Matthew Merkel
1300 Queens Rd. #401
Charlotte, NC 28207
704.264.6186
[email protected]
PROFILE
- Senior-level, results-oriented graphics professional with experience in print and digital advertising design and production
- Brand development and graphic identity specialist for consumer and B2B marketing
- Creative problem-solver; strategic conceptual thinker with strong analytical and communication skills
- Excellent project manager, detail-oriented; effective leader and manager of multiple tasks meeting tight deadlines
EXPERIENCE
2/2009 - Present
Founder & Art Director
Matt Merkel Design
Charlotte, NC
- Design consultant for new ventures, small business, government services, associations and non-profits
- Managed project scope, work schedule and creative development of 15 licensed branded characters for merchandising, digital game and educational videos
- Produced marketing campaign and website for non-profit event which raised $95,000 for Charlotte area homeless children and families: managed production of digital, print and display graphics
8/2005 - 2/2009
Senior Art Director
POWELL & PARTNERS CREATIVE
Charlotte, NC
- Designed Corporate ID and brand standards for nationally broadcast children’s animated series
- Created sub-brand identity, package design, brand standards and POP promotions for two new product launches
- Developed three national B2B and consumer sweepstakes promotions
- Produced sales collateral and established new brand image for global flooring products and coatings manufacturer
- Designed and managed development of websites and interactive media – built working prototypes and Flash motion graphics
1/2003 - 4/2005
Senior Art Director
Terry-Kane, Orlando
Orlando, FL
- Designed and directed creative presentations that led to nine new agency accounts
- Developed six new branding and eight re-branding initiatives for new and existing clients
- Led development of new product launch campaign, resulting in more than $2 million net for agency’s largest account.
- Managed 7-member agency art department
- Hired, trained and managed staff designers and art directors
- Developed original creative and produced thumbnails and comps for concept presentation
- Implemented design concepts to final digital mechanicals
- Teamed with production manager to outline job specs and production schedules, oversaw proofs and press approvals
- Art directed photographers and freelancers
11/1999 - 1/2003
Senior Art Director
Orlando Sentinel Communications
Orlando, FL
- Designed branding and marketing campaigns for two separate re-launches of core newspaper product
- Developed cohesive brands and graphic identities for variety of support divisions
- Enhanced corporate community relations through rebranding and marketing of charitable fund programs
- Designed targeted direct mail vehicles which achieved record-setting response levels for subscription acquisitions
- Achieved record-setting Classified ad revenue increases through award-winning print and radio marketing campaign
- Designed highly successful retail promotional campaigns resulting in increased single-copy sales
6/1991 - 12/2003
Owner, Art Director
MasterWorks Design, Inc.
Orlando, Florida
- Contracted to develop and launch Planet Hollywood brand – designed and produced illustrated logo, menus, merchandise and marketing materials
- Sub-contracted as primary design and production consultant to Orlando advertising agency for ten years
- Developed brand identity packages for more than a dozen hotels and vacation resort properties
- Successfully marketed comprehensive identity design programs for multiple community redevelopment projects, including Tampa’s Ybor City National Historic Landmark District and the historic districts of the cities of Kissimmee and Hollywood, Florida
- Re-branded product line for soft-drink beverage manufacturer award-winning label designs resulted in significantincreases in sales and market share and an expansion of product line from two to seven flavors
- Worked with clients and associates to identify marketing strategies, facilitate creative sessions, develop and present creative concepts and designs
TECHNICAL SKILLS
Adobe CS3 InDesign, Photoshop, Illustrator, Acrobat; Quark Xpress,
Dreamweaver, Flash, Fireworks, Microsoft Word, PowerPoint; Mac OSX
AWARDS & ACHIEVEMENTS
Full-tuition scholarship to AIFL
Orlando Advertising Association (OAF) Addy’s Design Awards ‘91, ‘96, ‘02
1999 Florida Mainstreet Outstanding Image Campaign
Hotel Sales & Management Association International Design Awards ‘90, ‘91
2006 Midas Awards - Best Direct Mail
2006, 2007, 2008 AAF Charlotte & BMA Carolinas Awards
EDUCATION
Art Institute of Fort Lauderdale
Fort Lauderdale, FL
AA Degree in Advertising Design
Lodestone Digital
Adobe-certified Training Provider | Charlotte, NC
Interactive Media Training: HTML, CSS, Dreamweaver, Flash and ActionScript
Video & Multimedia Training: Adobe After Effects and Premier