Customer Service Design

With a cross-disciplined background in retail startups, design, fashion, sports, and the arts… who am I? The versatile, entrepreneurial type… specializing in brand strategy, creative development, and engagement marketing. Aesthetic intuition meets business acumen… the cleverly-seasoned, big picture/small details, right brain/left brain sort. The artful, trend-aware ideator. The meticulous, consumer-cognizant planner. The engaging, adaptable collaborator. Display Artist & Stylist Marketing Specialist

2015-present Independent Chicago, IL

Freelance visual merchandising, display construction, interior styling, event production, and brand development. Clients include: Alice & Olivia (fashion retail), Holly Hunt (luxury furniture/interiors), Crate & Barrel (photo studio). Creative Director & Owner

2010-2015 The Haymaker Shop Chicago, IL

Located in the Andersonville design district, Haymaker was a first-of-its-kind store showcasing housewares, art, furniture, and lifestyle goods made solely in Chicago and the Midwest. My shop represented a diverse roster of over 100 artists, makers, and brands while consistently being hailed as one of Chicago’s top retail destinations. Leading a staff of up to eight, I oversaw 2x yearly revenue growth in stock inventory and 3x in custom work.

+ Directed in-house and vendor product development, plus 200 consumer/25 commercial design projects.

+ Lead visual, styling, and merchandising elements; windows, fixtures, vignettes, photo shoots, branding.

+ Oversaw engagement/integrated marketing; community and partner relations, event planning, social media.

+ Recognition included: winner Best New Boutique, winner Best Design Shop, finalist Best Store in Chicago.

+ Press included: Wallpaper, Refinery29, Details, Visual Supply Co., Martha Stewart Living, Design Sponge. Lead Designer & Owner

2006-2009 Son and Heir Apparel Chicago, IL

Inspired by sports nostalgia, guided by heritage design, and motivated by the lack of certain market options – I created Son and Heir to fill a new niche – an affordable, retro fanwear clothing brand for both men and women.

+ Primary artist for 30-plus original designs; commissioned freelance designers for additional illustrations.

+ Managed apparel production/branding; e-commerce design/copy/merchandising; SEO/digital marketing.

+ Targeted sports bloggers and collectors to gain national features on sites like Sports Illustrated and ESPN. Miscellaneous Early Career

+ Senior Buyer & Merchandiser MisterShankly Vintage Chicago, IL

+ An early adapter of e-commerce and social media marketing, launched online store specializing in vintage

+ clothing and collectibles. Managed buying team/merchandising; design/styling; customer service/promotions.

+ Crew Leader U.S. Census Bureau Chicago, IL

+ Trained and managed team of 15 enumerators while ensuring strict federal guidelines and productivity goals.

+ Program & Marketing Manager Johnny's IceHouse Chicago, IL

+ Lead league operations for mid-size sports arena; initiated sponsorship and advertising programs;

+ coordinated media coverage for various Chicago Blackhawks and Olympic team events.

+ Education Coordinator Frank Lloyd Wright Home & Studio Oak Park, IL

+ Gallery Assistant Columbus Museum of Art & Design Columbus, IN

+ Honed design education, arts administration, and PR/marketing skills; from leading architecture workshops

+ to organizing fundraising events, from helping with docent training to assisting with curatorial duties. Education Skills

+ University of Michigan Ann Arbor, MI B.A., Marketing & Design

+ creative & brand strategy retail planning & buying visual merchandising integrated marketing

+ product & business development account & partnership management customer service training

+ art direction copywriting graphic design photography event production social media + Arrin K. Williams arrinwilliams.com

1501 W. Ardmore Ave., Chicago, IL 60660

773-***-**** *******@*****.***

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