Customer Service Sales

Kim Matthews Creative Thinker / Problem Solver / Team Leader

913-***-**** abj4jl@r.postjobfree.com

Creative development professional. Ten-plus years of corporate experience

in product design, project management and customer service. Expert in

building relationships and providing clear direction and inspiration to

others. Proactive, detail-oriented and a creative thinker who thrives on

problem solving.

Business & Creative Skills

.

Strong Design Aesthetic

Creative Aptitude

Team Leadership

Customer Relations

Business Problem Solving

3D & Print Production Expertise

Product Evaluation and Quality

Control

Vendor Relations

PROFESSIONAL EXPERIENCE

Strong Design Aesthetic - Great eye for design and a researcher of style

trends in fashion and home d cor.

As a designer and art director, I have developed a wide variety of products

ranging from logos, catalogs, greeting cards, presentation display design,

jewelry, ceramics, plush and party goods - both ink-on-paper and 3D party

accessories and costumes.

Team Leadership - As a team leader, I view the team as "my customer" and it

is my job to provide excellent customer service

to them. Managed a team in the creative development and production

approval of 300-plus products for the first "Themed Parties" line of paper

goods, accessories and decorations for Hallmark Party Express. Worked

within a 6-month timeframe. Responsible for the creative vision for each

Theme. This effort resulted in increased wholesale shipments and achieved

sales goal for that year.

Business Problem Solving - Proposed and led a creative project to develop a

Seasonal Design Portfolio resulting in a large volume of new and innovative

designs to present to Hallmark Party Express clients. This effort

significantly increased product placement and sales for that year.

Customer Relations - Regularly prepared and presented creative strategies,

trend research and product solutions to major retailers including Wal-Mart,

Party City and Party America, as well as to internal management and peer

groups at Hallmark Cards Inc.

WORK EXPERIENCE

Art Director

1990 - 2009 Hallmark Cards Inc. Kansas City, MO

The Art Director communicates product strategy and manages a creative team.

Is responsible for creative consumer insights, product quality and marketplace

results. Manages all aspects of creative development and production including

bid packages, costs, consumer insights and product presentations for assigned

lines. Collaborates with team members including sales, marketing, editorial,

finance and quality.

EDUCATION

BFA, Visual Communications

University of Kansas

PERSONAL SKILLS & INTERESTS

Proficient user of Microsoft Office Suite. Both PC & Mac trained.

Flexible, adaptable and adept at handling difficult situations with calm and

grace.

Regular researcher of style trends in fashion and home d cor.

Visual thinker. Expert at managing the creation and approval of printed

product, sewn goods, cast and stamped metal products, ceramics, glass, plush

and molded styrene and resin.

The Nelson-Atkins Museum of Art: Volunteer

Entrepreneurial crafter, yoga enthusiast and animal advocate. Photography,

oil painting.

Contact this candidate