WHITNEY MAY • CREATIVE DIRECTION & GRAPHIC DESIGN
630.995.1072 | wmay54@gmail.com
SUMMARY
A change-oriented, innovative, and results-driven creative director with in depth experience in project management, strategic planning, budgeting and forecasting, content creation, marketing, design and development, campaign management, brand relations, event coordination, and training and mentoring. Infuses and executes new and strategic ideas and creative energy into existing brands to solve business challenges. Leads brand launches through forward-thinking initiatives. Reinforces and amplifies goals of each design project for evolving business priorities. A resourceful leader that fosters workforce talent and builds a best-in-class reputation.
EXPERIENCE
WellDyne/HealthDyne | Lakeland, Florida (Remote)
Creative Director | October 2021 - Present
Art Director | November 2019 - October 2021
Lead corporate identity, brand execution, and graphic design function for company, with responsibility for consistent brand execution across all media and company touchpoints.
Supervise concepting, design, and execution for multiple large-scale events, including annual client conference, annual sales summit and annual marketing retreat. Develop unique event themes that are executed across design deliverables including invitations, teaser campaigns, giveaways, custom decks, and signage to ensure professional, well-branded cohesive events.
Lead creative expertise within department. Serve as mentor and design resource to 20 colleagues within marketing and proposal departments. Investigate new technologies to ensure brand stays fresh and evolves based on knowledge of up-to-date design principles.
Guide and supervise work of design freelancers, agencies, and team members to execute high-quality, consistent design.
Function as key member of marketing department leadership team, including creative input for annual marketing plan and managing creative budget to ensure projects are on time and within budget.
Lead department Engagement Committee to create high-performing and engaged workforce by implementing fun and creative employee engagement strategies that better support team and foster creativity.
Launch new division within company (HealthDyne) including design and execution of new logo, brand identity, LinkedIn presence,
pre-launch campaign, pitch decks, eBook, sell sheets, podcast series, signage, and digital banners.Rebrand main company (WellDyne) including creative elements of major launch such as sales decks, social media presence, digital campaign, brand guidelines, webinar series, sell sheets, case studies, townhall deck, and employee giveaways.
Serve as project manager for both the HealthDyne and WellDyne brand launches by creating project plans, defining project roles and responsibilities, performing project tracking through clear and concise status and time management reports; proactively identifying potential issues and tracking project member progress.
Direct concepting, design, and execution for key company initiatives including annual trend report (cornerstone publication in the pharmacy industry), eBook (highlight item for lead generation campaigns), brand book, and extensive suite of B2C materials for health plan members.
Work with internal stakeholders to understand business needs, concept ideas, and unique creative approaches to differentiate company and help retain customers and sell new business.
Consult and advise on best media to meet marketing goals, including design for digital campaigns, print collateral, web pages, presentations, trade show booths, and signage.
Manage design assets and version control with highly-organized approach that ensures consistency of execution and quality assurance of all design deliverables. Develop brand standards, educate employees, and monitor for compliance.
Collaborate with legal department and patent and trademark office (PTO) to protect logos, names, and brand assets, providing samples and descriptions as needed.
Umbrellas on the Beach | Evanston, Illinois (Remote)
Sr. Graphic Designer | March 2017 - November 2019
Supervised design projects from concept to delivery.
Provided art direction and collaborated with creative directors on concept, design, and development of various campaigns, presentations, and print materials.
Worked with account managers and clients to design and produce compelling event materials and presentations.
Designed original pieces including illustrations and infographics.
Created and implemented corporate brand guidelines ensuring consistent messaging and design across all projects.
Sears Holdings/Evoke Productions | Hoffman Estates, Illinois
Associate Creative Director | April 2016 - March 2017
Sr. Graphic Designer | July 2015 - April 2016
Collaborated with creative director to lead and inspire team of design professionals to produce inventive, thoughtful, and relevant work.
Managed multiple projects; planning, concept development, design, and implementation. Assigned tasks and monitored progress, ensuring that all elements are in alignment with business and marketing strategies. Provided feedback and updates to creative director.
Established creative direction for overall Sears/Kmart brand and sub-brands, communicating that direction to partners.
Worked with clients and presented team’s ideas and work to client. Listened to and articulated situation, goals, and requirements to creative team.
Provided direction/support and mentored senior designers and graphic designers to help them develop. Aided with hiring, orientation, training, and evaluation of team members.
Assumed job functions and responsibilities in absence of creative director.
Directed and developed own clients and projects, including turnover, schedule, deadline, meetings, and presentations. Measured messaging and execution against brand positioning and visual standards.
Assisted in establishing creative standards/style guides and formats and ensured adherence to those standards in all produced work.
Created and developed concepts, presented concepts to management, and designed and implemented approved concepts through creation of final art. Ensured that all produced elements are meaningful to customer, compelling, and in alignment with marketing and business strategies.
Developed and implemented assigned projects within given calendar and timeframe; accountable to meet deadlines. Worked within given budget. Directed agencies, production vendors, illustrators, and photographers as needed to design and implement concepts.
Provided art direction at product photo shoots for circular advertisements.
Sought ways to improve processes/efficiencies and quality of output within functional area.
Catamaran/OptumRx | Schaumburg, Illinois
Sr. Graphic Designer | January 2014 - June 2015
Oversaw conceptualization, design, and completion of communication collateral centered around corporate branding.
Led design, concept, and execution of communication open house, Catamaran National Business Conference, and Client Advisory Meeting. Aided in design and development of company brand standards book.
Designed and produced flyers, ads, books, brochures, postcards, invitations, posters, PowerPoint presentations, and corporate event deliverables. Managed work of contract graphic designers.
Directed and developed department employee engagement initiative.
Worked with various departments to determine best messaging strategies.
Built relationships with print, digital asset management, and project management vendors and selected best product/system for department’s needs. Supervised implementation of communication department’s digital asset and project management systems.
Officite | Downers Grove, Illinois
Creative Services Manager | December 2007 - December 2013
Led art direction and design of custom websites and templates by working directly with clients to fulfill vision. Created and implemented company ad campaigns.
Designed and executed company direct mail to 85,000 prospects and current clients.
Developed and coordinated all sales materials for trade shows including booth displays, sales slicks, banners, and direct mail.
Assisted in workflow management for graphic design team.
Oversaw execution of company mentor program.
Tracked success of advertising and direct mail campaigns through use of landing pages and tracking numbers.
Worked with 20 national and state medical association partners to develop marketing strategies.
Built and managed relationships with print vendors to obtain quotes and discuss production options.
TECHNICAL
Mac OS X
Photoshop
Illustrator
InDesign
XD
PowerPoint
Keynote
EDUCATION
Western Illinois University | Macomb, Illinois
B.A., Graphic Design
Minor in Marketing
Magna Cum Laude