Art Director | Senior Graphic Designer

Creative visionary with a proven track record of leading innovative design strategies and delivering impactful brand experiences. Expertise in art direction, team leadership, and developing compelling marketing campaigns across print and digital platforms. Adept at collaborating with cross-functional teams and managing projects from concept to execution, ensuring alignment with brand vision and business objectives.

I deliver high-impact, customer-centric design solutions that drive brand engagement, increase market share, and generate measurable ROI. Combining creative vision with strategic execution to elevate brand identities and deliver innovative solutions that meet business objectives and exceed client expectations.

PROFESSIONAL EXPERIENCE

Senior Graphic Designer

Senior Graphic Designer
California State University San Marcos Extended Learning
Apr. 2023 – July 2024 | San Diego, California

  1. Led art direction, design, and production for all marketing materials across Extended Learning programs, including undergraduate and graduate degrees, global education, and professional certificates, resulting in increased enrollment and program visibility.

  2. Collaborated with internal teams and stakeholders to present and refine creative solutions, ensuring alignment with marketing strategies and brand standards, leading to more cohesive brand storytelling.

  3. Designed and executed integrated print and digital advertising campaigns, driving a 20% increase in audience engagement and enhancing brand awareness.

  4. Spearheaded innovative solutions to complex marketing challenges, improving creative output efficiency by 25% and strengthening brand consistency.

Freelance Art Director
MANN Branding & Design
Jan. 2012 - Present | San Diego, California

  1. Provided contract-based art direction and graphic design for diverse clients and agencies across San Diego and Los Angeles, delivering projects that increased client sales and brand equity.

  2. Delivered comprehensive design solutions, from concept development to final artwork, across print, digital, and multimedia platforms, resulting in improved brand perception and customer engagement.

  3. Built and maintained client relationships through effective communication, project management, and on-time delivery, ensuring a 95% client retention rate.

  4. Managed project budgets, vendor coordination, and invoicing, ensuring seamless execution of creative initiatives while optimizing resources and controlling costs.

Senior Art Director
Publicis Hawkeye
2016 - 2020 | San Diego, California

  1. Led the creative development of multi-channel marketing campaigns for major national brands, including Blue Shield of California, San Diego Zoo, GIA, Gold’s Gym, and 24-Hour Fitness, resulting in increased brand visibility and customer acquisition.

  2. Conceptualized and executed compelling print and digital deliverables, increasing client engagement by 30% and enhancing market penetration.

  3. Directed and mentored design teams, ensuring high-quality output and adherence to project timelines and budgets, resulting in a 20% improvement in project efficiency.

  4. Strengthened client relationships through strategic presentations, fostering trust and driving business growth through repeat engagements and new project acquisitions.

  5. Partnered with copywriters to develop innovative advertising campaigns, leading to a 15% increase in client revenue and successful customer retention.

Senior Art Director
The I.D.E.A. Brand
2012 - 2014 | San Diego, California

  1. Spearheaded award-winning creative campaigns for top-tier clients, including Qualcomm, Puma Golf, Live Oak Bank, Bledsoe Braces, and International Motorcycle Shows, increasing client market presence and industry recognition.

  2. Art-directed photo and video shoots, ensuring alignment with brand messaging and creative vision, resulting in more authentic and impactful brand stories.

  3. Executed high-impact designs across print and digital platforms, delivering campaigns that exceeded client expectations and achieved business objectives.

  4. Collaborated closely with copywriters to deliver cutting-edge campaigns, enhancing brand visibility and driving a 25% increase in customer engagement.

Senior Art Director
David & Goliath
2010 - 2012 | Frankfurt, Germany

  1. Partnered with the Creative Director to lead the visual conception and execution of all print, television, and radio advertising for Kia Motors Germany, contributing to a 20% increase in market share.

  2. Art-directed and produced monthly multimedia campaigns, collaborating with German and Korean executives to align with global brand standards and achieve consistent messaging.

  3. Led photo, video, and radio productions, delivering high-quality creative outputs on tight deadlines and increasing campaign effectiveness.

  4. Presented and pitched creative concepts to senior stakeholders, resulting in successful campaign approvals and timely execution.

KEY SKILLS

  1. Art Direction & Graphic Design

  2. Creative Strategy & Concept Development

  3. Team Leadership & Mentorship

  4. Cross-Functional Collaboration

  5. Brand Identity & Visual Storytelling

  6. Print & Digital Marketing Campaigns

  7. Client Relationship Management

  8. Project Management & Budgeting

TOOLS & TECHNOLOGIES

  • Adobe Creative Suite (Photoshop, Illustrator, InDesign, XD)

  • Figma & Sketch

  • Microsoft Office Suite

  • Project Management Tools (Asana, Trello, Basecamp)

EDUCATION Fine Arts in Graphic Design
San Diego State University

I have a proven ability to deliver creative solutions that drive tangible business outcomes—increased customer engagement, improved brand recognition, and enhanced revenue growth. A strategic leader who optimizes creative processes, reduces inefficiencies, and aligns design initiatives with broader business goals to deliver measurable returns.