Work Experience

July 2021-Present
Creative Director
WB Marketing

Responsible for the creative direction of WB Marketing’s clients; presentation and execution of branding and design of clients; the profitability, budget and creative quality of the agency.

I guide all projects and am responsible for the overall quality of work produced by the creative department. I tend to keep one foot in the trenches, helping to generate the big ideas. Here is a list of daily things I am responsible for:

• Manage the creative process from concept to completion
• Translate marketing objectives into clear creative strategies
• Work closely with multidisciplinary project teams
• Lead and direct the creative team in the production of all marketing and branding collateral for clients
• Ensure visual communication and brand standards are met
• Oversee client pitches and proposals
• Oversee profitability, deliverables, timelines and budgets
• Meet with clients or upper management to explain campaign strategies and solutions
• Review work, troubleshoot and provide feedback to creative teams
• Remain actively involved in hiring and training creative staff
• Manage and cultivate the career development of design, photography and video staff members
• WordPress Development and Design
• HTML5 Advertising Design

September 2011 – March 2021
Creative Director
Virginia Media

Responsible for the creative output of Distinction Magazine, VA Growler Craft Beer Magazine, PRIME, and Outer Banks Magazine, with oversight of the art directors, photographers and creative processes; presentation and execution of branding and design of the magazines; the profitability, budget and creative quality of the magazines, and the operational readiness of the online components including the website and social media outlets, all in fulfillment of our brand promise to our readers.

• Work collaboratively with the editor in the development of stories
• Ability to execute creative concepts and copy, and clearly communicate creative direction to others
• Excellent communication, planning, time-management, and follow-through skills
• Manage budgets, procuring and scheduling of freelance photographers and illustrators
• Manage art direction, design, and production of the magazines
• Prepare and justifying job estimates
• Quality control, including proofing, reviewing, creative output and processes
• Produce videos for online use
• Create and manage all social media content including Twitter, Facebook, and Instagram
• Creating and maintaining the www.DistinctionVA.com website and the www.VAGrowlerMag.com websites

Responsible for creating various ad campaigns for businesses in Hampton Roads and beyond which include print, direct marketing, and digital solutions. Also in-house Pilot Media marketing collateral.

July 2019-December 2019
Creative Consultant
Kansas City Magazine

Responsible for redesigning and rebranding the former 435 Magazine in Kansas City into Kansas City Magazine. Redesigned their logo, cover and inside pages, helped advise current art directors on photo editing and photoshoot direction.

March 2008 – September 2011
Creative Director
Virginian-Pilot Media Companies, LLC

Created various ad campaigns for businesses in Hampton Roads, and outside of the market, which include print, direct marketing and digital solutions. Designed all in-house Pilot Media marketing and collateral. Creative consulted and trained a graphic design staff of 24 designers. Looked at advertising and project creative to ensure it meets creative standards and business goals. Went on client calls with sales executives and presented creative to clients to lock in potential revenue. Had a sell ratio of 75% – 85% of all projects presented from March 2008 – September 2011.

June 2005 – March 2008
Graphic Design Team Leader
Virginian-Pilot Media Companies, LLC

Managed and scheduled a graphic design staff of 8 designers. Held meetings, creative consulted designs of staff, helped in brainstormings, provided consult and problem solving between sales staff and design. Worked with other team leaders and sales managers to uncover potential revenue opportunities.

March 2001 – June 2005
Graphic Designer
Virginian-Pilot Media Companies, LLC

Managed ad list of over 60 clients weekly for The Beacon (city tab) and the Virginian-Pilot newspaper as well as producing creative specs and projects.