E-Commerce Art Direction

J O H N W A T S O N

**** ******** ******, ******* *****, Illinois 60515 • watsonimages.com

312-***-**** • john@watsonimages.c om • www.linkedin.c om/i n/ john-w-37956818/ PHOTOGRAPHY DIRECTOR

Results and market-driven senior leader with the proven ability to define and translate a client’s vision into profitable business and advertising programs. 10 plus years of experience directing cross-functional creative teams in developing and producing innovative photography, video content, packaging, and graphic art solutions for high-profile clients and projects in the retail, food, beverage, packaging and e-commerce industries. Articulate and impactful communicator and negotiator, respected for building and sustaining strategic account partnerships. Photography Direction Operational Management Content Optimization Creative Photography & Videography Studio Development Contract Negotiation Vendor Management Employee Supervision Team Leader Brand Management Production Art Direction Workflow Optimization E-Commerce WATSON IMAGES, INC., Chicago, Illinois 2022 to Present A full-service imaging studio for Marketing & Advertising companies Director

Founded company and managed all aspects of client relations, budgeting, studio design, project management, art direction, equipment purchasing, invoicing, and execution of photography, digital art, and videography.

• Focused on clients’ creative needs with a more personal and conceptual direction.

• Headed all sales initiatives, negotiated contracts and vendor relationships.

• Consulted with advertising agencies, consumer product companies and design firms.

• Directed and managed larger project specific client needs ranging from $25,000 to $250,000. Skills: Brand Development · Business Development · Creative Direction · Customer Relationship Management (CRM) · Leadership · Management CPS Company., Greater Chicago Area 2022 to Present Leading online retailer of Personalized goods, and jewelry products. Photographer

Photograph all product images needed for e-commerce, and any other marketing materials

• Create GIFs and videos for product highlights, brand statements, and seasonal launches.

• Support the production process, which may include creating shot lists and art direction.

• Receive, organize, and return all photo samples promptly.

• Remain current and knowledgeable about cameras, lighting, software, and hardware.

• Able to work under stringent deadlines, and flexible to changing priorities. Skills: Adobe Creative Suite · Capture One · Digital Imaging · Videography · Commercial Photography · Retouching LTD COMMODITIES, LTD., Lincolnshire, Illinois 2020 to 2022 Leading online retailer of home goods, fashion, and health and beauty products. Photography Supervisor

Reporting to the Studio Creative Manager. Responsible for leading and motivating a team of Studio Photographers to ensure consistent and productive execution of high-quality digital commercial photography for print, web and social advertising.

• Member of senior team that purchased capital equipment, trained 10 plus team members, and other art directed photography and video production teams.

• Worked with senior management to streamline visual workflow for print and e-commerce file management and production processes. Reduced production time 20% and increased product image quality.

• Established specific lighting and photography style guides and best practices for consistency.

• Ensured final photography met all creative and technical objectives.

• Developed schedules in conjunction with Art Department and held team accountable to meeting goals.

• Coached employees, identified strengths and opportunities, promoted collaborative environment.

• Maintained daily, weekly and monthly reports and tracking to demonstrate workloads, maintain schedules, provide status, and maintain an organized and efficient workflow.

• Participated in Studio Team leadership and production meetings. Updated Studio Creative manager on project status, team and individual performance.

Skills: Camera · Budgeting · Videography · Leadership · Management · Brand Development · Camera Operation JOHN WATSON PAGE 2

MOZAIC LTD., Chicago, Illinois 2015 to 2019

Integrated marketing agency whose focus is on bringing concepts to life through strategy. Director of Photography

Reported to the Chief Creative Officer. Responsible for art direction, overseeing photography and video production teams, and managing creative execution of high-profile accounts.

• Member of senior team that launched Chicago studio, purchased equipment, recruited and trained new personnel.

• Supported business growth from zero to $5 million in annualized sales in a 3-year span.

• Worked on accounts ranging from Retail food packaging clients to e-commerce product accounts. Clients included Tyson, Sara Lee, Office Max and Linx Trade Group.

• Managed multiple national-level photo and video shoots. Produced high volume requests for a multi-functional photography and media company; reduced lead times and increased product quality.

• Leveraged and introduced state-of-the-art digital photography/video methodologies and positioned the company on the leading edge of the visual marketplace.

• Technically supported sales team in field sales settings, presented photography and video portfolios and workflow processes, and collaboratively negotiated high-profile contracts. Skills: Camera · Budgeting · Videography · Customer Relationship Management (CRM) · Leadership · Management · Brand Development

· Strategy · Branding · Transformative management

EVOKE PRODUCTIONS, Chicago, Illinois 2014 to 2015

Sears Stores, (Affiliate of Sears Brands, LLC)

Principal Photographer

Reported to the Director, Creative & Imagery. Led a team consisting of the Manager of Photography, Photographers and Digital Specialists. Oversaw quality control for fashion, tabletop and food photography that produced 75,000 e-commerce shots per year. Areas of execution for circular, e-commerce and special projects.

• Member of leadership team driving outside sales to contribute to studio goals by managing image content, client engagement and Marketing needs.

• Directed teams to produce on trend and repeatable lighting standards with streamlined workflows.

• Developed team performance though an entrepreneurial approach with accountability reviews and individual growth programs for greater engagement.

Skills: Camera · Budgeting · SEI leadership · Management · Product Photography · Strategy · Innovative workflows WATSON IMAGES, INC., Chicago, Illinois 2010 to 2014 A full-service imaging studio for Marketing & Advertising companies. Director

Founded company and managed all aspects of client relations, budgeting, studio design, project management, art direction, equipment purchasing, invoicing, and execution of photography, digital art, and videography.

• Grew start-up to $ 1 million in sales in less than 4 years.

• Managed and directed production teams of up to 20 members.

• Headed all sales initiatives, negotiated contracts and vendor relationships.

• Directed and managed larger project specific client needs ranging from $25,000 to $250,000.

• Clients include Hostess Brands, Hillshire Farms, Kraft, Tabasco and many more Fortune 50 companies. Skills: Customer Relationship Management (CRM) · Leadership · SEI style of Management · Strategy · Industry standards · Camera Operation EDUCATION

B.A., Fine Arts/Photography, University of Southern Illinois, Carbondale, Illinois TECHNICAL SKILLS

Adobe Photoshop, InDesign and Illustrator CS • Microsoft Office • Capture One • Canon • Nikon • Red Camera SOFT SKILLS

Transformational Management, SEI Leadership • KPI Performance • Customer Support • Technical Understanding

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