SUSAN BERBERIAN

*** ***** ******, **** ******, Illinois 60047

847-***-****

201-***-****

abpws9@r.postjobfree.com

QUALIFICATIONS PROFILE

Talented, amazingly creative, and deadline-driven professional, interested in pursuing advancement within an organization to continue the promotion of skills, knowledge, and abilities as Visual Director. Armed with strong foundation in photography complemented with strong understanding with photography composition and fashion trend forecasting in all mediums from high fashion to jewelry to home décor and design elements. Possess verifiable record of completing projects on time and within budget, coupled with an exemplary aptitude of maintaining positive relationships, motivating teams, and fostering organizational cooperation. Adept at redesigning store layouts and implementing visual guidelines through innovative schemes and concepts to continuously increase corporate profitability. Proven ability to multitask in a fast-paced environment with dedication to superior service. Bilingual in English and Armenian.

CORE STRENGTHS

- Accessory Displays Development - Photography and Image Manipulation

- Home Interior Décor Design - Quality Control and Assurance

- Budget Implementation and Cost Control - Continuous Process Improvement

- Outstanding Customer and Vendor Relations - Time Management and Prioritization

- Visual Identity and Voice Brand Strategy and Positioning - Shopper Insights and Design Direction

- Product Placement and Cross Merchandising - Space Planning and Fixture Layout

- Fashion Retail Merchandising - Brand Marketing and Sales Optimization

RELEVANT EXPERIENCE

VISUAL STYLIST - ANIMAGIC STUDIOS ENTERTAINMENT, LAKE ZURICH, IL 2006–PRESENT

Assume responsibility in making the final decisions on costumes, make-up, and hairstyles of talents during the shoot. Allocate budget to fund operations and maximize investments while providing total satisfaction to clients. Organize all subcontracted photo shoots while assisting the main photographer in overall creative schemes during pre-planning phases to achieve the best esthetics for successful shoots.

Notable Achievements:

- Played a vital role in creating the visual appearance of talents on camera and developing a unified look for the set in accordance with clients’ requirements

- Commended for expertise in designing and implementing the set for video shoots for both corporate and broadcast; as well as in lighting technical equipment, readings, and camera placement

- Created favorable public image by crafting effective promotional campaigns and materials

VISUAL MANAGER/DIRECTOR - MACY’S, NORTHBROOK COURT, IL 2008–2009

Directed and coordinated overall presentation and visual displays for high volume store toward fulfillment of corporate target goals. Worked collaboratively with the store manager, regional merchandise managers, and Merchandise Team managers to direct merchandise execution. Oversaw the installation and removal of presentations, including propping, mannequins, fashion, and lighting. Determined staffing requirements: recruited, hired, and supervised assistant visual manager and visual staff. Facilitated training for store managers, including visual and support teams to develop their competencies on merchandising standards, proper fixture utilization, and techniques.

Notable Achievements:

- Masterfully led all initiatives to create “WOW” visual merchandising punctuation points and innovative window displays while driving monthly fashion trends

- Served as an active contributor in the divisional and regional prototypes and renovations

- Instituted the “Black Box Process” with the store team for visual merchandising solutions

- Placed new merchandise and all marketing elements according to company’s core standards

- Recognized for consistently maintaining the highest quality of visual merchandising standards

- Honored as the “Employee of the Month” in July 2010 through demonstration of exemplary performance, dedication, and efficiency

INTERIOR DESIGNER/VISUAL MERCHANDISER - IKEA, ELIZABETH & PARAMUS, NJ 2003–2008

Set the context of the merchandise in an aesthetically pleasing fashion, presenting them in a way that would convert the window shoppers into prospects and ultimately buyers of the products. Created visually inspiring in-store and window displays, which reflect and maintain corporate brand identity. Fostered positive working environment for co-workers and customers to continuously increase productivity.

Notable Achievements:

- Displayed unsurpassed expertise in managing the visual appearance and commercial range presentation of shops, compacts, studios, self–serve, and activity areas to strengthen IKEA’s position as the best home furnishing store

- Simultaneously managed large-scale projects and department remodels by designing and implementing one or more solutions based on merchant needs

- Contributed in designing the specialty shops display for bistro and restaurant

VISUAL DESIGNER/STYLIST MANAGER - LORD & TAYLOR, RIDGEWOOD, NJ 2000–2003

Presided over all phases of visual collateral, placement of fixtures, signing, lighting, promotional tables, and floor layouts in collaboration with the regional management. Set strategic direction to the overall visual layout of the men and women’s “Ready to Wear” Department. Coordinated new seasonal clothing trends, store layout, and collateral design in partnership with top vendors. Arranged the placement and appearance of mannequins, drapers, forms, customer seating, furniture placement, and artwork.

Notable Achievements:

- Generated original creations of all window displays showcasing top brand lines, high fashion trends, and innovative themes

- Garnered commendation in designing and implementing the digital imaging of all visual layouts to be processed at the central store for prototypes, catalogs, and store conventions

- Championed in improving the collateral and promotional advertisement for the Cosmetic, Women, and Men’s Fragrances departments

OTHER EXPERIENCE

GENERAL MANAGER - LITTLE PAWS INN, KILDEER, IL 2011–2013

GENERAL MANAGER - PAWSH PUPPIES/PLANET POOCH, NORTHBROOK COURT AND SCHAUMBURG, IL 2009–2011

EDUCATION

BACHELOR OF FINE ARTS, GRAPHIC INTERACTIVE COMMUNICATIONS, Minor in Photography and Digital Imaging: May 2000

- Ringling School of Art & Design, Sarasota, FL

COURSEWORK IN FINE ARTS: AUG 1994–MAY 1996

- University of Hartford Art School Hartford, CT

MAJOR ACHIEVEMENTS

Color Photography Show Best of Ringling: Apr 2000

Portfolio Printmaking Book Show: Jan 2000

Best of Ringling Foundation Student Show: Apr 1997

ACTIVITIES

Member, Sigma Sigma Sigma Sorority

President, Eta Epsilon Chapter Ringling School of Art & Design

Chair, Points and Efficiency

Social Chair/ Public Relations Chair

Community Service Chair/ Parliamentary Chair

Tiny Paws Small Dog Rescue, Illinois Doberman Rescue, Reach Dog Rescue

TECHNICAL PROFICIENCY

Microsoft Office Suite: Word, Excel, Outlook, and PowerPoint Adobe Photoshop and Illustrator

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