Karen Lyon

Managed art direction and design for new product launches and branded marketing materials. Fulfillment manager for all printed marketing materials, keeping track of inventory usage levels and printing needs. Created interior design images by providing art direction and materials for new and existing products to support brand strategy. * Created branded/re-branded design projects from concept to completion * Managed, direct and create new branded images working with numerous CGI companies * Created mood/storyboards providing rendering direction for new and existing product imagery * Supervised press proofs and digital proofs validating color and quality perfection * Managed multiple online collaboration Basecamp product launch projects simultaneously * Collaborated with members of marketing, product line managers and engineers on diverse projects

Responsible for defining and executing the creative strategy and guidelines, and leading the design and platform for consistent brand DNA across all collateral, images and new product launches.
• Redesigned and refined marketing materials delivery line to a new brand standard across approximately 25 products
• Create interior design branded images by providing art direction
• Direct the internal and vendor proofing process for both images and marketing materials
• Established nomenclature for large product image repository
• Compile and upload images using Adobe Scene7 and update content using Drupal Open Source CMS for website
• Administered branding guidelines and other elements critical to providing visual personality
• Supervise proofs and digital proofs validating color and quality perfection

Managed art direction and design for new product launches and branded marketing materials. * Implemented new product launch process saving billable hours in creative development and art direction time * Kimball launched 32 new products of which I managed 10 in-flight product launches, multiple re-launches while working on future promise * Championed virgin Wayfair eCommerce product offering delivering 250+ product images on time and under budget * Redesigned marketing materials delivery line to a new brand standard across approximately 50 products * Applying to everything I do: - Create branded design projects from concept to completion - Manage, direct and create new branded images working with numerous CGI companies - Supervise press proofs and digital proofs validating color and quality perfection - Manage multiple online collaboration Basecamp product launch projects simultaneously

Manage art direction and design for new product launches and branded marketing materials. * Managed, directed and designed multiple projects from concept to completion * Plan and direct photo shoots-on-line, on site and in-studio * Partnered with numerous print vendors and photography studios * Supervised on-press proofs and digital proofs to ensure color accuracy and quality * Collaborated with ad agency team on diverse projects * Reformatted the entire product line of marketing and visual merchandising materials to new brand standards * Managed marketing print budget where I saved over $60k by managing time-lines, keeping photo shoots down to a minimum, and sourcing new less expensive materials and printing processes * Established trusting relationships with vendors and photographers resulting in a continued business relationships

Efficiently manage art direction and design for large format graphics imaging company that caters to the retail, restaurant, exhibit, advertising and corporate communities. * Managed and directed multiple design projects from concept to completion on time and budget * Innovative concept development and brand imagery for window graphics, in-store retail signage, advertisements, packaging, vehicle graphics, posters, banners, murals, POP/visual merchandise, collateral and exhibit * Research and purchase photography, photo direction/style, photo illustration, color correction * In-depth knowledge of substrates and production processes

Managed and designed projects life cycle under tight deadlines to meet specific show dates. * Worked closely with teammates and clients to create vision and define project parameters * Designed exhibit booth environments structural and interior design, signage, P.O.P. and graphics for various production processes and substrates * Researched and purchased photography, photo direction/style, photo illustration, color correction * Effectively motivated, trained, directed and mentored design and production team

Efficiently directed and coordinated design, production and development of brand consistent materials for 7 PIP Printing franchises along with internal departments. * Created and directed in-house advertising unit and design team, working in print media * Implemented procedures to raise production and quality while lowering overhead costs * Developed marketing materials, catalogs, sales collateral, direct mail and promotional items * Photographed product shots, selected stock images and created photo illustrations, color correction * Supervised on-press proofs to ensure color accuracy and quality