the creative direction and development of the North American e-commerce website, as well as all digital and email marketing campaigns, ensuring a consistent brand voice, visual language and messaging.
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Managed the design and work-flow of projects within the creative department. Developed brand and style guides, as well as templates for digital and print application. Ensured consistency across all channels within the North American marketplace.
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Planned, directed and facilitated product and lifestyle photo shoots. Managed timelines, production, locations, photography, products, stylists, make-up artists and models.
Senior Graphic Designer & Web
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Created inspired designs which improved the aesthetics across print, digital, trade shows, advertising, branding and packaging for all five product categories.
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Managed and maintained relationships with third party vendors, including printers, photographers, contracted designers, freelance writers and web developers.
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Discovered and developed best practices for web design. Implemented processes which improved overall project outcomes and efficiencies.
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Provided mentorship and teaching through the establishment of Creative Light Box Sessions which helped to educate, train and inspire others within the organization.
OTHER DESIGN EXPERIENCE
Karen M. Butler Designs, Principal (2005—Present)
Beekley Corporation, Graphic Designer (2007—2008)
Urban Behavior, Graphic Designer (2006—2007)
Lewtan Industries, Graphic Designer & Department Manager (2005—2006)
SOFTWARE SKILLS
Mac OS & Windows
Microsoft Office Suite
Google Workspace
Adobe Creative Suite & Cloud
Figma
InVision
Ceros
Online Website Builders
Content Management Systems
Project Management Software
Procreate
OTHER SKILLS
Creative & Art Direction
Brand Development & Logo Design
Print & Layout Design
Website & Digital Design
HTML5 / CSS
Prototyping
UI/UX Knowledge
Integrated Campaign Development
Team Management & Leadership
Design Thinking
Photography & Shoot Management
Social Media & Content Creation
Painting & Illustration
Vendor Management
Creative Project Management
PROFESSIONAL
Adobe Creative Jams Off-Air Judge
AIGA Connecticut | American Institute of Graphic Arts
President (2016—2018)
Director of Membership (2015)
Communications Chair (2014
EDUCATION / ACCOLADES
2005 A.S. Graphic Design: Interactive Media from Tunxis Community College, Farmington, CT
Academic Discipline Award (3.91)
The National Dean’s List
Phi Theta Kappa Honor Society