Art Director Creative

MARK

EDWARDS

ad8ku8@r.postjobfree.com 562-***-**** LONG BEACH, CA MARKEDWARDSDESIGN.COM

Experienced creative leader with 12+ years in design and advertising. Proven track record managing high-impact projects for luxury automotive, gaming, CPG, education, and non-profit sectors. Skilled in project management, brand identity shaping, trend forecasting, and maintaining brand consistency. Eager to Art Director + Designer contribute to a dynamic team dedicated to exceptional design experiences. WORK HISTORY

MARK EDWARDS DESIGN – Creative Storyteller, Designer & Strategist Long Beach, CA 06/2019 – PRESENT

Conceptualized and executed strategies for small businesses & start-ups, ensuring alignment with brand values, visual identity, and ADA-compliant digital platforms, while meeting, or exceeding project objectives. Directed brand development, core messaging, and visual identity efforts, delivering compelling presentations, while cultivating the client relationship by providing insights and guidance throughout the process. Proactively prioritized client objectives, values, and budgets, consistently meeting project timelines and targets. Enhanced audience engagement by incorporating compelling visuals & interactive elements into digital stories. Boosted brand recognition with captivating storytelling, tailored to target audiences across various platforms. APEX PERFORMANCE – Art Director

Lake Forest, CA 08/2014 – 06/2019

Collaborated with Creative Director on concepts and designs for premium automotive accounts (Lexus, Toyota, Audi, BMW, Acura). Managed and optimized workflows for multiple projects and teams (B2B/B2C), ensuring consistent brand identity across channels. Forecasted macro/micro trends in design, color, consumer industries, people & society, and media & technology. Spearheaded the development of comprehensive “employee-centric” training for 15,000+ US Lexus employees, integrating websites, digital tools & apps, in-person training materials, webinars, and innovative training tours. Enhanced overall design quality by mentoring junior designers, career mapping, and providing constructive feedback on their work. Boosted client account by 34% YOY through targeted solutions for Lexus US dealerships. Audited & aligned all in-person and digital curriculums with Lexus brand values, revamped all communication channels utilizing human-centered design principles, and customized solutions with execution and sustainment plans. ALCONE – Art Director

Irvine, CA 05/2011 – 08/2014

Partnered with the Creative Director to create compelling concepts and designs for diverse clients, including the California State Lottery, Safeway/Albertsons, Nestlé, Patrón, and Kraft-Heinz. Facilitated collaboration with account management teams, ensuring a deep understanding of client objectives and expectations.

Collaborated closely with internal design team, copywriters, illustrators, and freelance vendors on concepts and initial comps. Improved brand consistency by developing & implementing comprehensive visual guidelines across all platforms. Awarded six times by industry-related associations including the ADDY Awards (2014, 2013), Pro Awards (2013), Reggie Award

(2013), and Creativity International Awards (2013, 2012). VISION DESIGN STUDIO – Graphic Designer

Long Beach, CA 07/2010 – 05/2011

Time managed multiple projects concurrently from concept to completion for national campaigns (The Art Institutes, The Salvation Army).

Conceptualized & designed diverse marketing collateral, from brochures to web banners, ensuring high-quality and visually appealing deliverables.

Worked flexible hours across night, weekend, and holiday shifts. Recognized an opportunity to establish design relationships with local campus PR teams for The Art Institutes account, capturing four additional high-profile projects as well as several up sales across projects in under a year. EDUCATION + AFFLIATIONS

THE ART INSTITUTE OF CALIFORNIA—OC

Santa Ana, CA GRADUATED: 03/2011 GPA: 3.94

BACHELOR OF SCIENCE: Graphic Design

AIGA – OC Chapter Member (since 2010)

SKILLS

» Leader & Optimist

» Collaborator & Strategic Thinker

» Superb Attention to Detail

» Adobe Creative Suite

» Creative & Analytical

» Resilient, Flexible & Agile

» Motivated & Self-Aware

» Curious with a Growth Mindset

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