Nicole Hignett

• Revitalized Port Tampa Bay’s Brand Identity: Spearheaded the comprehensive rebranding of Port Tampa Bay, creating a cohesive and modern brand image. Designed a new logo and suite of marketing materials including stationary, business cards, advertisments, brochures, promotional event materials and trade show booths. This rebranding effort enhanced the port’s visibility and appeal, contributing to an increase in stakeholder engagement.

• Strategic Marketing Leadership: Developed and executed an integrated marketing strategy that leveraged print and digital media to amplify the port’s presence in the industry. Crafted compelling multimedia presentations and annual reports that highlighted the port’s strategic initiatives and successes, aiding in securing several key partnerships and investments. Orchestrated the design and execution of promotional materials for several high-profile charity events, trade shows, and conferences. Developed stylized maps and charts that effectively communicated complex data, enhancing the impact and clarity of presentations and reports.

• Budget Management and Optimization: Managed an annual budget exceeding $1 million for advertising, conferences, expos, tradeshows, sponsorships, and contracted goods and services. Conducted thorough research and strategic planning to optimize spending, ensuring high ROI and efficient resource allocation.

• Art Direction and Team Collaboration: Provided expert art direction to a diverse team of photographers, videographers, illustrators, and animators. Ensured the creative output aligned with the brand vision and marketing goals, resulting in high-quality visual content that consistently met and exceeded expectations.

• Support for High-Profile Government Programs: Delivered high-quality graphic design support for sensitive White House Programs, as well as table-top exercises for DHS and FEMA. Created visually compelling and informative materials that facilitated strategic planning and communication during critical national security exercises.

• Multilingual Publication Design: Led the design and layout for a quarterly magazine for the Department of Defense, published in both English and Russian. Additionally, designed five other magazines in eight languages under the Trans-Regional Magazine Initiative, enhancing communication and information dissemination to U.S. Combatant Commands worldwide.

• Trans-Regional Magazine Initiative: Directed the design and production of six magazines in multiple languages for the Department of Defense. Ensured the publications were visually appealing and culturally relevant, enhancing the effectiveness of military communications across different regions.

• Cleared Projects: Worked on projects requiring an active secret clearance, demonstrating a high level of trust and responsibility in handling sensitive information.

• Comprehensive Media Production: Created a wide array of promotional materials, including brochures, advertisements, and new business proposals. Directly contributed to the firm’s business development efforts by designing compelling and professional presentation materials and financial audit reports.

• Contract Negotiation and Supervision: Successfully negotiated and managed supply contracts, ensuring cost-effective procurement and high-quality supplies for all design projects.

• Client-Centric Design Solutions: Developed customized brochures, advertisement, direct mail pieces, logos, and billboards for prominent clients such as Moffit Cancer Center, ZooTampa (Formerly Lowry Park Zoo) and Bright House Networks. Implemented client and Art Director revisions efficiently, maintaining high standards of quality and accuracy.

• End-to-End Project Management: Managed the entire creative process from concept development to final production, including proofing, reflighting, and press checking files. Ensured timely delivery of all projects, meeting stringent deadlines and client specifications.

Targeted Direct Mail Campaigns: Designed postcards, brochures, tri-folds, and other direct mail collateral for major brands like Comcast, DirectTV, and RadioShack. Created visually appealing and effective marketing materials that drove consumer engagement and response.

In-House Creative Development: Developed packaging, point of purchase displays, advertisements, brochures, and other marketing materials for house and co-branded products. Played a key role in enhancing product visibility and brand recognition through innovative and strategic design solutions