I have extensive experience not only as an Art Director, but also performing the functions of a Project Manager, Traffic controller and repro manager.
Including: Marketing and brand manager roles, submissions, copy editing, press release copy writing, photo/stock sourcing, retouching and deep-etching.

◆ Designing, conceptualising and managing the studio's creative work flow including print & digital implementation of promotional ad and marketing campaigns.
◆ Coordinating and commissioning of freelance designers, Illustrators, photographers and juniors.
◆ Manage the brand guidelines manual to keep the print and web concepts cohesive. Brand guardianship across all media uses.
◆ Set up systems, using work-flow databases, to accurately and timeously capture all data, quotes and liaisons between client and studio.
◆ Manage Advertising & marketing submissions and bi-weekly submissions for the magazine & newspaper contracts.
◆ Present and strategically motivate costs and concepts to the managers in order to achieve approval.
◆ Follow up and liaise with suppliers and clients to ensure good communication, a smooth workflow.
◆ If necessary, perform contingency plans to ensure delivery and availability of products and materials.
◆ Prepare productivity reports, status and call volume reports to present sales performance and the success of the campaigns.
◆ Manage USA licensed content. Liaise with Overseas (USA, UK and AUS) License holders to adapt designs and concepts for the South African market.
◆ Proofing, production control, budgets, invoicing and central art/print buying across continents.
◆ Supervised the Mac IT system and back-ups.
◆ Traffic deadlines of marketing collateral and pro-actively organise pre-planning of feature campaigns.
◆ R&D: Creating updated appeal for existing designs styles. Explore alternative materials and substrates.

◆ LEADERSHIP, HR & MOTIVATION: Responsible for supervising and overseeing the Graphic designer & junior designers.
◆ Advising web designers and the brainstorming of their designs. Directing the web editor and external design agency.
◆ Signing off designs, proofs and final materials.
◆ Time management and organisation of systems and methods to create fresh, well thought out designs within a tight time frame.
◆ Present and up-skill staff knowledge about design and artwork concepts at workshopping days.

◆ PHOTO SHOOTS. Co-ordinate, brief and execute photo shoots: In-house of objects and models, in-studio of children, products, foods and POS displays.
On Location of models, clothes, products and action shots from Cape Town locations. Sometimes remotely organised to take place in South African locations. Art direction of shoots including styling of subject matter and directing photographers in action sports shots within Cape Town.

◆ 3RD PARTIES: Source, brief, negotiate, tender and manage relationships with third party suppliers to maximise budget and meet critical timelines. Maintain excellent working partnerships with printers and Photographers. Managed Artists, providing guidance and advice on all matters pertaining to illustration and commissioning processes. Compile databases of illustrators and suppliers and conceptualise innovative ways to art direct photoshoots.