SUMMARY
I am a brand builder focusing on developing insight driven marketing campaigns, communication and content that elicit an emotional response and build brand preference. I have worked for LEGO, the world’s most valuable toy brand, as well as launched small entrepreneurial start-ups. In 2018 I joined global cybersecurity provider, Mimecast, as Global Creative Director where we recently finished our brand refresh which will launch in May 2020.
My strengths include creative leadership, team building, ideation, communication strategy and integrated campaign development, rapid prototyping, product development and team & influencer management.
EXPERIENCE
FOUNDER, Head of Creative Marketing | MAGICAL GO-GO, LLC, East Longmeadow, MA | 2003 - present
Created and launched two global action sports brands, Magical Go-Go and POM POM.
Lead all creative development and execution including packaging, copywriting, style guides, branding, social and video content.
Developed collaborative marketing promotions with various brands: Red Bull, Volcom, Bonfire.
Designed new line of skateboards for licensee and created all artwork that were sold into Nordstrom and Amazon.
Managed team and product development.
Exhibited in National Snow Sports Industry trade shows.
Sold product globally through network of distributors.
Led 5 ACDs and their respective creative teams responsible for global marketing campaigns, packaging, in-store marketing, digital content and TVCs.
Active member of department Leadership Team to help guide agency vision.
Problem solver for creative, client and employee issues.
Champion best creative development practices across creative teams and global hubs.
Inspirer of creative teams by constantly looking to external creative and parallel industries to identify trends and opportunities.
Perform semi-annual performance and development reviews for direct reports.
Recruit and hire creative talent at mid and senior levels.
SENIOR CREATIVE MANAGER | LEGO SYSTEMS, INC., Enfield, CT | 2009 - 2011
Led and managed team of Graphic Designers, Art Directors and Specialists to produce global campaigns, content and print communications.
Script writing and voice talent for LEGO Club YouTube Show.
Perform semi-annual performance and development reviews for direct reports.
Recruit and hire creative talent at entry and mid levels.
SENIOR ART DIRECTOR | LEGO SYSTEMS, INC., Enfield, CT | 2005 - 2008
Designed and managed global and US projects from concept to print.
Manage and mentor freelance design staff.
ART DIRECTOR | LEGO SYSTEMS, INC., Enfield, CT | 2002 - 2005
Designed global packaging, magazine layouts, trade and PR materials.
SENIOR GRAPHIC DESIGNER | LEGO SYSTEMS, INC., Enfield, CT | 2000 - 2002
Designed in-store marketing materials, magazine layouts, internal communication materials.
GRAPHIC DESIGNER | LEGO SYSTEMS, INC., Enfield, CT | 1998 - 2002
Designed in-store marketing materials, magazine layouts, internal communication materials.
CO-FOUNDER, Head of Creative Marketing | ST. REBEL, East Longmeadow, MA | 2002 - 2007
Co-founded independent greeting card company that grew to a preschool IP brand.
Exhibited at the International Stationery Show in New York City where we signed our first licensing agent.
Sold St. Rebel greeting cards to businesses throughout the US and UK.
Secured option deal with Nelvana Entertainment.
Developed animatics, story lines and character bible along with licensing catalogs and style guides.
FREELANCE DESIGN & ILLUSTRATION | THE CHROMA, East Longmeadow, MA | 2002-2007
Branding, logo design, motion graphics and illustration for the Action Sports Industry.
ANIMATOR | CRANK IT OUT ANIMATION STUDIO, Norwood, NJ | 1998
Responsible for hand drawn animation and digital coloring for Nickelodeon TV Show, KaBLAM.
DESIGNER | BONFIRE SNOWBOARDING, Portland, OR | 1996
Designed National ad campaigns for Global Publications.
Illustrated technical drawings for clothing line.
INTERN | JAGER DIPAOLO KEMP, Burlington, VT | 1995
Assisted in catalog production paste up for client, Burton Snowboards.
EDUCATION
PLYMOUTH STATE UNIVERSITY
Plymouth, NH
BFA Graphic Design, Minor Sociology, Cum Laude
INTERESTS
Skateboarding, cycling, doodling a lot, dirt biking, RC cars, playing guitar, creating logos for friends, surfing, hiking, camping, building ramps, making custom LEGO mecha and running two little action-sport brands out of our garage. My instagram page is a good live feed http://instagram.com/rgrcmrn/