My Skills

Graphic Design

I love the creative process, gleaning from a client what it is they wish to express, and building a graphical look and feel to express that vision.
My skills include:

Strong illustrative and creative skills – the ability to quickly produce concepts that hit the target

Professional and complete knowledge of Adobe Creative Suite design software: Indesign, Illustrator and Photoshop mastery. I have also taught these skills at the college level, and constantly keep up to date with new trends and updates.
Very strong storyboard, thumbnail (digital or hand drawn) conceptual presentations
Strong knowledge of marketing strategies, including print, web, social media
Skilled use of Powerpoint to create effective presentations. The same skills apply to the use of Acrobat for file distribution, client proofing and presentations.

Web Design

Strong knowledge of web design, html, css, with a focus on CMS software (WordPress, Weebly, Go Daddy & other site building systems) for site building/management and coaching.
Experienced in working with clients to storyboard websites, including writing content, concepting graphical interface, applying relevant user interface for optimum navigational and information flow and Search Engine Optimization
Skilled use of e_Marketing tools, such as Mail Chimp and Constant Contact to create email campaigns
Experienced in creating online subscription forms to solicit subscribers.

Production/Prepress

As much as I love the creative process (the 'fun' stuff') I thrive on the steady hum of production art - always the most lengthy and important part of any design project.

Completely knowledgeable in all aspects of desktop publishing, including: direction, design, layout, production, pre-press
Fast, careful and efficient production, using all the tagging and automated tools available in all the software I use.
Skilled at archiving and organizing electronic files.
Skilled at creating Excel spreadsheets to provide electronic tracking, estimating and RFQ responses. Also skilled in Microsoft Word for the same purposes.
Strong knowledge of Microsoft Word and Excel, including creating templates for clients.
Working knowlege of Flash and Sketchup

Teaching

I have excellent editorial, writing and communications skills in English. I am also a confidant public speaker and presenter.

Strong organizational skills, student succcess skills, preparing and presenting material for a variety of learning styles. Skilled in building online course material.
In 2005 I developed an outreach program that delivers curriculum-linked art lessons to local elementary schools on a fee-per-student basis. ArtReach© is still active today.

Management

Multi-task oriented, efficient at managing projects. I can facilitate any requirement, whether it be translation to French, photographic shoots, peripheral product sourcing (such as signage, promotional products). Also experienced in managing subordinates.
Writing RFQ’s to suppliers, negotiating pricing, detailing print requirements and strategies are tasks I have long performed.

French Language Skills

While not officially bilingual, I have a strong knowledge of French and have worked in the language for years.