Account Manager,Creative Director,Creative Service Manager,Project Ma

SANDRA GAYLE

** ***** ******** ( Markham, Ontario L3S 2H6

905-***-**** ( ******@******.*** ( www.krop.com/sandragayle/

Dynamic creative management professional with a career to which includes

digital photo, creative development, production, and management of

national, international, and global corporate brands. Proven track record

of leadership throughout the production lifecycle for a broad range of

products and brand standards, guiding everything from concept creation of a

recognizable, impactful brand image to production of collateral,

advertising, and other key tools critical to the success of a corporate

brand. Expert in catalogue development, production lifecycle management and

trend forecasting. Able to leverage extensive experience in all areas of

creative production and design to liaise with and direct cross-functional

teams, fostering open communications and ensuring unified efforts toward a

collaborative goal. Dedicated to bringing businesses to the forefront of

their market using leading-edge technology tools to optimize online market

penetration and expand brand reach. Adept at working with partners and

agencies. Driven to deliver improvements to processes, resulting in greater

efficiency, cost control, and productivity.

Pre-Press ( Project Management ( Proofing

Team Building & Leadership ( Brand Management ( Photography direction (

Catalogue Design & Production

Art Coordination ( Merchandising ( Advertising, Marketing & Promotions (

Process Optimization ( Direct Mail

Budget Administration ( Contract Management ( Event Coordination ( Client

Relationship Management ( Pricing

Layout & Design ( Photography ( Creative Design & Direction ( Portfolio

Management ( Print & Digital Design ( Vendor Management ( Video Production

PROFESSIONAL EXPERIENCE

KENDALL CHRISTIE PROMOTIONS ( 2012- Current (Contract)

Creative Manager

Support and manage creative promotions and agency production initiatives

though the life cycle of each project.

BFS ENTERTAINMENT MULTIMEDIA, COLLECTABLE DIRECT INC. ( 2011-2012

(Contract)

Marketing / Creative Service Manager

Strategic innovator behind the businesses creative concept development and

implementation. Defined formal print processes, guidelines and work-back

schedules to ensure time lines and quality. Coordinated catalogue template

design. Oversaw production of all collateral, including creative, copy,

digital images, typography, editorial, direct mail initiatives, and web

content, working with third-party providers and internal teams on content

production. Managed accurate, sourcing, invoicing and budgeting for

contracts with internal and external venders.

Selected Achievements:

. Transformed the company's product and brand image through high-level

strategic changes to catalogue and web presentation, targeted branding

initiatives, and adaptation to catalogue and web trends.

. Delivered 20% growth in the ecommerce business through collaborative

efforts with the web IT team to drive sales and referral incentives, grow

the house list, launch themed promotions, and cut cycle time.

. Achieved record sales and boosted revenues 7% within 4 months through a

rebranding initiative using CDI positioning in DVD Video entertainment

and giftware direct mail channels.

. Sourcing venders, manage all schedules, workflow, production and

resources to meet aggressive timelines.

TRANSCONTINENTAL MEDIA ( 2008-2010

Photography / Buyer / Producer

Coordinated photography production and purchasing for the Canadian Tire

weekly flyer program, specialty products, and packaging, including liaising

with third-party content providers. Producer for flyer and catalogue

campaign. Collaborated with clients as the voice of the company in

production review meetings, including guiding client contacts on

photography edit reviews and color proof discussions.

Selected Achievements:

. Ensured achievement of tight deadlines through precise coordination of

schedules, budgets, and personnel.

FREELANCE ( 2007-2009

Independent Contractor

Consulted with numerous high-end clients on catalogue production, creative

design, account management, art production, presentations, brand management

and more.

Key Clients:

. Guru, Linda Lundstrom, Transcontinental Digital, Timex Group Canada,

Quebecor Media, Kendall Christie Promotions, Home Goods, Blue Mountain

Wallcoverings, CapitalC.

PI MEDIA ( 2005-2007

Account Manager

Oversaw account development and growth for media client accounts, with

authority over design, photography, video, print production, catalogue, and

advertising projects. Handled budget estimation, scheduling, and resource

management for each project. Drove business development by identifying and

pursuing viable opportunities, including expanding existing accounts

through new projects and service offerings.

Selected Achievements:

. Instrumental role in a high-visibility project for Sears Canada, one of

PI Media's largest accounts. Managed, research, development, design, and

hosting for the innovative Sears Web-TV initiative, a pilot program

focused on providing users with "solutions for everyday living."

. Successfully managed complex relationships with tier one clients such as

Sears, Crown Wallcoverings, JC Penny, Danier Leather, and other

commercial accounts.

GANZ (HOME FASHION, GIFTWARE, PERSONAL CARE & APPAREL) ( 1998-2005

Creative Director / Advertising & Tradeshow Manager

Provided strategic direction and vision for the corporate brand style,

image, and creative concepts for over 20 catalogues, 3 core brands,

enterprise-wide advertising, and more. Coordinated showroom design and

presentation, merchandising, and signage for North American trade shows.

Selected Achievements:

. Positioned Ganz at the forefront of the industry for the first time in a

50-year history.

. Elevated brand perception among consumer demographics through multimedia

advertising management for 5 rebranding and launch initiatives for

personal care / fragrance, home d cor, and women's fashion apparel.

. Boosted sales 40% within a year through a full-scale redesign and

rebranding of the home d cor direct mail catalogue.

. Developed and implemented a process to accommodate a volume growth of

more than 200% while reducing the headcount of 20%

. Increased productivity 300% with a 25% reduced headcount via

implementation of an aggressive production schedule utilizing an annual

Gantt chart program, ensuring achievement of all milestones.

. Simplified management of 4 external photography studios and location

shoots, improved productivity 25%, and cut expenses 25% through

implementation of new photography digital technology focused on quality,

service, and cost control.

. Additionally conceptualized, developed and launched an internal corporate

photography studio capable of cost-effective digital content production.

. Provided unique insight into the style and design approaches for a

successful launch of new candle, personal care, women's apparel, and home

d cor brands.

ADDITIONAL ROLES:

. Creative Director, Regal Greetings & Gifts: Managed marketing strategy

and campaigns, creative and design control for catalogue covers, and a

trendy, fresh new image branding for new business ventures. Directed

creative concepts, photo editorials, buyer relationships, art buying,

photo shoots, and press approvals.

. Product Manager, Sunworthy Wallcoverings: Supervised designs of

wallpaper sales books, home fashion design catalogues, and merchandising

racks, driving creation of a bold, distinctive look with powerful impact

across all branding materials. Coordinated development of promotional

materials. Liaised with licensed and non-licensed affiliates to manage

merchandising programs. Administered a $2 million budget.

Additional experience of note includes 2 years teaching d cor as faculty

member at the University of Toronto, and publication in the Toronto Star

and Toronto Metro Magazine for the editorial "Decorating Solutions." Also

Co-Owner and Designer for The Well-Dressed Home, Designer on The Decorating

Challenge on The W Channel, Designer / Co-Host / Set Decorator for Blank

Canvas, and Set Designer for Big City Broker.

FORMAL EDUCATION

Diploma in Advertising & Graphic Design - Humber College

Marketing Management & Advertising - George Brown College.

TECHNICAL SKILLS

Mac OSX ( Microsoft Office ( Photoshop ( InDesign ( PowerPoint ( Keynote (

Word (Excel

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