Strategic Creative thinker providing stylish design solutions and expertise in consumer packaged goods for Mass and Prestige Markets at point-of-sale.

Areas of expertise include successful implementation of all media to bring product to market inclusive of primary and secondary packaging, gift sets, merchandising displays, sell books, brochures, national print advertising conceptualization and execution, image editing and production, talent casting and print production.  Extensive experience in directing and managing an art department both large and small. A visionary who leads by example.  Vast experience in overseas travel.

Experience

Cra-Z-Art (LaRose Industries, LLC)
1578 Sussex Turnpike, Randolph, NJ
9/2013 - Present
Sr. Art Director

Responsibilities:
• Create/Direct the artistic vision for company and licensed consumer product brands
• Create, hire and manage in-house design department
• Create all supportive collateral such as packaging, signeage, POP displays, merchandising
• Rebranding and marketing of existing brands - layout, copy, package concept
• Ensure all packaging and component art is uploaded to overseas factories
• Photo shoot production (still life and models)

Horizon Group USA, Inc.
76 Stirling Rd, Warren, NJ
1/2007 - 9/2013
Creative Director/Sr. Art Director

Responsibilities:
•  Create, direct and design multiple consumer product brands (company and licensed)
•  Lead full-time staff of eleven designers on all products and packaging designs from
     initial sketches through finished products for mass retailers and specialty chains
•  Delegate work flow accordingly with team of designers
•   Source different retail outlets to keep up with current industry trends
•   Responsible for production schedule, ensuring all package and component art are
     uploaded to our overseas offices to meet key deadlines

Cosmetic Essence, Inc.
2182 Route 35 South, Holmdel, NJ
1/2005 – 1/2007
Creative Director

Responsibilities:
• Provided Creative Direction for licensed, celebrity and private label brands in
      the Bath and Body, Skincare, Cosmetics and Fragrance industries
• Head up Creative Department in the concept/design development of all packaging  
     (primary, secondary, gift sets), merchandising displays, sell sheets and advertising 
• Designed, directed and launched Precious Jewel by Ashanti and “The OC” fragrance
      lines in five month period
•  Senior executive on company committee for new product development and monthly
    budgetary reporting meetings reporting directly to the division president
• Traveled Overseas to Asia for prior product concept meeting and then on final product
   production and print press runs (2 times annually)
•  Worked directly with all print vendors on all print methods, die lines, prepress, etc.

Estee Lauder Companies, Inc.
767 Fifth Avenue, New York, NY
3/2001 - 10/2004
Director, Visual Merchandising (9/03- 10/04), and Creative Director (3/01- 9/03)
Responsibilities:

•   Provided Merchandising Direction for Aramis & Designer Fragrances' Prestige brands
     including Aramis, Tommy Hilfiger, True Star (Beyoncé), DKNY
•   Drove the inception, coordination and implementation of $10,000,000 worth of
     merchandising collateral and retailer in-store visuals
•   Directed the Creative Operations Director on brand layout and consistency
•   Directed and designed all in-case schematics by month and season
•   Responsible for design, execution and delivery of all sell kits and CD rom   
     presentations to Sales Department, staff and retailers.
•   Managed all aspects of merchandising expenditures staying within budgetary
     guidelines

•   Provided Creative Direction and Design for Jane Cosmetics
•   Created concept and design of all point-of-purchase materials at store level inclusive
     of riser cards, display panels, booklets, blister cards, display bases and  
     merchandising fixtures
•   Directed prepress and retouching for all print jobs
•   Negotiated with and hired talent (models, hair, makeup, stylists) for photoshoots
•   Directed, created and designed national advertising for consumer books and website
•   Directed and designed all primary and secondary packaging

Townley Cosmetics, Inc.
389 Fifth Avenue, New York, NY
1/1999 - 3/2001
Creative/Art Director

Responsibilities:
• Provided Art Direction and Design for manufacturer of licensed cosmetics brands
• Created concept and design of all point-of-purchase materials and company website
• Travel oversees to source, print and produce product and packaging
• Negotiated with overseas vendors while abroad
• Concept and design of primary and secondary packaging
• Set-up and staffed in-house art department

AM Cosmetics, Inc.
100 Porete Avenue, North Arlington, NJ
8/1992 - 1/1999
Creative Director

Responsibilities: 
• Provided Creative Direction and Design for company's mass retail budget brands
• Created point-of-purchase materials at store level - riser cards, display
   panels, promotional displays, booklets, blister cards, etc.
• Directed prepress and retouching for all print jobs
• Negotiated, hired and directed talent (models, hair, makeup, stylists) for photoshoots
• Designed and directed comps of all merchandising displays and fixtures for injection 
   molding, vacuum forming, corrugate and lithography
• Direction and design all primary and secondary packaging
• Concept and design of all in-house advertising

Skills
• Computer: Advanced in Adobe CS6 (Photoshop, Illustrator, In-Design)
   Proficiency in Microsoft Word, Excel, Powerpoint
• Traditional: Illustration in various media, layout and design
• Managerial: Strong organizational, motivational and leadership skills
• Personal: Functional well under extreme pressure. Able to communicate and present
   product and packaging design ideas clearly and effectively

Education
The School of Visual Arts, 209 East 23rd Street, New York, NY
B.F.A. degree, Advertising