Merrick Brown - Resume

MERRICK BROWN DESIGNS (2006-Present) - Austin, TX / Chicago, IL
Owner / Creative Director / Freelance Graphic Designer

As a consultant, I have worked with design firms, corporations and small businesses, providing award-winning graphic and web design. I have performed in leadership roles and as part of a team, specializing in artistic and inventive approaches to a wide range of visual communication needs.

Highly organized, able to effectively manage multiple projects/clients. Extensive knowledge of software, hardware, printing, digital photography, video and more. A problem solver and team player, eager to learn, share and collaborate.

Major projects include:

Visa / New Control – Chicago, IL
Produced brochures and direct mail pieces in fast-paced ad agency.
Paypal – Austin, TX
Designed and orchestrated printing of marketing collateral and event promotion materials for South by Southwest Interactive Conference.
Dell Computers – Austin, TX
Created logos and styled user interface for section of corporate intranet.
AC Nielsen – Chicago, IL
Followed corporate style guide to produce Powerpoint presentations for high level Executives. Assisted in creating look and feel for corporate intranet web site.
Flair Communications – Chicago, IL
Provided in depth solutions for corporate identity and brand development. Created animated sequence of "fun facts", trivia questions, and video clips for trade show booth at 2008 NFL Experience.
Harcourt Book Publishers / Steck Vaughn – Austin, TX
Worked closely with development team to produce "Parent Place" e-learning Web site.

BUILDASIGN.COM (January 2006-December 2006) - Austin, TX
Art Director

Responsible for branding fast-paced startup company. Directed high-level discussions to enhance visibility, broaden customer base and reach target markets. Conducted focus groups and analyzed site-traffic to further increase sales.

Managed multiple, concurrent projects across departments. Designed information architecture and user interfaces for web applications. Created logos, collateral, trade show displays, package designs, and promotional pieces. Produced dozens of customizable web templates that directly generated revenue. Prepared client artwork for variety of large format printers.

Directed team of interns and contracted creative talent. Accountable for achieving statistically successful and competitive web advertising campaigns.

UNIVERSITY CO-OP (March 2002-November 2005) - Austin, TX
Graphic Designer

Created print and online collateral for college bookstore and E-commerce Web site. Worked closely with marketing and retail staff to quickly develop and orchestrate promotional campaigns. Designed postcards, advertisements, catalogs and posters, along with corresponding Web site graphics. Worked with wide format printers to produce store signage, merchandise displays and banners.

Photographed merchandise using professional lighting equipment, Canon digital SLR cameras, and Adobe Photoshop. Created full color animations for "Jumbotron" display screen using Adobe ImageReady and Macromedia Flash.

Managed all graphic design requests. Supervised and directed student interns. Implemented cross-department project-tracking system to successfully manage workflow. Coordinated with Executive Office to develop collateral for board meetings, scholarship presentations and award ceremonies. Supplied news media with related graphics and information. Worked closely with clothing manufacturers and University of Texas athletic department to orchestrate large-scale merchandise campaigns following major athletic/academic events.

Major projects included the design and layout of a 24-page catalog, 8-page holiday mailer and a 20-page award banquet program.

IDEA INTEGRATION (March 2000-September 2001) - Houston, TX
New Media Designer / Graphic Artist

Designed Web sites for clients including Compaq, JC Penney and Zales Diamonds. Created animated banners and Web graphics using Adobe ImageReady and Macromedia Flash.

Developed corporate logos and assisted with brand development.

Demonstrated expertise providing effective on-line and print solutions for wide range of corporate and small business clients.