Art Director | Creative Consultant

Gary Kohls

Berkley, MI

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About

Conceptual thinking graphic design and art director with predominantly print and digital experience. A versatile Mac specialist with exceptional studio skills. A proven team player with capabilities to manage projects from brainstorm to execution.
Education
- Bachelor of Fine Arts Graphic Communications
  
  College for Creative Studies
  
  1985 - 1990
- Associates Graphics and Commercial Art
  
  Oakland Community College
  
  1980 - 1984
Experience
- GRAPHIC DESIGNER, PRINT PRODUCTION
  
  Allegra Print & Imaging
  
  Southfield, MI
  
  Feb 2020 - Present (4 years 9 months)
  
  • Consult customers. Design, present, and prep material for print: Posters, banners, signage, menus, booklets, brochures, business cards, logos, and invitation and stationery packages.
- ART DIRECTOR, GRAPHIC DESIGNER
  
  Creative Circle, Aquent Staffing Agencies
  
  Royal Oak, MI
  
  May 2019 - Jan 2020 (8 months)
  
  • Short-term assignments lightening workloads, understudy during vacation or maternity breaks
- LEAD DESIGNER
  
  Tweddle Group
  
  Clinton Township, MI
  
  May 2012 - Apr 2019 (6 years 11 months)
  
  • Information Publishing and Lithographers
  • Guide art directed print challenges to more production-oriented layout management
  • Create templates, document design structure and processes to maintain brand consistency
- ADJUNCT INSTRUCTOR
  
  Oakland Community College - Fine and Graphic Arts
  
  Farmington Hills, MI
  
  Sep 2009 - Apr 2014 (4 years 7 months)
  
  • Typography in Design, Digital Font Design, Applied Design, Computer Design and Adobe Illustrator
- ART DIRECTOR - DESIGNER
  
  Independent Contractor
  
  Berkley, MI
  
  Jan 2007 - May 2012 (5 years 4 months)
  
  • Brand marketing collateral design, digital print production and illustration
  • Accounts include Belle Tire, BDs Mongolian Grill, Art Van Furniture, Sharper Image and Gabriel Shocks
- DESIGNER
  
  Forest Creative Group
  
  Wixom, MI
  
  Oct 2009 - Feb 2011 (1 year 4 months)
  
  • Campaign development of identity programs, print, web and viral video ads, incentive programs, exhibit displays
  • Primary accounts include Trijicon, Mitsubishi Heavy Industries, AxleTech International and Kelly Services
- SENIOR ART DIRECTOR
  
  The Mars Agency (formerly Mars Advertising)
  
  Southfield, MI
  
  Jan 2000 - Dec 2006 (6 years 11 months)
  
  • Creative development and production of retail brand marketing.
  • Strategic devices include POP/POS, in-store displays, demo events, direct mail, logos, sweepstakes collateral, web and micro sites
  • Accounts include GlaxoSmithKline, Clorox, Whirlpool and ConAgra Foods
- SENIOR ART DIRECTOR
  
  Unique Concepts Int'l (subsidiary of Mars Advertising)
  
  Southfield, MI
  
  Dec 1995 - Jan 2000 (4 years 1 month)
  
  • Design, layout and creative coordination of calendars and publications for direct mail or in-store distribution
  • Related logos, illustration and photography
- B.C.
  
  Before Computers
  
  Detroit, MI
  
  Mar 1987 - Dec 1995 (8 years 9 months)
  
  • Winkelman Stores Inc. (Women’s Apparel Retailer): Art Director, Designer
  • Crain Communications (Detroit Institute of Arts, Detroit Monthly Magazine): Art Director, Designer
  • Car and Driver Magazine (Int'l Automobile Consumer Publication): Assistant Art Director, Photo Editor
  • Billy Whitelaw and Talented Friends (Design Studio): Production Artist, Darkroom
Industries
Skills
On Coroflot

@kohlscreative, member since 2009
- Followers 6

Gary Kohls

Assistant Professor - Educator, Industrial Design, Myron E. Ullman, Jr. School of Design

Assistant Professor, Graphic Design