JULIE STEPHAN
summary
Accomplished Graphic Designer/Art Director with experience in planning, execution of production projects independently and in collaboration with creative staff, vendors and freelancers. Recognized expertise in print, interactive design, with knowledge of the design programs required for the discipline. Solid knowledge in design development processes, managing and coaching staff. Proven ability to solve problems; manage multiple projects by focusing on customer satisfaction.
professional experience
freelance clients
HoneyBaked Ham, Norcross, GA
• Graphic Design
• Illustration
• Production
TAPPI, Norcross, GA 2006 – current
• Magazine Design & Layout
• Production
• Web file preparation
Cutting Tool Engineering, Chicago, IL 2006 – current
• Magazine Design & Layout
• Production
pennington seed, Madison, GA 2006 – 2007
Graphic Designer
As lead designer in the corporate advertising and marketing department my daily projects included creating graphic design for collateral pieces, marketing pieces, show pieces, packaging, photo shoots and photo editing, and national advertisements.
• Designed all advertisements for industry related magazines
• Created graphics and advertisements for inside and outside vendors such as Wal-Mart, Lowe’s, Home Depot and Pike Nurseries.
• Designed and prepared for print large format graphics
• Prep and shoot product photos for advertising material and web images.
• Organize and update server.
• Archive creative files.
• Preflight all documents prior to sending to printer.
tappi, Norcross, GA 2000 – 2006
Art Director
Responsibilities included leading a team of in-house and freelance creative through the production of two magazines. Create graphic design for magazines, marketing pieces, show pieces, corporate communications. Coordinate production schedules; ensure tasks are in budget and on time. Communicate with inside and outside vendors as well as negotiate contracts.
• Selected the appropriate images from various sources as well as creating images to match the focus and desire of the magazine.
• Assumed lead on layout and design for internal pages of industry magazine.
• Developed relationships with vendors and negotiated contracts that resulted in high quality and affordable pricing for work done by external resources.
• Implemented a more efficient and cost effective process which reduced budget spending by 22%.
• Analyzed steps in the production process which streamlined procedures, reduced errors, and led to a more efficient use of staff resources.
• Established a plan for professional development to keep abreast of emerging trends and technology in the Industry.
• Led bi-annual redesign projects for the TAPPI magazine that included collecting information and feedback from industry experts, while maintaining project budgets and schedules.
ashrae, Atlanta, GA 1998 – 2000
Graphic Designer
As lead designer responsibilities included develop graphics for magazine covers, 4-color brochures/ads, monthly supplements and trade show promotional materials. Additional tasks included application of HTML experience to create banner ads, and background graphics for Power Point presentations.
• Proposed several creative ideas to Editor and Publishing Service Manager for magazine comps.
• Directed and shot photos when appropriate.
• Setup and maintained publishing department electronic files for vendors and printers.
united cities gas company, Nashville, TN 1996 – 1998
Graphic Communications Designer
Position responsibilities included design and layout of corporate communications, quarterly reports, newsletters, advertisements, brochures, Christmas card, PowerPoint presentations.
bellsouth, Atlanta, GA 1994 – 1995
Technical Illustrator
Created 2D and 3D technical illustrations for computer based training programs and training manuals.
education
East Tennessee State University, Johnson City, TN. Major: Commercial Art
Art Institute of Atlanta, Atlanta, GA. Certification in Layout & Production
skills
Art Director, Graphic Designer, Production Manager, Ad Trafficking Manager,
Photographer, Computer Illustrator, Web Graphics Designer, Proofreader,
Projects from Concept through Completion, Teach Computer Software,
Work Directly with Printers, Maintain Computer, Install Software
technical skills
PC/MAC-InDesign, Quark Xpress, PhotoShop, Illustrator, DreamWeaver, Fireworks, PowerPoint,
Adobe Acrobat, Microsoft Office Suite, Nero 7, PageMaker, CorelDraw, Freehand, FrontPage 98