About
Award-winning creative director and visual designer with a successful history of developing sustainable products and brand identities across multiple industries. Demonstrated ability to translate high-level strategic business objectives into unique creative strategies and execution throughout the customer journey. Deep experience in prototypes, wireframes, illustration, animation and rich media. Engaged manager, mentor, collaborator and problem solver.
Experience
Jen Strauss Design
Visual & User Experience Designer, Remote (2022 – Present)
UX/UI Design Lead optimizing through innovative solutions for top brands. Successful in enhancing user engagement to improve brand loyalty and customer retention. Bringing a deep understanding of the principles of user experience and developing strategies for gated and ungated personalized content delivery, including the development of prototypes, wireframes and rich user experiences.
The Philadelphia Inquirer
Creative Director, Philadelphia (2019 – July 2022)
Bringing the brand to life across every aspect of the business. Working in partnership with marketing, advertising, product, editorial, circulation, and events to ensure the brand is presented thoughtfully and consistently across all mediums. Overseeing a team of designers who focus on conceptual development to final execution of work across web, print, video, animation, digital marketing and social content. Building strong, supportive and constructive relationships throughout the creative team.
Associate Design Director, Philadelphia (Apr 2018 – Jul 2019)
Rebranded company into The Philadelphia Inquirer, helped develop a clear digital strategy. Created a new identity system and developed the future guidelines to allow the brand to come to life across every aspect of the business. Managed a team of 5 graphic designers and 2 digital designers, while work along side marketing to develop strategies for campaigns.
Senior Graphic Designer, Philadelphia (Jun 2016 – May 2018)
Conceptualized, designed, and delivered marketing, promotional and event materials for print and digital channels. Created newspaper, social media advertising as well as developed HTML/CSS responsive email templates.
Freelance Senior Graphic Designer
Art Director, Philadelphia (2015 – 2018)
Created digital and print advertising, branding, brochures, publications, invitations, packaging and signage.
Clients include: Philadelphia Museum of Art, Sam's Club, Music Theater Philly, Rail West Design Agency, Kind Financial, Curtis Learning and City Cakes, NYC.
PICPA
Senior Graphic Designer, Philadelphia (2013 – 2015)
Inspired creativity and maintained consistent brand standards across a variety of platforms. Mentored the design team and worked across the company to build creative excellence.
Freelance Senior Graphic Designer
Art Director, NYC (2008 – 2013)
Worked closely with various clients creating packaging, digital and print, as well as point of sale materials.
Clients included: Tribeca Comedy Lounge, Frolic, Mindsinsync, Micromilestones, Kinerase, Bootlegger21 Vodka, Colgate-Palmolive and Little Stars Studios.
Dyson Inc.
Senior Graphic Designer, NYC (2007 – 2008)
Performed lead role as a brand guardian in the concept and design of new product launches, point of sale, public relations, internal communication, and event materials.
OXO International
Graphic Designer, NYC (2002 – 2007)
Designed and executed packaging, consumer brochures, and PR materials for 500 products.
Education
Penn State University
BA in Graphic Design
University of the Arts
Web Design Essentials Certificate Program
New York Code & Design Academy
Web Development & Front End
Awards
2020 American Advertising Awards
Silver Newspaper Self Promotion
2020 PA News Association Advertising Contest
First Place | Ad Campaign | SEPTA Sports Takeover
First Place | Self Promotion | Become an Inquirer First Place | Business Building Idea | Travel Through Time
2019 PA News Association Advertising Contest
First Place | Ad Campaign or Series "Thanks to You" Store Campaign
2018 Lenfest Publisher's Club Employee Recognition Award for PEERformance