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synopsis
background I have been in the advertising/marketing communications/web technologies field(s) since 1988 working with various agencies, corporations and consulting firms in the Chicagoland area. My experience in the field has entailed project and creative department management, as well as consistent working relationships with various clients, service bureaus and vendors, creating comprehensive brochures, web sites, branding, package designs, illustrations/cartoons (various mediums), photo shoots, marketing collateral, direct mail and television storyboards. For years, I have managed (and founded) creative personnel departments and understand the importance of managing v. dictating; I am a strong advocate of individualism and only intervene in an artist's "creative process" when I feel it's absolutely necessary. I'm not a "control freak," so having faith in my team's abilities is very important to me, as they should have faith in me. I make it a priority to know my team and their strengths/limitations and put forth the effort in promoting individual growth. I would never assign anything that I did not feel that I was not capable of doing myself. Having 10 years of web interface and usability design experience, I can confidently say that I know "human engineering" and how people effectively use the web. I have participated in focus groups early on the spawn of the Internet and have since designed and created numerous web sites that cater to the user's needs and ease of use. I do not go into an initiative with the notion of simply creating a pretty picture; I seriously take form and function as my basis for design and build from that foundation. I understand the limitations of the web, designing to the "lowest common denominator" so to speak, but I'm always exploring new techniques and tools for design and user interaction. I also have many years of experience tailoring design solutions based upon user needs through case studies, focus groups and personal preference. I understand the significance of integrating a front end solution to a back end solution and how this union can assure a customer's confidence and trust, esp. issues that focus on security. I am currently the Director of Creative Services and Senior Associate for Baker Robbins & Company, Technology Consultants, in Chicago, IL , dedicated to both firm internal projects and client-related engagements with the Internet Development practice group. roles & responsibilities As creative director, I have served on a wide variety of projects... from the design/creative conceptual stage to the finished product. I have had a wide variety of experience in client interaction and discovery, project management, advertising design, custom logo and branding design/development, and graphical user interface web design. I have worked closely with, and supervised, content and marketing teams to ensure that the direction and integrity of a project are concurrently in step with the vision of creative team, advocating an open line of communication, as well as manage timelines and budget. I'm quite effective in managing teams to deliver a quality product. I do not take anything for granted in any initiative (an understanding of budget, work ethics, environment, and business culture). As a department manager, I have built and lead internal creative departments, from the recruiting of talent, hardware/software selection, scheduling and annual budget planning. I love to work with creative, energetic people that are good natured, have a sense of humor and open to new ideas; qualities I believe that make for a successful collaborative team, creative culture and positive work environment. As a communicator, I learn about each member of my team, their strengths, limitations, hobbies/interests, all that make up for a solid basis in a good working relationship. I would never assign anything that I was not capable of doing; I have a strong design and development background and have extensive knowledge with design software frequently used today, both Mac and PC platforms. A strong communicator, I'm equally a strong listener; I never assume my way is the best. I have also assisted clients of whom looking for help in refining internal creative resources and training of new tools and techniques. character I have proven time and again an effective means of communication, visual or otherwise. In areas that required the "narrative" of a workflow solution hierarchy, departmental relationships, content/context lifecycles, etc., each where the portrayal needed immediate comprehension, I have successfully helped teams and peers in business environments, hence, increase productivity. However, it's not so much a need to understand the "rules of engagement," but to abide to them and to ensure a constant balance in a dynamic workflow cycle. I like to think that I make for a pleasant working environment, assuring my team they have the tools they need, available to assist w/problems when they occur on any given project, and inject a bit of fun into the atmosphere; I always love a good laugh. A happy team is a productive team, which also helps in the realm of employee retention; nobody wants to see their good people leave. Though challenging at times, I want all members of my team to have a solid working relationship, hence, contributing to knowledge sharing and communication. I know what can be deemed as "creative"
and consistently keep an eye on trends in technology, design and
how the both work concurrently in any given medium. I like to
present new ideas and concepts that can act as a business development
solution and/or personal and team growth. I have a good balance
of creative, management and technical savvy. I know the limitations
of technology from a creative/development perspective and from
a public one, meaning, can the public be reach through specific
mediums. I have years of experience in business/client relationships
and can communicate ideas effectively and comprehensively. I have
a strong development background and have extensive knowledge with
design software frequently used today (both Mac and PC platforms).
plans for the future In recent years, I have been actively involved in the design/development of Internet, Intranet, Extranet and e-Business strategies and information architectures; recently engaged in projects for GE Capital Auto Financial Services and GE Capital Rail Services, respectively. Along with my artistic and management skills, I have extensive computer and development knowledge, working with state-of-the-art design/multimedia applications and web-based tools. I choose to continue along the path of managing and developing creative team environments and the execution of solid solutions, whether it be for web, advertising, animation... wherever creative may reside. My strengths in design, development and communication have greatly contributed to my success, and a boilerplate to any given challenge that comes my way. I want to wake up every morning looking forward to the day... everyday. Any project can be interesting... it's all about attitude. If you have any questions, or you wish to learn more about myself, please contact me. |
Creative
director