PROFESSIONAL PROFILE

International award-winning creative art director/hands on designer with 18+ years experience in cleverly crafting publications for national brands, associations and organizations. Strong background in editorial design unites with marketing agency experience to deliver outstanding multi-channeled content for high profile clients. 

SKILLS

Adobe Creative Suite: InDesign, Incopy, Illustrator, Photoshop, PowerPoint, Acrobat
Concept development: Ability to work collaboratively across disciplines and departments
Creative direction: Exceptional organizational, analytic and communication skills
Strong people, budget and time management skills
Ability to work independently, manage multiple projects and meet deadlines

EDUCATION

Master of Arts in Communications & Exhibit Design
The George Washington University, Washington, DC

EXPERIENCE

Creative Director, Melissa H. Miller Designs
June 2014 – present

  • Reliable creative partner helping publication clients to reach target audiences, raise awareness,
    build brands, and enhance reputations.

  • Print focused excellence: creation of award-winning magazines, commissions photographers & illustrators, thrives when working collaboratively with editorial teams.

  • Development and implementation of unified branding, directing identity adherence across
    multi-channel materials.

  • Client service focus with a philosophy to always put clients’ vision first, resulting in a thriving business with long term loyal partners.

  • Loyal clients include: Society for Human Resource Management, Beyond Definition, The Ritz Carlton, The Adaptation Fund, American Association of Clinical Chemists, Gumbinner & Davies PR, The National Zoo, Familia Kitchen, FreshFarm Markets, & Treatment.com magazine.


Senior Art Director, Imagination Agency    
June 2016 – July 2020

  • Creative Lead for high profile client projects, including award winning redesign for the International Association of Interior Designers Perspective magazine, winning the coveted International CMA Best Redesign award. Launched multi-million dollar program for Staples, developing Worklife magazine from concept, pitch, win & development. 

  • Collaborate with internal teams, content director, editors, and project managers, to establish strategic and unique creative approaches for each client and assignment to deliver high-quality print, digital, and social media campaigns.

  • Mentor, manage and inspire designers, helping to grow skills and design toolkits.

  • Influencer who gets inspired buy-in and results from multiple stakeholders. Proven ability to present designs to senior leadership, communicate the reasoning behind work, and translate feedback into compelling visual materials.

  • Branch office founder. Essential part of a 4 person team tasked to establish a DC office for Chicago based agency with
    100+ employees: hiring and managing creative staff, developing and securing new business. 

Senior Art Director, Manifest LLC (Formerly McMurry/TMG)
Jun 2015 – May 2016

Senior Art Director, McMURRY/TMG, LLC
Apr 2004 – May 2015

  • Lead creative direction and design production for multi-channel programs, publications including WebMD, Walmart, Walgreens, Medscape, and American Association of Justice.

  • Manage and direct outside artists and photographers. Edit, determine and
    direct final artwork. Cultivate relationships with freelance photographers and illustrators, keeping ahead of trends and styles.

  • Spearhead creative strategy for content program redesigns and relaunches for print publications, websites, email marketing, and social media

  • Work on cross-office initiatives and committees as part of agency’s creative team.

  • Excellent idea generation and concept development across all digital platforms, assigning, and directing photography and illustrations.

    Creative Director, WebMD

  • Creative lead for agency’s top client, $15 million dollar annual revenue: WebMD Magazine (80MM+ readers annually) 8x a year, average 96 pp plus cover; 5+ custom supplements; iPad/tablet app

  • Conceptualize, develop and launch custom supplemental publications with advertising partners Walgreens and Walmart, addressing targeting audiences for wellness campaigns.

Art Director, American Association of Museums
May 1998 – Apr 2004

Graphic Designer, Kiplinger’s Personal Finance Magazine
May 1995 – May 1998