Resume

Creative Director with extensive experience leading multichannel teams and developing innovative creative strategies. Proven track record of increasing engagement, optimizing processes, effectively mentoring creatives, and delivering outstanding results for top brands. Proven results in B2B and B2C spaces including healthcare, pharma, and hospitality.

EXPERIENCE

Freelance/Contract Work
Alana Waters Creative, Chicago, IL
April 2010 – Present

  • Clients: United Airlines, Walgreens, Kendra Scott, Sears, McDonald's, Procter & Gamble.

  • Roles and Highlights:

    • Associate Creative Director, Walgreens.com | B2C

      • Managed a creative team designing architecture, user interfaces, and messaging for Walgreens' online properties.

      • Led the concept to launch and post-launch optimization of Walgreens' buy online, pickup curbside model, increasing adoption by 200%.

    • Senior Art Director, Pfizer | Pharma

      • Managed a creative team producing integrated creative solutions across digital/interactive, print, and photography channels.

    • UX Associate Creative Director, BarcodesInc.com | B2B

      • Produced all digital marketing and user experience designs for a B2B company, achieving a 200% lift in conversion through optimized eCommerce checkout flow.

    • Director of Interactive Services, Marketing Support, Inc. | Agency, Events

      • Managed strategy and production for Dalai Lama's event at University of Wisconsin, enhancing engagement through social media and interactive Q&A.

Creative Director
Alma Lasers, Chicago, IL | B2B, D2C, Healthcare, Events
October 2022 – January 2024

  • Directed cross-platform digital marketing campaigns, boosting online engagement..

  • Mentored and developed team members, enhancing overall team performance and fostering a positive work environment.

  • Implemented data-driven strategies for weekly collateral reviews, improving marketing efficiency.

  • Spearheaded video/photo production projects, driving a 20% increase in customer engagement.

Global Creative Director
Claire's & Icing Stores, Hoffman Estates, IL | B2C
April 2017 – March 2019

  • Oversaw content creation, digital design, UX, copy, photography, video, packaging, and print for Claire's and Icing Stores.

  • Managed a 22-person team across Chicago and Birmingham, UK.

  • Directed cross-functional teams to achieve a 150% increase in digital engagement.

  • Implemented strategic initiatives to streamline design processes, reducing project turnaround time.

Adjunct Professor
Columbia College Chicago, Chicago, IL
September 2015 – June 2019

  • Taught Digital Image Design, covering Adobe Creative Suite, HTML, and CSS in the evenings to first year students.

Associate Creative Director
MMG Agency, Chicago, IL | Agency, B2B, B2C
April 2015 – March 2017

  • Oversaw all creative for the agency including content creation, photo/video, UX/UI, and digital advertising collateral for Time Warner Cable, Marriott Hotels, Paynet, Sears, and Kmart.

  • Client-facing role.

  • Managed a 7 -person team of multichannel creatives.

  • Implemented strategic initiatives to streamline design processes, reducing project turnaround time.

  • Won new business through thorough research and project intake.

EDUCATION & CERTIFICATIONS

BFA / School of Visual Arts New York, NY Photography, Mass Media

UX Design & Best Practices San Francisco, CA Nielsen/Norman Group

AWARDS

Addy: Gold, Cinematography/Videography • Issued by AAF · Feb 2023
Palm Beach Tan: USVI Campaign. Art Direction, wardrobe/hair/makeup & prop design, on-set wardrobe/styling. (Agency: Archer Malmo)

Addy: Silver, Local Television Campaign • Issued by AAF · Feb 2023

Southland Resort & Casino: Creative concept, storyboards and on-set AD for their Now Open campaign. All multichannel creative. (Agency: Archer Malmo)

Stevie Award • American Business Awards · Jan 2021
Client: Procter & Gamble, Crest Whitening Emulsions social media campaign. Role: Video Editor. (Agency: MMI)

SKILLS

Creative Direction · Process Design & Optimization · Coaching & Mentoring · Team Leadership · UX Research · Marketing Strategy · Agile Methodologies · Digital Marketing · Problem Solving · Video/Photoshoot Production & Editing · Adobe Creative Suite · eCommerce UX/UI · Online Advertising · User Interface Design · Graphic Design · Creative Strategy · Logo Design · Art Direction · Email Marketing · Web Design · Photography · Packaging Design · Brand Development · Social Media Marketing · Vendor Management