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about me >

I'm driven to bring vision and creativity to the possibilities ahead and inspire those who dare to reach for them.
Purposeful and innovative concept and design requires leadership with a roll-up your sleeves approach
from insight to execution... so let's have some fun and do amazing work together!

EXPERIENCE

Johnson Rauhoff      Benton Harbor. MI

Creative Director

10/21 - Current

  • Face of the studio. Runs day to day operations while overseeing key accounts
    and studio staff, including art directors, copy writers, photographers, stylist,
    and digital imaging.

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  • Advances video capabilities: concept and script writing, story boarding, directing
    and production.  

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  • Develops and oversees digital content creation for client brand sites, ecommerce, and social media.  

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  • Creates efficient processes to help drive overall efficiency and work flow, creative and production consistency.

Owner/Soulful Branding

Creative Director/Designer

2/1/21 - Current

Currently, developing branding, marketing, consumer experience, production, distribution plan for a new premium spirits brand in Southwest Michigan. 

Consulting on various marketing and design projects and considering full time for the right creative lead opportunity.

Whirlpool Corp.

Assoc. Creative Director

10/1/19 - 2/1/21

  • Built an integrated and dedicated in-house Shopper and Co-marketing Creative Studio team.
     

  • Oversaw the strategic and creative development in-store and online national and account specific promotional programs for Whirlpool Corporation Major Brands.
     

  • Brands included JennAir, Maytag, KitchenAid, Whirlpool, Amana, Affresh, Everydrop and Gladiator.

Anthem Worldwide       Battle Creek, MI

Senior Creative Director 3/03 - 10/18

Clients: Kellogg’s (All Divisions), Jim Beam (Dekuyper, Pinnacle), Energizer, Mars (Dove Chocolates, Uncle Ben’s), Amway (XS Sports Nutrition, Nutri-lite)

 

  • Contributed to revenue growth of 500% in 15 years, through influencing and activating operational, staffing, training and business development initiatives.
     

  • Critical part of the leadership team - Oversaw office, including organizational structure, pricing and revenue, project development, staff training, new business, capabilities, and creative client contact.
     

  • Built, led and fostered development of a creative department of 25+ people, including 4 teams of designers (Creative Directors, Seniors, and Designers), production artist, copy writers and traffic management.
     

  • Guided and developed concept and execution for  “big idea” strategic brand initiatives, brand and design architecture, media campaigns, shopper marketing strategies and tactics, promotional and sales marketing programs for all channels, including in-store P.O.S., packaging, trade communications, print, digital and social media.

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141 Worldwide  Chicago, IL

Creative Director
5/99 - 2/03

Clients: Kraft Brands (Meals, Cheese, Pizza, Corporate Division), Kellogg’s, Polaroid,
Sun-maid,  Snap-On Tools
 

  • Developed and nurtured creative teams of up to 10 people to consistently deliver unique and strategically sound creative solutions.
     

  • Partnered with Account and Copy Director to lead all aspects of campaign and program development: shopper marketing strategies, multi-branded promotional events, package design, sales communications, and served as main creative client lead and contact.
     

  • Key driver in securing several national accounts, including Kraft, Polaroid,
    and Sun-Maid.
     

  • Formalized GATF (Graphical Arts Technical Foundation) training in packaging specification, technologies, and design.
     

  • An instrumental part of growing the Kraft business into the largest account
    in agency's history.

The Grand Group 
Chicago, IL

Creative Director    
7/97 - 5/99

Clients: Gatorade, Guinness Brands, Jim Beam Brands

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  • Staffed and led creative department - 8 design, copy writers, and production artist.
     

  • Oversaw and developed all stages of creative development including strategy, concept, design and execution.
     

  • Developed departmental processes including traffic and print buying.
     

  • Grew business and revenue 37% over 2 years.

accomplishments

  • Won multiple Graphic Design USA and Communicator Awards.

 

  • School Board Member at St. Margaret's grade school for 6 years handling marketing, campaign and website development.
     

  • Current Board Member at Kellogg Community College Design Program for advising curriculum, students, & placement.
     

  • Guest Speaker at Western Michigan and Kellogg Community College for the Graphics Program.
     

  • Guest Instructor at Columbia College Design Program in Chicago for 2 years.

skill sets

Software Proficiencies: Adobe Photoshop, Illustrator, and InDesign,
Microsoft Powerpoint and Word, Keynote

Education

Columbus College of Art and Design    I    Bachelor of Fine Arts

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