EXPERIENCE
CHICO’S
Graphic Design Manager | December 2020–present
Concept and execute engaging, emotional content that tells the brand story across all marketing channels
Partner with creative director and art directors on marketing creative and product storytelling, from initial concepts to final execution
Oversee brand creative and design guidelines for clarity and consistency of execution across the creative team
Develop seasonal and monthly design guidelines to ensure consistency across print, store and digital creative
Collaborate with cross-functional partners to ensure all projects meet deadlines, strategic objectives and budget
Work with marketing and creative leadership to design executive presentations and investor reports
FREELANCE
Art Direction, Visual Merchandising, Interior Design | June 2018–present
Private Clients: Interior Designer; June 2018–present. Work with private clients in New York and Columbus on residential remodeling, interior design, managing contractors and project logistics.
Rowe Creative Union: Freelance Visual Merchandiser & Designer; September 2020–present. Worked with agency creative leaders on design and visuals for retail clients. Contributed to creative ideation and new business pitches.
WD Partners: Contract Visual & Design Director; November 2018–November 2019. Partnered with agency principals on a major retailer client’s brand experience strategy and shopper mindset personas. Collaborated and ideated on store design concepts including visual merchandising presentation, branding, space planning, environmental design and communication hierarchy. Oversaw visual merchandising and environmental design for special projects.
Lane Bryant: Contract Art Director; June 2018–November 2018. Set the seasonal art and brand direction for holiday 2018 and spring 2019. Partnered with Creative Director and Copy Director on creative concepts. Art directed photo shoots for campaigns and digital assets. Designed window displays and interior visual presentations. Coordinated with outside vendors (photographers, fashion stylists, hair & make-up artists) to bring the seasonal creative vision to life. Partnered with creative and marketing leadership on the look, tone and feel of print and digital executions. Concepted pop-up shop for Girl With Curves capsule collection. Managed and mentored graphic designers.
RALPH LAUREN
Global Visual Design & Concept Manager, Luxury Retail | May 2012–June 2018
Concepted windows and visuals for Luxury stores worldwide including flagships in New York, London, Paris and Tokyo.
Designed and oversaw the execution of seasonal window concepts for Collection, Purple Label, Black Label and Home brands; ensured consistency between interior and exterior visual presentations.
Graphically rendered window sets and interior visual displays and guided field team and contractors on build-outs.
Directed illustrators and graphic designers to develop creative for window displays and in-store signage.
Sourced imagery for inspiration and commercial usage; managed legal approvals and secured usage rights.
Collaborated with merchandising and marketing to design collateral for in-store marketing, promotions and events.
Resourced and procured set elements for store displays and events including props, wall coverings, lighting, rugs, etc.
Determined most appropriate production methods, vendors and materials for each project.
Sourced and managed relationships with vendors including fine artists and photographers; negotiated fees and usage.
Managed and negotiated budgets and team expenses in partnership with department head and financial partners.
Assisted with window installations and interior changeovers as-needed (rigging, prop styling, art installation).
Managed and mentored a team of designers and freelancers.
FREELANCE
Art Director & Graphic Designer | June 2011–August 2013
Ralph Lauren: Concepted and designed global visual creative directives and in-store signage.
Latina & Billboard: Art director for magazine editorials. Concepted monthly stories with section editors. Art directed photo shoots. Sourced stock imagery. Designed covers and page layouts. Oversaw print production for quality.
Grey Advertising: Concepted and designed print ads including photo retouching, image editing, type and color selection. Clients included DDF Skincare and Pantene.
PLAYBOY ENTERPRISES
Senior Art Director, Special Issues | January 2003–June 2011
Art directed 12 annual Playboy special-edition magazine issues; oversaw design and photography for the entire book.
Reviewed and monitored the progression of color separations to ensure premium print quality.
Partnered with the Digital Content Manager to develop and produce website creative and assets.
Consulted with foreign editions to utilize creative and design assets for global publications.
Concepted and proposed ideas with swipe inspiration for photos, covers, hair & makeup and wardrobe styling.
Oversaw development of photo asset management tool, making the Playboy image archive accessible companywide.
Managed and mentored creative team including graphic designers, photo editors and art assistants.
AMBROSSI & ASSOCIATES
Art Director | June 1999–June 2001
Art directed direct mail and catalog materials.
Produced initial concepts, directed fashion photo shoots, edited film, designed layouts and oversaw print production.
EDUCATION
UNIVERSITY OF ILLINOIS
Bachelor of Fine Arts, Graphic Design.