KERRI MCHALE

Richmond, CA
510.236.7478
kerri@laughingwild.com

EMPLOYMENT

PC Guardian, San Rafael, CA

Marketing Communications and Design, February 2006 - Present

Responsible for all design projects from concept to completion including print, web, HTML email, branding, style guides and packaging. Reduced printing costs by designing modular, customized sales literature. Improved web site W3C compliancy, accessibility and SEO performance. Designed and launched successful branding, packaging, marketing campaign, and web site for college retail product line. Led development of feature-rich web tools that aided in closing major deals.

Devon Publishing Group, Novato, CA

Senior Marketing Graphic Designer, May 2004 - February 2006

Produced all marketing materials, packaging and POP from concept through press check. Worked across departments and vendors to ensure a smooth workflow and quality, award-winning end product. Served as overflow designer for retail products such as gift wrap. Designed POP displays and virtual renderings that helped secure large footprints in major retail chains.

Portal Publications, Ltd., Novato, CA

Art Director, June 2001 - May 2004 (Assoc. Art Director 06/01-07/02)

Planned and produced retail calendars and decorative prints for publication and distribution. Responsible for up to 350 titles per quarterly release. Researched retail markets to define trends, emerging artists and consumer buying patterns. Developed new concepts and formats and refreshed perennial best-sellers. Styled photo shoots. Oversaw production and proofed final designs. Sourced and secured licensors, artists, writers and agencies. Worked with high-value licensors to secure relationships and add product value. Grew Matted & Framed print categories from minor SBUs to significant revenue sources.

Graphic Designer / Marketing Communications, May 2000 - June 2001

Produced marketing and sales collateral, POP signage and internal communications from concept through press check. Wrote and developed marketing copy. Participated in photo shoots. Initiated redesign of catalog templates with updated look. Cut production costs by condensing catalog size without compromising design quality.

Marketing Assistant / Wall Decor, May 1999 - May 2000

Provided multilevel support to management, including reports and analysis, design of product plan-o-grams, catalogs, and management of distributed “Trend” poster line.

Independant Web, Print & Identity Designer January 2005 - Present

Design and implementation of logos, web sites, catalogs, trade advertisements, business cards, direct mail, and large format trade show backdrops. Clients represent a wide range of business categories from software companies to fine art. Client list includes Domico, KidModern, Jaya Massage, SimpliciTea.

SUMMARY OF RELEVANT COMPETENCIES

PROFESSIONAL
Art direction
Project management
Print design & production
Web standards & accessibility
SEO
Strategic planning
Product development
Copy writing

TECHNICAL
Mac and PC platforms
Adobe Creative Suite (Adobe InDesign, Adobe Photoshop, Adobe Illustrator, Adobe Acrobat, Adobe GoLive)
Quark XPress
Dreamweaver, Coda
(X)HTML, CSS and Javascript
W3C Standards Compliance
Font management (i.e. Extensis Suitcase)
MS Powerpoint
MS Excel
MS Word
Lotus Notes
FTP Clients (i.e. Fetch Softworks)

PERSONAL
Thorough comprehension of product development and print processes from concept through distribution
Intuitive and creative problem solving
Skilled at managing and prioritizing multiple concurrent projects on tight deadlines with minimal supervision
Extremely fast learner; both new skills and new software

EDUCATION

Dominican University of California, 1995-1999, San Rafael, CA

B.F.A., Magna Cum Laude, Spring 1999
G.P.A.: Major: 3.83, Cumulative: 3.78
Major: Fine Arts, Drawing and Printmaking Emphasis
Minor: English Literature, Writing Emphasis
Awards: Presidential Scholarship 1995-99, Deans List 1995-99, Gamma Sigma Honors Society