Alex Karan
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About
Senior level designer with over 25 years experience in graphic design, exhibit design and print production. I have taken on many roles in my career. The breadth of my experience ranges from the early days of proportion wheels and tissue overlays to cutting edge technology to provide clients with award-winning designs. Collaboration and independent problem solving have been keys to my success. Both have helped me become the team leader I am today.
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Education
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3D Modeling & Animation Graphic DesignColumbia College Chicago1993 - 1995
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Associates of Applied Arts Graphic DesignMoraine Valley Community College1989 - 1993Staff Illustrator for the Moraine Valley newspaper - The Glacier.
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Experience
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Creative ManagerItasca, ILJun 2021 - Present (3 years 6 months)
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Senior Exhibit DesignerFeb 2010 - Sep 2020 (10 years 7 months)• Conceptualize structural designs - ranging from large island exhibits to tabletop displays and bannerstands
• Provided graphic design and cad services to finalize concepts
• Manage design team schedule using the Salesforce platform
• Responsible for team of 10-12 freelance designers and control project distribution using the web-based Asana application
• In-house photographer for headshots, company events and product shoots
• Notable projects include an exhibit environment for the China Exhibition attended by Mayor Richard M. Daley and China President Hu Jintao - created in two weeks -
Graphics ManagerFeb 2008 - Sep 2009 (1 year 7 months)• Lead creative staff, manage workflow and control departmental budget
• Oversee structural designs from concept to completed setup on show floor
• Direct contact for clients with any graphic and printing inquiries
• Work directly with account executives under strict deadlines.
• Coordinate and supervise photo shoots for client trade show projects
• Mentor and train design team on Macintosh and PC software -
Exhibit DesignerMay 2004 - Feb 2008 (3 years 9 months)• Conceptualize 3D designs and graphics based on client needs and show schedule
• Produce graphics utilizing HP DesignJet 5000 printers and Seal 800 laminators
• Spearhead initial discovery and final presentation meetings with clients -
Graphic Designer/Media CoordinatorMay 2002 - May 2004 (2 years)• Produce quarterly catalog for worldwide distributor of automotive installation accessories
• Liaison between vice president and outside vendors for all print projects
• Produce company advertisements and coordinate schedule for use in national trade magazines
• Redesigned company logo as well as corporate identity materials and apparel
• Maintain company e-commerce website by updating data and images of inventory
• Designed company brochures, handouts and trade show graphics for CES in Las Vegas, NV -
Graphic DesignerNov 1998 - Mar 2002 (3 years 4 months)• Design weekly/monthly training publications for in-store setups, plan-o-grams and product training
• Collaborated daily with reps from merchandising, advertising, human resources and training
• Meet with the vice president on a weekly basis to prioritize forthcoming projects
• Provide PowerPoint support for all divisional quarterly meetings
• Edit layouts and coordinate daily production schedule to meet all project deadlines
• Visit stores on a regular basis for feedback on communication development
• Designed trading card for Olympic athletes enrolled in OJOP (Olympic Job Opportunity Program)
• Install and maintain all Apple hardware/software and provide technical support for the department
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Awards
2018 Exhibit Design Excellence Award
Honor issuer: TradeTec Skyline
Awarded for Best Large Booth at the
2018 Restaurants Canada Trade Show
Client: Diversey, 20x30
2016 Exhibit Design Excellence Award
Honor issuer: TradeTec Skyline
Awarded for Best Booth at the
2016 National Industrial Fastener and
Mill Supply Expo
Client: Lindstrom Fastener Group, 20x40
2012 Marshall Johnson Design Award
Honor date: Jun 2013
Honor issuer: Skyline Exhibits
Recipient of the 2012 Marshall Johnson Design Award for the Best 20' x 20' Exhibit Design.
Client: eLab Solutions
2011 Marshall Johnson Design Award
Honor date: Jun 2012
Honor issuer: Skyline Exhibits
Recipient of the 2011 Marshall Johnson Design Award for the Best Envoy Exhibit Design.
Client: American Academy of Orthopedic Surgeons, 30x125 and 30x50 Island Exhibits
The AAOS Resource Center Bookstore and the AAOS Publisher’s Row Booth are destinations for Annual Meeting attendees to browse the Academy’s new publications, test and view demonstrations of the new electronic CD and DVD programs, and gather information about existing products and upcoming releases. -
Industries
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Skills
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Elsewhere on the Web
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On Coroflot@akaran, member since 2009
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