Loop 40th Anniversary
Website Section
02
Experience
Over 12 years of thoughtful design, development, and direction
In my career, I’ve experienced a variety of great opportunities and challenges, all of which have helped diversify and strengthen my skillset as a design leader.
January 2014 – Present
Design Lead / Production Manager – Cumulus Media*
I lead a multifaceted creative department for a cluster of Chicago radio stations, doing design work for 101WKQX (WKQX-FM), WLS-AM 890, and 94.7 WLS (WLS-FM). My team also designed for the iconic 97.9 The Loop (WLUP-FM) up until March 2018. From conceptualization and consultation, to design & development, to final deployment, I manage a team that creates custom print/web/video solutions to compliment our on-air products. Our work strengthens the various radio brands, while generating revenue within an increasingly challenging and evolving environment.
July 2011 – January 2014
Design Lead / Production Manager – Merlin Media*
My role was a combination of responsibilities for the Digital Department, a design team that produced all the visual elements (print, web, and video) used for cross-platform promotion and audience engagement to enhance our radio station brands in Chicago, New York, and Philadelphia. I became very proficient at juggling many tasks: collaborating with other departments to conceptualize custom solutions; art direction and project management; rolling up my sleeves to design & code; traveling to locations for photo and video.
November 2010 – July 2011
Design Lead / Production Manager – Emmis Communications*
With this job promotion, I supervised the Digital Department, a team of designers that produced cross-platform promotion (print, web, and video) for Chicago’s flagship radio stations Q101 (WKQX-FM) and 97.9 The Loop (WLUP-FM). I collaborated with other departments, conceptualized custom solutions and content strategy, provided art direction and leadership, all while taking part in an active role in designing and production.
August 2008 – November 2010
Web Designer – Emmis Communications
I was the lead for web design and content strategy for Chicago’s iconic radio stations Q101 (WKQX-FM) and 97.9 The Loop (WLUP-FM). I helped develop custom online solutions that bolstered the brands and drove revenue for our larger tent pole station concerts & events. I also facilitated in other day-to-day content and site maintenance that’s common with radio station websites.
August 2005 – August 2008
Graphic Designer – Grady Campbell Incorporated
Working for Grady Campbell was an ideal place to begin my design career. My role encompassed a variety of print projects, with a little web design and interactive development. I was integral for all conceptualization, design, development, and gained experience in specifying paper, going on print checks, and even art directing photo shoots.
*On two separate occasions, in July 2011 and again in January 2014, the company I was working for was bought out by another company.
03
Approach
Thoughtful, and detail-oriented
I believe every project is unique, possessing its own set of objectives and challenges that require a carefully-tailored strategy. Despite the variety of projects, and their subsequent strategies, here are some commonly-used aspects in my design arsenal.
Listen, Ask, Identify
Every project begins with a conversation to identify objectives and deadlines. The ability to listen, followed by the ability to ask relevant questions, are both essential to identify an efficient course of action. Once I have all necessary info, I turn to my sketch pad to begin creating quick, loose ideas to help articulate the direction that I intend to move forward with.
Tools
Depending on what I’m designing, I’ll use any combination of the following: Sketch, Principle, Illustrator, Photoshop, Dreamweaver, Codepen, InDesign, After Effects, Final Cut Pro, Dropbox, Google Apps, Asana, pen & paper.
Resourcefulness
For design and development inspiration, I turn to a variety of assets (specialists or services) to produce successful results in a timely fashion. “When in doubt, Google it.” That’s my motto. With a little determination and curiousity, I’ve used Google to overcome a variety of design/development roadblocks.
Communication & Follow-Through
Two key factors to strengthen any working relationship – communication and follow-through. Helps demonstrate understanding and competence, which helps build trust. Deliver when you say you’ll deliver.
04
Miscellaneous
More about me, and my interests outside of design
When I’m not working, I like to keep busy with a variety of concerts, sporting events, and other hobbies.
Right place, right time:
I’m always ready to press “Record”, at a moment’s notice.
More:
Here are a handful of photos that tell a little bit more about me, and some of my interests.