Experience
April 2022 – Current
Independent Branding Designer & Creative Director
As a design leader and hands-on designer, I work closely with agencies and clients to transform their business goals and visions into creative solutions that effectively represent their brands. With a researched-based and strategic approach, I deliver comprehensive logo and visual identity systems with brand guidelines, design collateral within existing guidelines, fast-paced pitch creative and ideas, messaging, website and digital design intent, blue sky thinking, and more.
My most recent work includes building the logo, identity, environmental graphics, and guidelines for a New York-based school for autistic children. The result was a cohesive and visually compelling brand that resonated with the school’s values and mission. Another notable project was helping to design, develop and launch the new identities and guidelines for the U.S. Army and the U.S. Army Reserve.
Agency partnerships & clients include; FutureBrand, Gyde Marketing, Huge, Nucleus School, One Story Branding, OO & Friends, Siegel + Gale, VMLY&R
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November 2020 – April 2022
Design Director
VMLY&R
Partnered with the Chief Design Officer to define and build out VMLY&R’s new brand identity offering, vision, and team. Successfully led the redesign of VMLY&R’s identity and worked with Colophon to create a proprietary typeface for the agency. Effectively directed multiple designers, freelancers, and projects. Managed aggressive timelines, presented work to clients and C-suite, and was a key hands-on designer and creative leader in design-based company pitch work.
Clients include; Coke, Intel, Ford, Smart Water, Three Bridges, United Rentals
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October 2014 – October 2021
Independent Branding Designer & Director
Various Agencies & Clients
Developed an understanding of project briefs and conducted category research that acted as a benchmark for assessing creative work. Implemented full-service project management, including drafting scopes of work, phased project structures, and budgets. Deliverables ranged from comprehensive logo and visual identity systems with brand guidelines to custom illustrations and icons, templates, digital design intent, brand extensions, blue sky thinking, and more.
Agency partnerships & clients include; Conran Design Group, IMGN Media, Huge, Landor, DesignBridge, KillWolf, Imagination, Protein, AKQA, Pearlfisher, PS212, FutureBrand, Monegraph, Serengeti Asset Management, Sterling Brands, CKSK, Pause for Thought and Super Union
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January 2011 – October 2014
Design Director
Design Bridge and Partners (formally known as Brand Union), NY
Key designer on the conceptualization, development, and implementation of the award-winning visual identity systems for Lahey Health and the Garment District NYC. Partnered with multi-disciplinary teams to develop timelines, and scopes and manage client expectations. Effectively directed designers and coordinated outside vendors and freelancers. Presented work to clients
and was an active participant in company pitchwork.
Clients include; Bank of America, CR Squared, Lahey Health, Shazam, The Garment District NYC, The Global Ocean Commission, Time Warner Cable, and The Corporation for Travel Promotion
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April 2010 – January 2011
Senior Designer
Siegel+Gale, NY
Successfully led the design for a new banking initiative from American Express as well as designed
the logo and identity for two children’s fashion brands. Managed aggressive timelines, presented work to clients, and attended press checks
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January 2009 – April 2010
Independent Branding Designer & Director
Conceptualized logos, visual systems, illustrations, icons, and packaging directions for a wide variety of clients. Developed visual identity systems that defined; color palettes, typography, photography, graphic elements, and application to touchpoints.
Agency partnerships; Beardwood, Brand Anatomy, Landor, SuperUnion, Pause for Thought
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March 2006 – December 2008
Senior Designer
FutureBrand, NY
Created, led, and extended corporate and consumer brands for a broad range of clients.
Clients included; Choice Privileges, Committee Encouraging Corporate Philanthropy, Diageo, Intel, International Rescue Committee, LifeMasters, McGladrey, P&G, Taco Bell, The Museum of Science
and Industry, and Wendy’s
Education
August 1999 – April 2003
BFA in Graphic Design, 3.5 GPA, Cum Laude
College of Fine Arts, Western Michigan University
Honors & Awards
2014
Graphis Design Annual 2015 Merit Award for The Garment District NYC
Graphis Design Annual 2015 Merit Award for Lahey Health
Creativity International Silver Award for The Garment District NYC