Education

2013 M.F.A. Art and Design, Winthrop University, Rock Hill, S.C.

1998 B.A. Graphic Design and Marketing, Mercyhurst University, Erie, P.A.

1996 Penn State University, State College, P.A.

1995 University of Miami, Coral Gables, F.L.

Work

August 2013- present, USC Upstate, Spartanburg, S.C., 

part-time professor of graphic design

Teaching (2) sections of (SART 108) Computer Graphics I. An introduction to Adobe software, InDesign, Illustrator and Photoshop as well as hardware used in fields of graphic design and illustration.Additionaly, I am teaching (1) section of Graphic Design Studies, a social, cultural, political, technical and artistic coure that comprises the disciplines of graphic design. Emphasis on reading, research and written material. There is a basic intro to the history of graphic design, theory, basic principals of design and typography. Classes consist of lectures, presentations, discussions, readings and studio work. I also require students to create an online social media presence with Twitter, Word Press and all project files maintained and organized with the industry standard file sharing, Drop Box. Simulating what exists for a designer and client relationship. 

August 2013- present, Converse College, Spartanburg, S.C., 

adjunct professor of graphic design

Teaching Graphic Design I, Students complete assigned projects emphasizing problem solving using 2D solutions, create original concepts and then translate into creative forms using word, image and layout with Adobe Creative Suite applications. There is also basic intro to history of graphic design, theory, basic principals of design and typography. Classes consist of lectures, presentations, discussions, readings and studio work. I also require students to create an online social media presence with Twitter, Word Press and files will be distributed with Drop Box. Simulating “real world” designer and client relationship. The professor is the client in all of my classes.

August 2010- August 2013, Winthrop University, Rock Hill, S.C., 

Graduate Assistant, Department of Fine Arts

Graphic Designer for the Department of Fine Arts, formulated original concepts to unite the overal department consistency that met University standards. Designed and managed all print promotional pieces for the department and support designer for the fine arts faculty.

Assisted in departmental academic and recruitment initiatives especially for NASAD. Updated website, development of departmental blog, created surveys for Alumni and current students and created unified departmental safety signage.

Established Departmental Social Media, implemented the use of major social platforms for the department using the blog platform WordPress, YouTube, FaceBook and Twitter. Created the very successful Winthrop Fine Arts blog, http://winthropfineartsmindset.wordpress.com and designed, http://winthropfinearts.com, a website specifically for the advancement of student artwork.

Resolved digital media signage for the department, created templates, used functions of the program AXIS, a content management system and implemented standards for digital media signage.

Designed Wells Fargo Program Magazine: Students commissioned to produce 8 sculptures to commemorate 10th Anniversary of Wells Fargo Championship at Quail Hollow Club, Charlotte, N.C.

Produced digital media and invented for the Fine Arts and Design Department grass roots videos. Directed, shot and edited digital promotional short-stories on current fine arts students, alumni and faculty for recruitment and social media.

Fall 2012, USC Upstate, Spartanburg, S.C., 

Part-Time Graphic Design Professor

Taught 2 sections of Computer Graphics. SART 108 Computer Graphics I is an introduction to the software and hardware used in the fields of graphic design and illustration. Programs included Microsoft Power Point, Adobe Photoshop, Illustrator and InDesign. Received positive student reviews of bringing actual designer problems to the classroom from personal experience as a practicing graphic designer. In addition to teaching the basics of design programs, I introduced the basics of posting to a blog and then implemented the classes to use it on a daily basis as a means of answering each other technical questions and engage in additional design discussions. I also require students to create an online social media presence with Twitter and all project files maintained and organized with the industry standard file sharing, Drop Box. Simulating hat really exists for designers and client relationship.

2004-2010, USC Upstate, Spartanburg, S.C., 

Graphics Manager I 

Managed all visual standards for the University. Created original concepts and designs forUniversity publications, multi-page publications such as the 230-page student handbook, Website, advertising, scheduled printers, photographers and coordinated content and budget for all projects with the Communications Director.

Resource for all University constituencies to develop appropriate design solutions based on communicated visual standards and constituent needs, efficiently managing and producing projects on or before the deadline.

Oversaw development of licensed graphic standards for the Athletics Department and supervised graphic design projects. 

Implemented the intern partnership that hires directly from USC Upstate graphic    

design program then mentored and evaluated design student interns.

Invited to review Graphic design students’ portfolios every semester.

