experience

OWNER, amanda baker design

gaithersburg, md // february 2017 - present

CREATIVE DIRECTOR

decisionhealth // gaithersburg, md // april 2014 - february 2017

At DecisionHealth, I was responsible for revitalizing the visual communications and outward-facing personality of the company including a brand-strategy overhaul, introduction and implementation of modern technologies and practices. I was also tasked with reinvigorating the design team through professional growth and mentorship.

• lead creative team, acquire appropriate resources for professional growth, modernize overall design approach
• translate business objectives into successful visual solutions for both print and web
• transform visual communications to meet current standards and best-practices
• lead design and development of products, campaigns, websites and marketing materials for increased conversion
• apply user-centered principles to address complex design problems
• oversee web and app development from concept to completion, including wireframes, prototyping, usability testing, design and build
• develop production schedules, scope and requirements for effective collaboration and timely results
• continually improve effectiveness of design products through research of best practices, redesigning creative processes and implementing changes

ART DIRECTOR

graphcom creative // gettysburg, pa // october 2009 - february 2014

At Graphcom, I managed a small team of designers and interns in an agency setting, developed and pitched concepts and campaigns, met with clients to determine project scope and budgets, and coordinated with outside vendors; printers, photographers, and writers.

• develop strategic marketing campaigns and/or individual pieces for clients nationwide
• create and execute design concepts
• develop artwork for a variety of materials including advertisements, direct mail, websites and other collateral
• analyze information and evaluate results to choose the best solution
• supervise the work of junior designers and interns
• organize and direct creative meetings and photo shoots
• conduct client meetings and determine project scope

ART DIRECTOR

frederick gorilla magazine // gettysburg, pa // june 2012 - february 2014

As the art director for the Frederick Gorilla magazine, I developed a comprehensive brand strategy and redesign for the publication. I also managed the production schedule, coordinated and assigned writers and photographers within budget, and concepted marketing collateral.

• create and oversee overall design of the magazine
• supervise staff designers; hire and manage art interns
• manage art and photo department budget
• coordinate with production and editorial departments to ensure deadlines are met
• establish brand consistency in print and web collateral

education

bachelor of arts

integrative arts | the pennsylvania state university, university park, pa | may 2005
minors architectural studies, french
gpa 3.67 | graduated cum laude

skills

competencies

html5/css3 | adobe CC | responsive design | UI/UX design | usability testing | prototyping/axure

• 11 years of creative leadership in both in-house and agency settings
• ability to connect with and motivate team members for optimal results
• solid foundation in UI/UX fundamentals with practical application
• strong understanding of information architecture and interactive design
• excellent at time management and multi-tasking
• extremely detail-oriented and organized highly effective interpersonal and communication skills

Kudos

Addy awards

judge’s award | non-traditional advertising | 2013
gold | non-traditional advertising | 2013
gold | website | 2013
gold | annual report | 2013
gold | sales kit | 2013
gold | editorial spread | 2013
silver | sales kit | 2010
silver | annual report | 2010

Hermes awards

gold | annual report | 2012

local awards

aiga blue ridge clockwork people’s choice award | brochure package | 2012

PICA awards

first place | direct mail campaign | 2008
first place | magazine ad series | 2008
first place | magazine ad series | 2007