Animator, visual story-teller

ALLEN E. MERCK

313-***-**** *** Saint Louis St., Ferndale, MI 48220 ********@*****.*** https://sites.google.com/view/aemerck/home SKILLS / SOFTWARE

Adobe Creative Suite (An, Ps, Ae, Il, Pr, Au) Adobe Captivate, Articulate Storyline 360 3D Studio Max/ Maya 3D Teaching/ Instruction lesson planning Creative Writing (PR, Blog, Script, Speech) HTML/CSS coding EXPERIENCE

Blue Cross Blue Shield Michigan Detroit, MI

Senior Instructional Designer 04/2023 – Present

• Head the instructional design and computer-based training arm of BCBSM’s Grievance and Appeals Department

• Create high-quality animated explainer videos and graphics geared toward training employees within the department

• Work closely with compliance team subject matter experts to translate ideas and written content into visually appealing and interactive training modules

• Develop and code interactive computer based training modules for G&A department

• Collaborate with teams to develop storyboards and conceptualize visual elements that enhance the narrative of each project

• Conduct brainstorming sessions to develop new training opportunities

• Upload, maintain, monitor and distribute content via our learning management system Tink Tank Animate Detroit, MI

Animation Mentor 01/2024 – Present

• Provide personalized instruction and support to neurodiverse students in 2D animation and storytelling principles.

• Adapt teaching methods to accommodate diverse learning styles and individual needs, fostering an inclusive and supportive environment.

• Guide students through the entire creative process from conceptualization to completion of original animation projects, emphasizing creative problem-solving.

• Facilitate one-on-one sessions to develop students' technical skills in software such as Adobe Animate.

• Encourage students to explore their unique storytelling voices, helping them articulate ideas effectively and develop narrative structures.

Ford Motor Credit Dearborn, MI

Instructional Designer / Web Developer 08/2019 – 4/2023

• Create proprietary animated intellectual property for Ford Credit Departments, saving hundreds of thousands of dollars in outsourcing costs in the process

• Lead teams to complete multilingual course material used on an international scale

• Introduce code that allowed for more dynamic uses of programs

• Lead workshops instructing fellow developers on new trends within our current toolset of applications

• Lend my voice and likeness to projects seen company-wide

• Generated awareness of our department’s competencies through engaging videos that I produced for the CEO

• Assist subject matter experts in writing content for courses

• Introduced new practices for making content more visually engaging

• Convert existing course content from a retired format to contemporary standards utilizing Adobe Captivate and Articulate Storyline

Rock Connections Detroit, MI

Executive Account Specialist 02/2018 – 08/2019

• Perform a heavy volume of inbound phone duties, including contacting and transferring clients to appropriate parties

• Mentor newly hired Account Specialists

• Design Graphic Art to boost team morale and brand awareness

• Participate in regular training on products and clients of Rock Connections

• Filter leads on behalf of Rock Connections clients Arbor Preparatory High School Ypsilanti, MI

Digital Media & Studio Art Teacher 03/2016 – 02/2018

• Instruct Digital Media, Visual Storytelling, 2/D, 3/D, and Foundations Art courses compliant with High School standards

• Create lesson plans, aligned with current learning standards

• Provide a variety of assessments for planning and instruction CBS Corporation Studio City, CA

Coordinator Diversity & Communications 08/2012 – 02/2016

• Created digital and Physical promotional material to reinforce the department's brand

• Created custom marketing material for special interest group screenings

• Composed internal and external copy publicizing CBS Entertainment Diversity events

• Composed speeches and talking points for senior executives

• Edited and reformatted press releases for GRAMMY’s and other PR events

• Coordinated schedule for SVP Entertainment Diversity & Communications

• Created Diversity Metrics reports and media lists

• Reviewed social media platforms and news outlets for stories & comments regarding programming, special events

• Reviewed applicant material and provide coverage for Diversity Programs (Writing/ Directing/ Comedy Showcase)

• Coordinated special events production (compose speaking points, create itineraries, set call times, arrange payments) NBCUniversal Media, LLC Universal City, CA

Corporate Diversity Coordinator 06/2011 -06/2012

• Created and distributed promotional Graphic materials for campaigns and events hosted by NBCUni Affinity groups

• Created Spotlight Images highlighting diversity achievements and news for the My NBCU diversity intranet site.

• Provided support to the VP of Inclusion & Corporate Diversity

• Coordinated and participated in events and meetings promoting internal and industry-wide diversity initiatives Campus Relations 03/2011 - 06/2011

• Managed intern tracking (Perform accurate data entry, draft & send eligibility/rejection correspondence, on-boarding) Page: New Media / Media Village 10/2009 - 03/2011

• Produced Graphic Art to be featured as Spotlight Images for NBCU’s Media Village press website

• Managed scheduling of all spotlights & assisted in maintaining integrity of Media Village website

• Formatted and Processed incoming press releases to be posted on Media Village website Clear Channel Radio (now iHeartMedia) Farmington Hills, MI Emma L. Bowen Intern 06/2004 - 08/2008

• Acted as Assistant to the Supervising Head of Copy Writing and wrote advertising materials 2006-2007

• Produced informative video with 3D Graphics for all Clear Channel Radio Detroit Stations 2007

• Organized, cut, and scheduled syndicated shows for WNIC Programming Dept. 2006 Coordinated promotional events for WJLB Promotion Dept. 2005

• Designed ads using Adobe Photoshop for 106.7 The Drive’s Promotions Dept. 2004 EDUCATION

Michigan State University 2004 – 2008

• B.A., Telecommunication "Digital Media Arts and Technology", Film Studies "Screen Writing" Burbank Adult School CTE 2012 - 2012

Certificate of Completion: Web Animation / Adobe Flash

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