Work Experience
Creative Manager (2016-Present)
Futures Industry Association (FIA), Washington, DC
Overseeing FIA global brand for website, print collateral, email, conference signage, social media and all other materials needed for our six annual flagship conferences. Creating engaging graphic designs that increase our global brand recognition and promote new membership.
Futures Industry Association (FIA), Washington, DC
Overseeing FIA global brand for website, print collateral, email, conference signage, social media and all other materials needed for our six annual flagship conferences. Creating engaging graphic designs that increase our global brand recognition and promote new membership.
Graphic Design Contractor (2014 - 2015)
Studio Gannett - USA Today, Tysons, VA
Concepted and designed articles for GoEscape, HOME and Pet Guide magazines. Also provided concepts and designs for Best of New York, Best of Philadelphia, Year in Defense and Veterans’ Affairs tabloid publications.
Studio Gannett - USA Today, Tysons, VA
Concepted and designed articles for GoEscape, HOME and Pet Guide magazines. Also provided concepts and designs for Best of New York, Best of Philadelphia, Year in Defense and Veterans’ Affairs tabloid publications.
Graphic Design Contractor (2008 - 2013)
AARP, Washington, DCProvided concepts and designs of features and departments for AARP Bulletin (circulation over 22 million) and AARP Magazine (circulation over 23 million). Worked with illustrators like R.O. Blechman and Red Nose Studio for award winning designs. Art directed photoshoots with Renée Comet and others for award-winning layouts. Also designed homepage billboards and illustrations for AARP.org including interactive pieces that improved the UX. Created Apple iPad apps using Adobe InDesign for the AARP Bulletin with videos and interactive overlays.
AARP, Washington, DCProvided concepts and designs of features and departments for AARP Bulletin (circulation over 22 million) and AARP Magazine (circulation over 23 million). Worked with illustrators like R.O. Blechman and Red Nose Studio for award winning designs. Art directed photoshoots with Renée Comet and others for award-winning layouts. Also designed homepage billboards and illustrations for AARP.org including interactive pieces that improved the UX. Created Apple iPad apps using Adobe InDesign for the AARP Bulletin with videos and interactive overlays.
Skills
Adobe Creative Suite: InDesign, Photoshop, Illustrator, Acrobat, Portfolio, XD, After Effects, Dreamweaver and PremierPro
Global Corporate Branding
Conference and Exhibit Signage
Video, Print and Signage Vendor Management
Print, Website and Email Concept/Design/Production
Microsoft: Excel, Word, PowerPoint and Teams
Global Corporate Branding
Conference and Exhibit Signage
Video, Print and Signage Vendor Management
Print, Website and Email Concept/Design/Production
Microsoft: Excel, Word, PowerPoint and Teams
Education
Bachelor of Fine Arts, Delta State University
Major: Graphic Design, Minor: Photography
Major: Graphic Design, Minor: Photography
Adobe Digital Publishing Suite
Tara Knight, Solutions Account Manager, AARP
Tara Knight, Solutions Account Manager, AARP
Northern Virginia Community College, Web Design 1 - Adobe Dreamweaver
Awards
Society of Publication Designers, Silver Award, Video series for tablet, AARP Bulletin “The March Then and Now, 50th Anniversary of the March on Washington” (Designer of iPad and print layouts)
Communication Arts, Award of Excellence, AARP Bulletin, “Medicare Starter Kit,” R. O. Blechman, Illustrator
Communication Arts, Award of Excellence, AARP Bulletin, “Medicare Starter Kit,” R. O. Blechman, Illustrator
National Mature Media Awards, Silver Award, AARP Bulletin, “Eat to Beat Cancer”; Merit Award, “Sharing Common Ground”; and Merit Award, “Battle at the Ballot Box”
Art Directors Club of Metropolitan Washington, Merit Award, AARP Bulletin, “99 Great Ways to Save.” Red Nose Studio, Illustrator
Art Directors Club of Metropolitan Washington, Merit Award, AARP Bulletin, “99 Great Ways to Save.” Red Nose Studio, Illustrator
ADDY Award, Greater Jackson Advertising Club, B&W Photography, “Gordon Marks Bios Promotional Piece”
ADDY Award, Greater Jackson Advertising Club, Outdoor Bulletin, “Farmers’ Market Superflex Billboard”
Memberships
American Institute of Graphic Artists, Washington, DC Chapter
Nova United, 3on3 Basketball League
Nova United, 3on3 Basketball League
Volunteer Work
Offenders Aid and Restoration (OAR), Arlington, VA, Employment Program - OAR provides reentry services, including transition assistance and employment counseling to incarcerated and formerly incarcerated individuals who are committed to avoiding re-incarceration and becoming established in the community as productive and responsible citizens.
New Hope Housing, Arlington, VA, Housing Upkeep - Since 1978 New Hope Housing has been providing a comprehensive, innovative array of services to homeless families and single adults. New Hope Housing is the oldest and largest provider of shelter beds in Northern Virginia.
Anacostia River Keepers, Washington, DC, River Cleanup Projects - Anacostia River Keepers is a non-profit organization working to protect and restore the Anacostia River and create opportunities for the community to connect to the river.
References available upon request.