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professionalexperience

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Hello.

"Starting with my first job at a local Park District, I've enjoyed the fast-paced, ever-changing atmosphere of the design industry. I've discovered that my energetic personality and critical thinking skills tend to lend themselves well to the work, but, above all, my creative vision is my greatest asset. Clients have praised me for my ability to produce design projects, in a timely manner, from initial concept to launch, that exceed their expectations. Given the chance to work with a team of eager design and marketing professionals, in developing a strong creative strategy and creating long lasting client relationships, would be a real pleasure."

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2016 to Current

Vernon Hills, Illinois ​

Rust-Oleum Corporation

Graphic Designer/Art Director

 

  • Led a comprehensive rebranding of Rust-Oleum’s industrial platform, creating a modern, cohesive identity that revitalized product interest and sales.

  • Designed and launched new product logos to align with the refreshed brand image and strengthen market presence.

  • Managed and mentored a cross-functional team of designers and creative service professionals to roll out new branding across all industrial product lines under tight marketing deadlines.

  • Redesigned all industrial marketing materials, including sell sheets, brochures, product guides, web pages and catalogs, to reflect the new brand identity. The updated design influenced international marketing efforts and inspired global adaptations.

  • Received the Rust-Oleum Marketing “Customer Intimacy Award” for exceeding expectations on the new image and branding for the industrial platform.

  • Initiated new and strengthened existing relationships with service providers to reduce prepress demands, shorten production turnaround and build true partnerships.

  • Built partnerships with vendors to streamline production, cut prepress demands, and speed turnaround.

  • Partnered with marketing teams and in-house creative services to create packaging, POP, literature, digital assets and other sales and marketing materials from concept through final.

  • Designed and fabricated a storage rack system to improve department efficiency and organization for large-format materials.

2014 to 2015

Winfield, Illinois ​

RE|Creations and Design

Creative Consultant/Art Director

 

  • Directed complete brand development for multiple small businesses and organizations, crafting cohesive visual identities that enhanced market presence.

  • Created compelling copy and design for marketing materials, including event programs, displays, signage and promotional campaigns.

  • Partnered vendors to streamline workflows, reduce turnaround times and ensure premium-quality deliverables.

  • Guided clients in building engaging social media campaigns to strengthen customer engagement and brand visibility.         

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2002 to 2014

Wheaton, Illinois ​

educationdegrees

technicalproficiencies

professionalawards

2019​

personalfacts

resume

AlphaGraphics

Art Director/Sr. Graphic Designer/Department Manager

 

  • Directed the full lifecycle of multiphase marketing campaigns for a diverse client base, from concept through production.

  • Designed a wide range of creative materials including corporate identities, logos, packaging, catalogs, marketing collateral, trade show displays and digital assets; provided copywriting, photography and photo retouching as needed.

  • Collaborated with clients to define project budgets, timelines and deliverables, ensuring accuracy and cost efficiency throughout production.

  • Led and managed daily department operations, supervising a creative team to maintain high design standards and consistent output under tight deadlines.

  • Oversaw communication with team members and vendors to quickly resolve challenges and adapt to shifting project needs.

  • Handled IT management responsibilities, including equipment installation, system maintenance and software updates to ensure optimal departmental performance.

Northern Illinois University

Bachelor of Arts/Graphic Design

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Elgin Community College

Associates Degree/Graphic Design

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MacOS, Windows, Adobe Creative Cloud (InDesign, Illustrator, Photoshop, Acrobat), Microsoft Office, HTML, web and video editing software, large-format printers and finishing equipment.

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Rust-Oleum “Customer Intimacy” Award

Received the Rust-Oleum Marketing “Customer Intimacy Award” for exceeding expectations on the new image and branding for the entire industrial (first time awarded to a contracted employee).

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  • Earned the rank of Eagle Scout with the Boy Scouts of America.

  • Owner and master craftsman of Swendsen Wood Products, Ltd., a woodworking and Renaissance Faire business.

  • Skilled at troubleshooting and repairing a wide range of equipment and tools.

  • Proudly left-handed (known for a creative perspective and unique approach to problem-solving).

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