I am a visual storyteller, and my success comes from combining powerful words and images to create sharp, clear messages. My strong communication skills and extensive design experience give me the  ability to transform client objectives into compelling and effective solutions.

I have had proven success in both small agency and large corporate environments; working independently or within a team. I know how to manage budgets, timelines and vendors to successfully deliver projects on time and above expectations. 

I understand there is more to design than what happens on the computer. Truly successful design comes from being a good listener and a great interpreter. My skills and experience in both the design and personal aspects of the work make me a unique and effective partner in any design process.

SOFTWARE
Adobe Photoshop, Adobe Illustrator, Adobe InDesign, QuarkXPress, Microsoft Office, Adobe Acrobat, PowerPoint, Keynote, Articulate, Emma, Survey Monkey

SUMMARY OF SKILLS
Corporate Storytelling, Corporate Communications, Presentation Design, Data Visualization/Infographics, Event Design, Change Management, Video Script Development, Content Development, Magazine/Page Layout, Identity/Logo Design, Proofreading, LMS Course Design, Marketing, Web/Print Art Direction, Project Management, Italian Language


EXPERIENCE
AGPA Communication Specialist— California Department of Public Health, MCSB
2018 — Present
Create templates for internal- and external-facing documents
Write and produce presentations for internal culture building
Create content and produce guidance documents for external audience
Assist various teams to produce visual and written "data stories"
Translate complex regulatory language into clear, understandable content

Internal Visual Communication Specialist — Raley's
2016 — 2018
Supported HR and Internal Communication team by creating culture-building campaigns and events
Developed copy and imagery for employee engagement tools and cultural initiatives
Supported executive team with Power Point presentation development and design
Wrote scripts for online education, employee-facing videos and external marketing videos
Created communication plan and wrote bi-weekly newsletter to support multi-year remodel project
Developed themes and provide change management support for multi-year wellness campaign
Provided concepting and designs for team member recognition awards and certificates
Supported both internal and external teams with campaign ideation, brainstorming and execution

Learning and Development Specialist — Raley's
2015 — 2016
Wrote training scripts for online educational courses
Created informative, customer-facing animated videos in Keynote
Translated complex education into clear and understandable infographics
Created new templates and visual style guides for internal communication tools

Graphic Designer — Ivie & Associates Inc. (for Raley's client)
2012 — 2015
Provided design support for the in-house advertising team at Raley’s corporate headquarters
Art directed photography and layouts for the Raley’s Something Extra® customer magazine
Developed copy, art directed and directed How-To videos for Raley’s public YouTube channel

Art Director / Copywriter / Artist (Brenda Walton Studio)
Developed copy for retail products, print marketing materials and company website
Ghostwrote and art directed layout and photography for published craft books by Brenda Walton
Collaborated in the development of product collections for national stationery and craft brands

Senior Graphic Design Specialist — City of Hope
2007-2012
Designed brochures, invitations, posters, newsletters and other print collateral materials
Created concept, copy, logos, and on-site signage for large scale fund-raising events 
Developed story and art for engaging infographics and PowerPoint presentations  

Graphic Artist/Art Director/Copywriter — Perler-Dimensions
2004-2007
Teamed with artist to brainstorm product ideas and develop mood boards for new collections
Prepared TV-ready presentations and product samples for appearances on QVC and QVC UK

Web Project Manager/Art Director/Copywriter — Seraphein Beyn Advertising
2001-2004
Managed in-house and freelance web developers for successful delivery of web projects
Developed logos, tag lines, websites, corporate identities, marketing and PR campaigns
Developed original copy for radio, TV, print advertisements and digital media campaigns

Adjunct Design Professor — University of California, Davis
1999
Designed and developed curriculum, projects and demonstrations for undergraduate classes
Managed budgets, personnel and safety requirements for university performance project

Web Special Projects Manager — SacWeb, Inc.
1999-2001
Managed team of web developers to support and maintain 200 client websites
Increased department revunue over $30,000 per month within 3 months

Assistant Art Director/Art Director — Universal Studios, Hollywood
1997-1998
Assisted in design and management of Universal Studios’ Halloween and Christmas productions
Managed timelines and mulitiple vendors for decor installation of park and performance venues

Freelance Theatrical Designer — Sacramento, Los Angeles, Seattle, New York, Dallas
1990-2000
Designed scenery, lighting, and costumes for live stage productions throughout the U.S.
Managed crews and supervised production scheduling, budgets, and personnel
  


EDUCATION

M.F.A., Theatrical Design — California Institute of the Arts (CalArts), Los Angeles
B.A., Theatrical Design — CSU, Sacramento, Summa Cum Laude
B.A., Italian Studies — CSU, Sacramento, Summa Cum Laude
Pre-Press Certificate, Print Media — Los Rios Community Colleges, Sacramento
Slide:ology Workshop, Power Point Design — Duarte Design, Moutain View


ACKNOWLEDGMENTS

InHouse Design Award 2011, Graphic Design USA —Shelli and Irving Azoff Invitation Package
InHouse Design Award 2011, Graphic Design USA — City of Hope Walk for Hope Collateral
Dramalogue Theatre Award — Scenery Design, Design for Living, A Noise Within Theatre 
Dramalogue Theatre Award, Lighting Design — Design for Living, A Noise Within Theatre 
Thunen Lighting Design Fellowship, Illumination Engineering Society