Summary
Overview
Work History
Education
Skills
Websites
Accomplishments
Technologies
Certification
Timeline
Generic

Kristin Thomas

Park Rapids

Summary

Senior Graphic Designer with over 20 years of experience conceptualizing and producing compelling print and digital designs. Award-winning creator of campaigns for Adobe, Macromedia, Symantec, Nikon and more.

Overview

25
25
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification

Work History

Graphic Designer

Freelance Graphic Design
09.2023 - Current
  • Utilized various media and graphic design software to produce various digital and print materials, consistently exceeding quality standards and deadlines
  • Managed multiple projects within budget parameters, directing creative strategy, adhering to brand guidelines, and ensuring accurate messaging in graphic design pieces through effective execution of feedback and revisions

Owner/Pastry Chef

Freshbaked Cafe & Food Truck
09.2019 - 10.2024
  • Created and oversaw complete business operations, including supply chain processes, inventory regulation, product acquisition, product creation, product production, and sales
  • Order product and assist in lifting product off of delivery truck
  • Utilized various Social Media platforms to position my products to new and existing customers
  • Developed a unique brand identity through the design of signage, menus, and packaging labels
  • Provided top-tier customer service, fostering consistent client satisfaction
  • Created and produced aesthetically appealing and flavorful baked goods
  • Complied with USDA/Department of Health guidelines, maintaining operational adherence
  • Diversified menu options to incorporate a range of pastries, soups and sandwiches
  • Built lasting business relationships with area chefs in order to stay current with industry trends
  • Liaised with suppliers to secure necessary business supplies, including food and cleaning products

Graphic Designer

Observer Media Group
06.2017 - 09.2019
  • Conceptualized and executed print and digital advertising collateral, aligning with the specific requirements of external clients
  • Designed mock-up ad campaigns with a creative approach, aiding in acquiring new clients
  • Enhanced the quality and variety of the organization's stock resources, encompassing art, fonts, and files
  • Design compelling social media campaigns over a variety of platforms, utilizing animation to peak interest
  • Oversaw the generation and distribution of targeted email campaigns for readers, external customers, and sales personnel
  • Customized digital campaigns for three unique publications

Marketing Promotions Specialist

Times-Union Media/The Florida Times-Union
09.2011 - 06.2017
  • Conceived and implemented engaging online competitions, resulting in a significant increase in website traffic
  • Cultivated and managed partnerships with event promoters to acquire tickets and prizes and oversaw the timely delivery of prizes to contest winners
  • Expanded the digital subscriber base by generating and distributing a monthly eNewsletter, resulting in marked growth
  • Devised detailed marketing strategies for special events and promotions
  • Design and post social media campaigns over a variety of platforms
  • Responsible for end-to-end product positioning, product management, and the marketing of the paper and all of its offerings
  • Tasked with project evaluations at conclusions of campaigns to measure the effectiveness of marketing vehicles and targets
  • Positioned our product as the go-to source for hyperlocal news and special reports directly affecting NE Florida

Graphic Designer

Freelance Graphic Design
11.2010 - 09.2011
  • Utilized various media and graphic design software to produce various digital and print materials, consistently exceeding quality standards and deadlines
  • Managed multiple projects within budget parameters, directing creative strategy, adhering to brand guidelines, and ensuring accurate messaging in graphic design pieces through effective execution of feedback and revisions

Creative Director

Presentyourpractice.com
07.2008 - 11.2010
  • Built brand guidelines for a variety of the company's internal sub-brands
  • Directed marketing campaigns focusing on maintaining brand uniformity across all creative deliverables
  • Implemented various projects, designing distinctive collateral materials and leveraging digital and print content to enhance reach via email marketing
  • Created new web pages as needed
  • Requested quotes from print vendors and worked with them to procure the best pricing for our clients
  • Worked directly with clients to hone messages, design marketing campaigns, and track all stages to completion

Graphic Design Specialist

Palm Coast Data, LLC
09.2007 - 07.2008
  • Effectively executed marketing strategies for publication clients, which included USPS compliance pre-flighting and campaign design, resulting in a substantial acquisition of new subscribers
  • Uphold rigorous adherence to brand guidelines across all print collateral and implemented an efficient digital file filing system, markedly improving the searchability and accessibility of the database