2001-2005, Haggerty Marketing Group, Spartanburg, S.C., 

Senior Graphic Designer

Responsible for conceptualizing and design solutions and ensuring their completion; mediums include print, photography, video and web/interactive. Ensured the development of concepts and design solutions that meet a particular strategy or direction. The Senior Graphic designer works collaboratively with internal teams and other creative talent to produce professional, high quality work appropriate for all audiences. Responsible for creating and executing design concepts as well as maintaining visual appearance, usability and brand continuity. Areas of work include digital, interaction and motion design, branding, graphics, communications, interaction, research/strategic or environmental design for print media of digital delivery.

Initiated creative brainstorming sessions with clients for new projects, developed, designs and created comprehensive brand systems based on brand strategies and concepts. Created Story Boards for design concepts when needed.

Provided creative assets needed across multiple media (print/collateral, interactive/web, outdoor/exhibit, point of sale/merchandise).

Provided direction and worked collaboratively with vendor-partners to successfully develop and produce creative materials for the company.

Planed, coordinated and produced digital media shoots and maintained photo libraries and electronic file libraries.

2001-2002, Medical University of South Carolina, Charleston, S.C., 

graphic designer

Produced multi-page campus student publications such as the student handbook, posters for all campus events and special events coordinator.

1999-2001, Smilemakers A Division of Staples Inc., Spartanburg, S.C., 

graphic designer and illustrator

Conceptualized and Illustrated original children’s stickers, categorized multi-version catalog pagination and designed layouts for catalogs in all markets.

Managed freelance artists and supervised and scheduled quarterly photo shoot  with regional photographers for products and models.

Licensed Sticker producer from approved character catalogs, some included Matel, Hot Wheels, Barbie, Blues Clues, Dora the Explorer

Designed promotional products such as card board treasure chests and problem solved by implementing in 3D concepts. Illustrated products including pencils, tatoos, recall cards and take home bags

1998, CyberInk, Erie, P.A., 

web designer

Designed flash advertisements and online banner campaigns for The Erie Daily Times news website.

1998-present, Bridget Kirkland Design, Spartanburg, S.C.

Freelance Graphic Designer, Web Design and Digital Media

Clients and projects

Virginia College of Orthopedic Medicine (VCOM) Carolinas Campus, Spartanburg, S.C., Created an overall theme for several pieces for Fall 2013 semester including student healthy living rack card, recruitment poster, fundraising brochures for Sim Center, ads, stickers, overall tagline for upcoming ad and recruitment presence and social media picnic fun video.

Winthrop University, Rock Hill, S.C., postcard design for gallery events and update social media campaigns.

Converse College, Spartanburg, S.C., digital media for social media grass roots stories 

Spartanburg & Greenville Journal, S.C., photographer

Archer Malmo Ad Agency, T.N., photographer

Greenville Hospital System, Greenville, S.C., marketing campaign print designer

Mattel Inc., El Segundo, C.A., illustrated licensed stickers

McElveen Automotive Group, Charleston, S.C., automotive ad designer

OakBrook Preparatory School, Spartanburg, S.C., special events designer

Construction Safety Experts, Raleigh, N.C., brochures, marketing postcard campaigns, web-site 

Boiling Springs Fitness Club, Boiling Springs, S.C., logo, brochure design, interior building design, marketing postcard campaigns, web-site design, outdoor design, T-shirts

Phifer Consulting, Laurens, S.C., logo and newsletter design

Tekgar, S.C., logo design

Atlantis Swim School, Cary, N.C., logo, postcard, brochure and web-site design

Monterrey, Spartanburg, S.C., logo re-design 

Q-Test, Raleigh, N.C., logo design, postcard mailers, brochure, web-site

Bulldog Boxing, Boiling Springs, S.C., logo and brochure design

Red, White & Biker, Inman, S.C., logo and postcard design

Skills

MAC Advanced in Adobe: Photoshop, InDesign, Illustrator, Acrobat and Bridge; Apple: imovie and Garageband. Experienced in Adobe: AfterEffects, PremierePro, Flash, Fireworks, LightRoom and Dreamweaver

Service to Community

2013, TedXGreenville, The theme for the 2013 TEDx Greenville, S.C. Conference theme, “By Design” played an intricate part by leading the Interactive Sculpture Team in the Interactive Committee through creative encouragement and guidance, TEDx participants worked throughout the day on an evolving and memorable sculpture that was unveiled at the end of the conference.

2014- present, Part-Time Faculty Design Mentor of the studio at The George USC Upstate George Dean Johnson, Jr. School of Business, Spartanburg, S.C.

