James D. Smelser

tel  303.478.1004    email  jamesdsmelser@gmail.com   web  cre8ivejim.com

Objective

To use my experience in communications and graphic design to create and collaborate on a variety of projects in support of branding, marketing and communications for a respected and exciting organization.

Experience

DIRECTOR OF COMMUNICATIONS | HIGHLANDS CHURCH, Denver, CO | August, 2012 – Present

Oversee all of the communications, marketing and design for this growing non-denominational church. Responsible for communicating vision, mission, events and outreach, as well as press releases and identity. Create print and web materials and lead staff and volunteers in messaging and branding, both visual and written.

TRAINER | APPLE COMPUTERS, Denver, CO | February, 2014 – Present

Educate consumers on how to use Apple products through personal and group training sessions. Utilize strong interpersonal and problem solving skills in both the education and trouble-shooting elements of this role.

FREELANCE DESIGNER | Denver, CO | 2005 – Present

Doing design as my own business, I’ve designed a variety of materials including corporate identity pieces (logos, business cards, letterhead, etc.), brochures, post cards, banners, apparel and large format stage backdrops. I’ve also expanded my work to include some landscape and interior design, emphasis on sourcing of furnishings.

GRAPHIC DESIGNER | DENVER CENTER FOR THE PERFORMING ARTS

Denver, CO | August, 2011 – August, 2012

Performed graphic design of marketing materials for this award-winning theatre arts organization. Responsible for the design of brochures, flyers, show identity, banners, apparel, envelopes, digital art, web elements and more. The digital and web elements include digital billboards, lobby monitors, web icons, web banners, web page layout design, animated gifs and mov files – among other items. Used mainly the Adobe Creative Suite of software.

FINANCIAL COST ANALYST | KAISER PERMANENTE, Denver, CO | January, 2008 – May, 2010

Specialized in the area of Facilities to oversee budgets, process contracts and invoices, work as a liaison with outside
vendors, and coordinate corporate donations. Also maintained the corporate art collection that are displayed in all of
Kaiser Permanente’s facilities. 

TRAINER, MAC SPECIALIST | APPLE COMPUTERS, Denver, CO | April, 2006 – December, 2007

Responsibilities included educating consumers on the strengths and workings of Apple through one-to-one training
sessions. Also performed sales of computers and accessories. Utilized strong interpersonal relations and problem solving skills in both the education and customer service elements of these roles.

ART DIRECTOR | WILLOW CREEK, Barrington, IL | August, 1996 – June, 2005

Responsible for creation and design of materials generated by this large non-profit organization. Oversaw the visual look of Willow Creek by directing and leading staff and volunteer designers to produce original art, photography, logos, designs and brochure layouts. Designed various brochures, flyers, inserts, notecards, stationary, posters, apparel, etc. Contributed creatively to the design and programming of events by sitting on one of the lead programming teams. Created projects using Photoshop, Illustrator, InDesign, Quark Express and Freehand software. Managed numerous
projects by setting deadlines, determining and meeting budgets and expediting approval processes between clients and designers. Worked closely with outside vendors in acquiring quotes and selecting the most appropriate to meet quality, time, and budget goals. Edited and formatted text, as well as design and layout.

Education

BA in Communication Arts, Emphasis in Business Communication | Cedarville University, Cedarville, OH 

References

Available upon request