Marketing Promotions Specialist

Times-Union Media/The Florida Times-Union
10.2006 - 09.2007
  • Devised comprehensive marketing strategies that significantly boosted visibility and reader engagement for various news pieces
  • Implemented an educational program in local schools utilizing newspaper content, along with the creation of promotional materials to enhance departmental engagement

Graphic Designer

Freelance Graphic Design
05.2004 - 10.2006
  • Utilized various media and graphic design software to produce various digital and print materials, consistently exceeding quality standards and deadlines
  • Managed multiple projects within budget parameters, directing creative strategy, adhering to brand guidelines, and ensuring accurate messaging in graphic design pieces through effective execution of feedback and revisions

Communications Specialist

Dean Health System
02.2003 - 03.2004
  • Spearheaded monthly employee newsletter, achieving successful outreach to staff across departments
  • Attended local expos and shows to increase awareness of the business and its physicians in the community
  • Collaborated with individual physicians to create marketing plans for enhancing their public presence and acquiring new patients
  • Managed engagements for promotional collateral pieces, such as negotiating fees with freelancers and handling invoices

Senior Graphic Designer

The Douglas Stewart Company
08.1999 - 02.2003
  • Developed and executed marketing strategies resulting in increased software licensing sales
  • Managed and mentored junior designers, imparting knowledge on print and digital design and marketing
  • Requested quotes from print vendors and worked with them to procure the best pricing for our clients
  • Collaborated with clients to create effective marketing strategies and impactful consumer/reseller materials
  • Coordinated photography sessions and managed freelance designers, including handling financial negotiations and invoice payments
  • UX design for clients as well as internal pages
  • Created internal communication materials and assisted the HR department in the design of recruitment resources
  • Coordinated marketing projects as well as yearly vendor showcases
  • Utilized Excel to create a tracking tool utilized by the entire team

Education

Associate Degree - Commercial Art/Marketing/Visual Art

Madison College

Skills

  • Brand Building & Implementation
  • Marketing Communications
  • Color Theory Expertise
  • Strong Graphic Design Skills
  • Attention to Detail
  • New Product Development
  • Typography Expertise
  • Typing speed of 50wpm
  • Copywriting
  • Creativity and Innovation
  • Marketing Principles
  • Problem-Solving
  • Meeting Deadlines
  • Scheduling
  • Time Management
  • Design Concepts
  • Project Coordination Experience
  • Strong Communication Skills
  • Ability to Work in a Team
  • Event Planning & Marketing
  • Illustration
  • Photography & Photo Manipulation
  • Use of AI Technology within Design Tools
  • Image editing
  • Print design

Accomplishments

  • Recipient of many ADDY, Best In Class, and Certificates of Excellence from the American Advertising Federation (AAF) on local and national levels.
  • Member of the Team winning a Pulitzer Prize award for coverage of the 100-year Red River Flood in Public Service.

Technologies

Photoshop, Lightroom, Illustrator, InDesign, Acrobat, Bridge, Premiere Pro, After Effects, Figma, WordPress, SquareSpace, Word, Excel, Powerpoint, Google Analytics, Hootsuite, Mailchimp, Constant Contact, Contactology, Slack, Teams, Google Chat, Smartsheet

Certification

Social Media Marketing

Timeline

Graphic Designer

Freelance Graphic Design
09.2023 - Current

Owner/Pastry Chef

Freshbaked Cafe & Food Truck
09.2019 - 10.2024

Graphic Designer

Observer Media Group
06.2017 - 09.2019

Marketing Promotions Specialist

Times-Union Media/The Florida Times-Union
09.2011 - 06.2017

Graphic Designer

Freelance Graphic Design
11.2010 - 09.2011

Creative Director

Presentyourpractice.com
07.2008 - 11.2010

Graphic Design Specialist

Palm Coast Data, LLC
09.2007 - 07.2008

Marketing Promotions Specialist

Times-Union Media/The Florida Times-Union
10.2006 - 09.2007

Graphic Designer

Freelance Graphic Design
05.2004 - 10.2006

Communications Specialist

Dean Health System
02.2003 - 03.2004

Senior Graphic Designer

The Douglas Stewart Company
08.1999 - 02.2003

Associate Degree - Commercial Art/Marketing/Visual Art

Madison College

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Kristin Thomas