Dana Drake

Freelance design firm that created and implemented targeted strategies to reach specific customers in educational, retail, non-profit, and tourism industries via display, web-based and print produced collateral.

• Managed design workflows and collaborated with various clients to ensure projects reflected company goals for campaigns or projects, delivered on time, and of utmost quality.
• Created and published daily social media content across multiple platforms according to content calendars, promotion schedules, and target market analytics.
• Deployed strategies across email campaigns, point-of-sale materials and online advertising.
• Tested and refocused digital strategies based on feedback from Meta Business Solutions and Google Analytics.
• Maintained retail website using Constant Contact.
• Created email lists for marketing campaigns through OptSpot platform.
• Maximized advertising efforts by developing content for customer communications and social media posts.
• Created customized marketing materials to increase brand awareness.
• Wrote engaging and successful marketing, advertising and website copy focused on target market found with Meta Business Solutions data producing reach increase by 87%.

Achievements

• Increased social media engagements by 112% by multi-posting video and static event announcements
• Produced storytelling copy to static image, improving reach of 7,442 to 19,865 with click rate increase of 115%
• Created and implemented "1-Day Sleepover" campaign with single day revenue of $8K+ and gross margin of 52%

Co-educational, college preparatory school for grades K4-12, where students are mentored and taught academics, technology, fine arts and athletics from a reformed, Christian perspective.

• Developed, planned and implemented lesson plans and course content that addressed general students as well as those with individualized accommodations as part of integrated classroom.
• Reviewed curriculum and devised alternate approaches to presenting lessons to increase student understanding.
• Completed daily reports on attendance and disciplinary performance.
• Graded and evaluated student assignments, papers and course work.
• Kept students on-task with proactive behavior modification and positive reinforcement strategies.
• Encouraged creative thinking and motivated students by addressing individual strengths and weaknesses based on standardized testing results.
• Devised and implemented strategies to create and maintain cohesive school community within Canvas virtual classroom setting.
• Communicated frequently with parents and faculty to provide feedback, address questions, discuss academic progress, discuss instructional strategies, and encourage learning goals.

Achievements

• DIEBLES scores for 1st grade improved across board with greatest improvement in overall Phonics.
• Implemented whole class guided assessment format for increase of 98% in overall test scores.
• Developed interactive classroom stations that supported current lessons through visuals and repetition.

Division of Starwood Hotels & Resorts Worldwide specializing in vacation services for Sheraton, Westin and St. Regis luxury brands.

• Served as creative lead with strong focus on corporate identity, brand development and implementation for print and marketing materials
• Designed publications for public and internal distribution including graphics, photography, and layouts.
• Managed direct mail materials with outside agencies and internal development teams
• Created and assisted in installation of sales gallery and trade show displays for various locations to promote product awareness and increase tours
• Oversaw corporate brand guidelines and trained key design teams on new initiatives
• Developed monthly efficiencies for improved workflow in development of Branded Maps, Logo Standards, and digital asset storage.
• Collaborated with marketing teams to create collateral for new and existing resort locations
• Directed and produced lifestyle and interior photoshoots in Florida, South Carolina, New York, Colorado, Arizona, California, Hawaii, Mexico, and Bahamas.
• Implemented brand-targeted asset database with unlimited rights exclusively for Starwood brands.
• Oversaw internal digital library consisting of 100,000+ images including all releases and legal requirements for up to 10 years from stock agencies such as ShutterStock and Getty Images.
• Maintained brand integrity and project expectations through continuous brand and conceptual reviews with internal teams, freelance artists, agencies, and contractors.
• Researched industry trends and evaluated competitive pieces to enhance creativity and gather fresh ideas.
• Oversaw hiring, training and direction of creative personnel to achieve optimal results.
• Collaborated with production on task list creation to meet overall project goals on time.
• Collaborated with freelance writers, stock houses and agencies in publication of award winning, semi-annual luxury magazine
• Assisting Technology department with maintaining server organization for team of 20+.
• Supervised staff of 5+ designers by implementing company policies, protocols, work rules and disciplinary action.

Achievements

• Developed multi-award winning RESIDENCES magazine for St. Regis Residence Club
• Created 200+ page coffee table book outlining relationship of Starwood Brands of hotels, SPG benefits and vacation ownership
• Redeveloped internal asset library with brand approved copy points improving project accuracy across board
• Produced interior and lifestyle photoshoots in New York, California and Bahamas
• Awarded Employee Excellence Award

Award-winning home builder and developer of lifestyle oriented communities in Florida and Arizona.

• Spearheaded design process to align with client specifications and budget for 3 senior living developments.
• Created materials and designs in Adobe Creative Suite for use in client presentations, marketing and communications.
• Utilized exemplary negotiation skills to obtain manufacturing service agreements and assure quality standards.
• Used critical thinking to break down problems, evaluate solutions and make decisions
• Created plans and communicated deadlines to complete projects on time
• Participated in continuous improvement by generating suggestions, engaging in problem-solving activities to support teamwork

Achievements

• Negotiated printing agreements at 20% lower than published pricing.
• Brought property specific brand standards in-house for senior living and new build properties in 3 months, eliminating cost of outside agency costs

Formally Vistana, Starwood Vacation Ownership was a division of Starwood Hotels & Resorts Worldwide specializing in vacation ownership for Sheraton and Westin properties.

• Developed direct mail collateral for international distribution
• Supplied graphics and layouts for Westin and Sheraton new owner welcome packages
• Created publications for public and internal distribution including graphics, photography, and layouts per marketing initiatives
• Developed sales gallery displays for various locations to promote product awareness and increase tours
• Produced design and layout recommendations for continuing campaigns
• Maintained photographic database consisting of 100,000+ images
• Maintained brand integrity in all items produced through weekly scheduled brand and conceptual reviews.
• Exercised and demonstrated use and mastery of elements of design to meet goals.
• Met aesthetic and technical criteria to complement design usability and enhance functionality with attractive layouts.
• Made collateral to support various marketing campaigns and visually communicate concepts.
• Enforced uniform style guide for project consistency across contributors.
• Researched industry trends and evaluated competitive pieces to enhance creativity and gather fresh ideas.
• Presented concepts, copy and art during internal and client reviews.
• Carefully prepared design layouts into prepress files for offset, web and digital printing.
• Collaborated with production on task list creation to meet overall project goals on time.
• Anticipated design issues and proved to be proactive in developing effective solutions.
• Implemented artistic vision to give art purpose and meaning

Achievements

• Contributed to on-property and marketing brand conversions of 10 properties in United States from Vistana to Sheraton brands within 9 months
• Developed collateral and brand image with onboarding of 3 Westin properties in Hawaii and Mexico
• Assistant Producer for Sheraton and Westin lifestyle shoots in Arizona, California and Hawaii
• Co-founder of quarterly It's All About You internal employee recognition and communication newsletter
• Awarded Employee Superior and Excellence Awards

Manufacturer and developer of packaging products, packaging equipment, woven industrial fabrics, flexible bulk containers, display cases, and industrial transport units.

Tourism magazine company for 35 locations in Florida and New York.

Marketing firm specializing in high–tech strategies for Fortune 100 companies such as IBM, Nationwide, Banc One, and emerging software companies. WebROI, Ltd. (Partner Company) - Web-based firm helping large companies establish strategic marketing campaigns, including measurable returns, forums, etc.

Web-based firm providing complete and comprehensive products and access for online users at home, in workplace and around globe.