Akiko S. Mims
San Diego,CA
Summary
Artist and dynamic problem solver with over a decade of experience in arts and culture. Seeking part-time position that uses organizational and customer service skills as I continue with freelance work and creative projects. Excellent verbal and written communication skills with flexible schedule and superior work ethic.
Overview
11
11
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification
Work History
Editor
The Hill Street Country Club
02.2023 - Current
- Produce and edit writing for curatorial, archival, and web applications including program descriptions, grant applications, and teaching materials.
- Develop and maintained editorial standards for content.
- Collaborate with graphic design and content teams to create assets to support events and programming, develop content schedules, and plan workflows.
- Draft and edit internal and external communications.
- Provide hands-on art instruction and formal/informal speaking engagements including artist talks, interviews, and workshops.
- Design, install, and deinstall artwork.
- Other clerical duties as needed.
Creative Consultant
The AjA Project
06.2022 - 10.2022
- Worked directly with the Education, Community Engagement, and Operations Directors to communicate programs and events effectively.
- Wrote for social media, internal and external newsletters, and website.
- Optimized the use of social platforms for program documentation and archiving.
- Worked with the graphic design and web teams to update according to program schedule/branding norms.
- Worked with outside contractors on marketing and promotion projects.
Shop Manager
Wish Me Luck Tattoo
07.2021 - 03.2022
- Assisted lead artist, resident artists, and guests in set-up and break-down of tattoo stations.
- Scheduled and confirmed appointments.
- Educated clients about submission requirements, legal liability, and proper care and keeping of tattoos.
- Maintained a clean and safe shop per state health department standards.
- Responded to inquiries from past and potential clients online and by phone.
- Interacted well with customers to build connections and nurture relationships.
- Delivered excellent customer service by addressing and resolving customer inquiries and complaints.
- Handled problematic customers and clients to assist lower-level employees and maintain excellent customer service.
- Tracked inventory and ordered supplies.
- Collected payment for services, calculated artist contributions, and approved pay sheets.
- Kept meeting minutes and other clerical duties as assigned.
Artist
Oceanside Museum Of Art/Mission Pacific Resort
Oceanside, CA
04.2020 - 05.2021
- Designed custom large scale public artwork for partnership between the Oceanside Museum of Art and Mission Pacific Beach Resort.
- Prepared presentation decks and proposals for review by the hotel and museum advisory boards.
- Developed fabrication plans, material and vendor information, timeline, and overall budget.
- Researched, selected, and purchased materials in accordance with approved budget.
- Built and maintained working relationships with expert consultants.
- Worked hands-on in the studio and manage studio assistant to meet timeline goals and prepare artwork for installation
- Created a full-scale installation schematic and direct the on-site team for the final placement of sculptural artwork.
Engagement Liaison/Gallery Educator
Museum of Contemporary Art San Diego
04.2016 - 06.2020
- Checked-in members and guests for daily admission and special events.
- Operated a POS system for admissions and merchandise.
- Performed opening and closing cash procedures and prepared daily deposits.
- Provided information on artists, art history, museum history, special programs, and membership opportunities to visitors in person and over the phone.
- Assisted with administrative tasks from other departments including updating the official website, submitting events to local publications/calendars, and preparing documents for meetings.
- Contributed to strategic planning to develop new approach to the museum's mission, vision, values, and public programming.
- Streamlined and optimized training materials for all front desk employees.
- Developed educational curriculum about the exhibitions on view and permanent collection artworks, facilitating tours for school grades K through 12, higher education, adult groups, VIP guests, and the general public.
- Lead several of the Museum’s Extended School Partnerships (ESP) with middle schools and high schools both in the museum and at their home campuses.
- Collaborated with partner teachers to develop engaging art activities that connected with classroom curriculum and school district standards by grade level.
- Mentored students in the development, execution, and installation of artworks giving constructive feedback and individual, grade-appropriate goals
- Followed safety policies and procedures to ensure a safe work environment.
Contributing Editor: Contemporary Art
Fabulously Feminist: Art For Social And Eco Justic
10.2014 - 06.2016
- Connected art world conversations to the ‘real world’ to create opportunities for readers to engage with complex social and environmental issues that impact daily life.
- Contributed original articles on various topics, showcasing versatility as a writer and editor.
- Developed and maintained editorial standards for content.
- Reviewed articles for grammar, spelling, punctuation, syntax, accuracy, and compliance with quality standards.
- Utilized SEO techniques to optimize content for search engine rankings.
- Created and formatted graphics for web and social media.
Gift Shop Retail Associate
Isabella Stewart Gardner Museum
07.2013 - 07.2014
- Collaborated with 5-person team to exceed 1 million dollar annual sales goal.
- Increased customer satisfaction and sales by providing personalized assistance and product recommendations.
- Maintained strong working knowledge of inventory, including pertinent background information on vendors and connections between store merchandise and museum collection.
- Designed and implemented visually appealing vignettes to highlight incoming products.
- Sold museum memberships and informed guests of special offers, events, and programs.
- Performed opening and closing procedures, reconciled drawers, and secured daily deposits
- Maintained cleanliness throughout store daily by organizing shelves, dusting merchandise, and sweeping or mopping floors.
- Assisted with training new associates on company values, product knowledge, and best practices for delivering excellent customer service.
Education
Bachelor of Arts - Studio Arts
San Diego State University
San Diego, CAPost-Baccalaureate Certificate - Studio Arts
School of The Museum of Fine Arts
Boston, MAAssociate of Arts - Museum Studies And Gallery Exhibition
San Diego Mesa College
San DiegoAssociate of Arts - French
San Diego Mesa College
San Diego, CASkills
- Professional, courteous, helpful demeanor
- Dynamic problem-solving skills
- 10 years of customer service experience
- Cash Handling, POS system
- Highly organized, attentive to details and efficiency
- Computer Skills - Proficient in Microsoft Office and Google Drive applications
- Excellent oral/written communication including copywriting and public speaking
- Project Management
- Experienced with multi-line telephone, call answering and routing
- Basic accounting
- Passionate about community, focused on accessibility, equity, and cultural competence
- Experienced caring for exotic birds
Certification
- CPR, First Aid and AED certification, Red Cross - ex. 2025
- Bloodborne Pathogens, National CPR Foundation - ex. 2025
Timeline
Editor
The Hill Street Country Club
02.2023 - Current
Creative Consultant
The AjA Project
06.2022 - 10.2022
Shop Manager
Wish Me Luck Tattoo
07.2021 - 03.2022
Artist
Oceanside Museum Of Art/Mission Pacific Resort
04.2020 - 05.2021
Engagement Liaison/Gallery Educator
Museum of Contemporary Art San Diego
04.2016 - 06.2020
Contributing Editor: Contemporary Art
Fabulously Feminist: Art For Social And Eco Justic
10.2014 - 06.2016
Gift Shop Retail Associate
Isabella Stewart Gardner Museum
07.2013 - 07.2014
Bachelor of Arts - Studio Arts
San Diego State University
Post-Baccalaureate Certificate - Studio Arts
School of The Museum of Fine Arts
Associate of Arts - Museum Studies And Gallery Exhibition
San Diego Mesa College
Associate of Arts - French
San Diego Mesa College