Brand Designer

MICHAEL DEAN TRUHE

*******@*****************.*** 336-***-**** LinkedIn Portfolio

BRAND DESIGNER

PROFILE SUMMARY

With over 20 years of design experience, brings a deep understanding of brand essence and consumer connec- tion to create authentic, compelling visual narratives that enhance engagement and drive ROI. Expertise includes CPG design, sports graphics, social media, print production, email marketing, and mentoring creative teams. Focused on uncovering the core objectives and underlying “why” behind each project, crafts genuine stories that resonate across diverse mediums. Dedicated to innovation and collaboration, with a strong commit- ment to leading and inspiring creative teams that challenge conventions and elevate marketing initiatives beyond expectations.

CORE COMPETENCIES

• Grow brand recognition and customer engagement using full-circle brand design.

• Help team work better and improve by guiding designers with different experience levels.

• Build strong client connections by communicating clearly and following brand rules.

• Drive to elevate brands voice and deliver an exponential ROI by truly understanding the WHY. PROFESSIONAL SKILLS

• Creative Direction

• Team Mentoring

• Visual Storytelling

• Creative Design

• Strategic Thinking

• Design Strategy

• Concept Development

• Problem Solving

• Creative Problem Solving

• Visual Communication

• Client Liaison

• Creative Strategy

• Art Direction

• Marketing Campaigns

PROFESSIONAL EXPERIENCE

SENIOR DESIGNER CREATIVE DIRECTOR

Wright Creative Branding & Labels – Thomasville, NC Jan 2001 – Oct 2024

• Responsibilities:

• Led over 1,150 graphic design projects from start to finish, improving brand visibility.

• Worked with the Operations Manager to create smoother design processes, speeding up project delivery.

• Built strong client relationships by providing personalized design solutions that fit their brand goals.

• Helped develop branding strategies that improved client brand recognition.

• Mentored junior designers to improve the quality and consistency of the team’s work.

• Served as the main contact for clients on packaging and brand strategy projects.

• Managed creative work on various packaging projects, keeping brand consistency and encouraging new ideas.

• Achievements:

• Increased client engagement and loyalty through strong, effective design.

• Created a design process that cut project time by 30%, improving efficiency and profits.

• Helped grow the design team’s skills and reputation.

• Boosted brand visibility for clients, leading to higher sales.

• Received regular praise from clients for excellent service and design quality, resulting in repeat business.

• Design Thinking

• Communication

• Time Management

• Brand Development

• Marketing Design

• Creative Writing

• Creativity and Innovation

• Visual Concepts

• Brand Marketing

• Attention to Detail

• Interpersonal Skills

• Maintained high standards for design quality, meeting deadlines and staying within budget.

• Showed passion for CPG branding and worked well with account teams, production staff, and vendors. bringing in constistent projects.

• Maintain exemplary standards in design quality, project timelines, and budget compliance for all deliverables.

• Curated a strong passion for CPG branding, innovation, and cross-functional collaboration with account teams, production staff and outside vendors. PRINCIPAL DESIGNER FOUNDER

Michael Dean Studio – Wilmington, NC Greensboro, NC Oct 2010 – Present

• Responsibilities:

• Developed brand identity visuals, logos, and packaging designs that communicate authentic brand messages.

• Provided strategic design leadership for two lifestyle brands, boosting brand visibility and client engagement.

• Created over 150 sports-related social media graphics, increasing followers, brand awareness, and customer interaction.

• Managed the full design process to ensure all work aligned with the brand’s core values.

• Worked closely with clients to customize designs that fit their target market and preferences.

• Achievements:

• Improved brand recognition and customer engagement through thoughtful, strategic design.

• Led projects that helped lifestyle brands grow in a competitive market.

• Produced effective social media visuals that expanded online presence and interaction.

• Built strong, long-lasting client relationships through collaboration and quality work.

• Received praise for innovative packaging designs that stood out in the marketplace. PRINCIPAL DESIGNER CREATIVE DIRECTOR

TRIPLO – Greensboro, NC

Nov 2022 – Present

• Responsibilities:

• Directed the full branding process for a lifestyle apparel company, including logo creation, brand identity, and apparel design to increase brand awareness.

• Oversaw garment design, collaborating on fabric selection, pattern development, and eCommerce planning.

• Made key decisions in design and marketing to drive brand growth.

• Coordinated design and marketing integration to enhance overall brand visibility.

• Achievements:

• Successfully doubled brand recognition and boosted customer engagement after rebranding.

• Managed and launched new apparel collections that received positive feedback for innovation.

• Led marketing campaigns that significantly raised audience engagement.

• Developed strong partnerships with suppliers and collaborators to improve design quality and efficiency.

• Earned recognition for elevating the brand’s position in the market through effective design strategies. EDUCATION

• BA - Graphic Design

• Living Arts College/School of Communication Arts Raleigh, NC, USA TECHNICAL SKILLS

• Graphic Design, Print Design, Social Media Design, Adobe Illustrator, Adobe Photoshop, Digital Designs, Marketing, Graphic Design, Marketing Materials, Visual Design, Branding & Identity, Corporate Identity, CPG Design, Print Management, Visual Arts, Graphics, Typography

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