Trainings & Conferences

WordCamp, WordPress Conference, 2014, Asheville, N.C.

Annual Southeastern College Art Conference, 2014, Sarasota, F.L.

Mobile IOS App Design, The Iron Yard Academy, 2013, Greenville, S.C.

UCDA (University College and Design Association), 2013 Louisville, K.Y.

South Carolina Art Education Association Conference, 2011, Greenville, S.C.

Case Annual Conference on Marketing and Branding, 2008, Atlanta, G.A.

UCDA (University College and Design Association), 2007, Toronto, O.N.

Personal Creative Achievements

2015 

“Emerging Artists of the Guild,” Artist Guild Gallery at Spartanburg Art Museum, Spartanburg, S.C., February 

“Selection of Works,” Glass Growers Gallery, Erie P.A., January-May

2014

“A Faculty Makes,” USC Upstate Curtis R. Harley Gallery, Spartanburg, S.C, November 5-December 7

"Spartanburg Art in the Library, 2nd Annual Juried Exhibition,” October-November

“40th Annual Artists’ Guild of Spartanburg Juried Show,” September 3- Oct.13

“Spring Faculty Show,” Aiken Art Center, April 27- May 31, Aiken, S.C. 

2013

“AIGA South Carolina InShow,” October 2013, Charleston, S.C.

“3rd Annual Juried Small Works Exhibition,” Artist Guild Gallery of Greenville, Artist Guild Greenville Gallery, Gallery October 1-3, Greenville, S.C

“40th Annual Artists’ Guild of Spartanburg Juried Show,” September 3- October 13, Spartanburg Artist Guild Gallery in the Chapman Cultural Center, Spartanburg S.C., Juror: Scott Betz, President of FATE (Foundations in Art: Theory and Education) and teaches at Winston-Salem State University.

"Carolina’s Got Art $15,000 Juried Competition," May 3-June 1, Elder Gallery, Charlotte, N.C., Juror: Lance Esplund, U.S. Art Critic for Bloomberg News

“Whaddya Say Jim”, M.F.A Thesis Exhibition, April 22 – May 3, Elizabeth Dunlap Patrick Gallery, Rock Hill, S.C.

Spartanburg Artist Guild Members Show, February 1-28, Artist Guild Gallery at the Chapman Cultural Center, Spartanburg, S.C.

2012

A Night of Winthrop Digital Short Films, End of Year Collection, April 27, The Loading Dock Gallery, Rock Hill, S.C.

MFA Candidacy Review Show, April 7-14, McLaurin Student Gallery, Rock Hill, S.C.

Open Studios, Spring Semester, Winthrop University, Rock Hill, S.C.

2011

Speculations, November 3 - 18, The Loading Dock Gallery, Rock Hill, S.C.

MFA Works in Progress Show, May-July, Lewandowski Student Gallery, Rock Hill, S.C.

Open Studios, Spring Semester, Winthrop University, Rock Hill, S.C.

2010

StoryLine, October, 29 - November, 26, The Loading Dock Gallery, Rock Hill, S.C.

Professional Affiliations

AIGA (American Institue of Graphic Arts), Spartanburg Artist Guild

College Art Association, UCDA (University College and Design Association)

HighEdWeb, SECAC Southeastern College Art Conference

AAF American Advertising Federation) Greenville, S.C. Chapter

Awards

2013

Collegiate Advertising Design Award, Virginia College of Osteopatheic Medicine Carolinas Campus, The Founders Club Brochure, Blacksburg, V.A.

40th Annual Artists’ Guild of Spartanburg Juried Show, Second Place, digital drawing, Spartanburg, S.C.

Winthrop Fine Arts Graduate Leadership Award, Winthrop University, Rock Hill, S.C.

2012

Click646, Third Annual Student Exhibit, Second Place in Graduate Category, Greenwood, S.C.

2010

Three-Year Graduate Graphic Design Assistantship for the Fine Arts Department $40,290 Scholarship, Graduate School, Winthrop University, RockHill, S.C.

2008

Media Women of South Carolina Awards 

First Place:  Designed External Annual report, Second Place:  Designed Marketing Program, Designed Single Sheet Poster and Four Color Brochure, Third Place:             

Design and layout of USC Upstate Student Handbook

2007

Media Women of South Carolina Awards

First Place:  Poster Campaign, Educational Catalogue, Banner and Four-color brochure, Second Place:  Print Advertising Campaign

2006

First Place:  Single Sheet Poster and Marketing Campaign. 

Second Place:  Advertising Banner