Gina DeConti, Sr Art Director, Professional Photographer in Chicago, IL

About

I started my art training early in life when my mother taught me to draw before I could barely hold a pencil. Since then I've continued to hone my skills in art and design and consider myself a lifetime learner.

My formal education has included photography and design studies at the University of Massachusetts where I earned multiple Bachelor of Fine Arts degrees in Photography, Electronic Imaging, and Illustration. I also achieved magna cum laude in Photography and Electronic Imaging (which made my mother very proud).

In addition to that I’ve been honored to win various photography awards, and have my work grace the pages of numerous publications.

My goal for the future is to continue combining my talents to help organizations and individuals exceed their creative expectations.

Specialties: Art Direction, Graphic Design, Illustration, InDesign, Illustrator, Photoshop, Flash, Event Photography, Photojournalism, Fine Art Photography, Lifestyle Portraiture, Editorial Photography, Commercial, Web Design, Print Design, Branding, Logo Design, Environmental Graphics,

Education

Continuing Studies Photography

The School of the Art Institute of Chicago

2003 - 2003

Studied Color Dark Room Photography and assisted internationally shown Fine Art Photography and Professor at the Art Institute, Barbara Crane.
BFA Photography/Electronic Imaging

University of Massachusetts Dartmouth

1996 - 1999

Magna Cum Laude
BFA Illustration

University of Massachusetts Dartmouth

1996 - 1998
AFA Fine and Studio Arts

Community College of Rhode Island

1993 - 1996

Experience

Creative Lead | Marketing Strategy

The Institute for Transfusion Medicine

Apr 2013 - Present (11 years 7 months)

• Provide strategic direction and continued evolution of corporate branding
• Act as lead graphic designer and the brand steward for all ITxM business units
• Serve as internal production manager for all creative materials
• Create storyboards and flash animations for company presentations
• Design and optimize graphics for web, along with banners, and emails
• Utilize custom CMS and Wordpress to upload graphics and apply changes to websites
• Photograph events/corporate offices for marketing materials and annual report
Owner

Imaginative Studios, Inc.

Aug 2004 - Present (20 years 3 months)

• Developed branding and implemented advertising campaigns
• Designed, coded, and maintained company web site
• Implemented social media strategy with measured results
• Director of sales and the customer experience
• Photographed weddings and events
• Oversaw the concept and creation of graphic wedding album designs
• Managed a team of designers in all facets of marketing and album design
• Created a workflow for post production and image retouching
• Mentored various junior photographers and designers
• Maintained file systems and backup procedures
Manager of Creative Services

Des Plaines Public Library

Apr 2010 - Apr 2013 (3 years)

• Developed process for workflow
• Revamped branding across all materials
• Created and produced all quarterly, library wide, campaigns in house
• Designed marketing materials including full scale displays, environmental graphics, banners, brochures, and posters
• Preparation of graphics for the web and mobile applications
• Trained, supervised, and evaluated junior graphic designer
• Managed freelancers and provided art direction
• Continual and persistent elevation of the visual aesthetics at the library
• Photographed Library events for promotional materials
• Creation of annual budget for Creative Services department
Graphic Design Specialist

Discover Financial Services

Mar 2001 - Nov 2004 (3 years 8 months)

• Designed concepts for Intranet, Extranet, Flash animations, CD Rom and print
• Helped train other team members to use new media software
• Developed and presented multimedia presentations to upper management
• Experienced in attending press checks, photo shoots, and working with vendors
• Excelled at leading others, managing projects, and art direction
Graphic Designer

Brine, Inc.

Feb 2000 - Feb 2001 (1 year)

• Product design, Packaging, Logos, Ad Layouts, Brochures, and Catalog design
• Proficient in Digital photography, and assisting in setting up photo shoots
• Assisted Art Director with workflow, system maintenance, and network problems
Photo Artist

The Sun Chronicle

Mar 1998 - Feb 2000 (1 year 11 months)

Duties included color correction and post production for live press times, file optimization for website, assisting staff photographers with photo production, dark room development, and graphic design.

Awards

• 2011 ILA Excellence in Marketing Award for best singular promotional piece

• 2011 ILA Excellence in Marketing Award for most creative visual display

• 2002 DFS President's Plate Award for best cross functional team marketing

• 2002 Discover Financial Services Collaboration Award

• 1999 CVPA Art Auction Award for photography and electronic imaging

Skills

Elsewhere on the Web

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On Coroflot

@imaginativ, member since 2014

Following 1
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Gina DeConti

Sr. Digital & Motion Designer, Social Media

Cultivating Creativity, Constructionist Learning, and Human Flourishing