Design Director

SAMUEL MANDRAGONA

*** *** ******* **** ********, NJ 077**-***-*** 5019 ********@*********.***

Award winning and results driven Creative Director with extensive experience in leading creative

teams from concept to completion of compelling and effective visual communications in all

mediums. Fosters a collaborative team approach to solutions that focus on the big picture while

emphasizing the fine details of innovative ideas. Inspires a culture of mentoring and championing

the commitment of creative excellence to exceed stakeholder and client expectations.

E X P E R I E N C E

N BC Universal New York, NY

Creative Director 2000 - 2008

Managed and consolidated the graphics operations of News, Sports, Entertainment and New Media,

over 90 artists and operational staff, into a more productive and efficient design organization to support

broadcast, mobile and web production. Served as design liaison between all levels of creative, technical

and upper management groups. Demonstrated leadership role in creative projects, work schedules and

financial controls to deliver innovative and cost-effective results. Produced presentations for marketing

and corporate initiatives. Provided graphic support for original web-based broadband programming and

content, website designs and other new media applications. Served as graphics producer to research,

analyze and direct extensive graphic and animation projects.

• Coordinated design and production with NBC Agency to strengthen branding and promotion campaigns.

• Revitalized the technical infrastructure to improve design capabilities and solutions.

• Achieved $8 million in cost savings and measured productivity.

• The department has been recognized with eighteen Broadcast Designers Association awards.

M SNBC Secaucus, NJ

Creative Director 1996 - 2000

Launched and managed the graphics operation of 25 artists in a fast-paced 24/7 production

environment. Led creative talent in conceptualizing, developing and executing compelling graphics

and animations for all programming and clients. Coordinated design and production for branding and

promotion campaigns. Nurtured an environment that emphasized innovation, motivation and

collaboration to grow and develop designers and art directors. Managed budgets that consistently

delivered financial savings to reduce operational costs. Successfully positioned the department to

support and deliver content for all on-air, website production and parent company requirements.

• Cited as company best practice in cost management and production capabilities.

• Organized the creative environment to provide design support for additional outside clients.

• The department has been recognized with three Emmy Awards and seven BDA awards.

N BC Broadcast Creative Services New York, NY

Senior Art Director 1985 - 1996

Provided creative insight and supervision for all graphic and animation needs to support programming.

Demonstrated creative solutions in fast-paced competitive production environment. Served as creative

liaison to all levels of client production groups during extensive coverage of special events. Supervised

design group of eight artists and animators.

• Increased the production value of programming with innovative approaches to projects and solutions.

• Recognized with two Emmy Awards and four BDA awards in graphic design.

E X P E R I E N C E

K ordett Group New York, NY

Art Director 1988 - 1990

Design and retouching of advertising and marketing materials for major brands.

B arry David Berger Associates New York, NY

Art Director 1984 - 1985

Created collateral materials, industrial design projects and brand identity.

A ppelbaum and Curtis New York, NY

Graphic Designer 1983 - 1984

Designed annual reports, collateral projects and logo design.

R E C O G N I T I O N

E m m y Awards

MSNBC It’s Time To Get Connected

MSNBC Graphic Design

MSNBC Secaucus Launch

NBC News Decision 96

NBC Nightly News

B roadcast Designers Association

Gold Awards:

Return to Flight

Life of A Hurricane

Silver Award:

Eclipse

Bronze Awards:

Time and Again

Dayside/Primetime Monitors

Encounter at Roswell

Hong Kong Return to the Future

InterNight

Israeli Spy

Economy Graphics

E D U C A T I O N

B F A in C o m m u n ic a tio n s D e s ig n w ith H o n o rs

P ra tt In s titu te B ro o k ly n, N Y

G r e e n B e lt C e rtific a tio n in S ix S ig m a

h ttp ://s a m m a n d r a g o n a .c o m

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