Summary
Overview
Work History
Education
Skills
Timeline
Generic
Dylan McDougall

Dylan McDougall

Salisbury,MA

Summary

Who am I?

I am a nature-walking, puddle-stomping adventurer. Find me in the mountains with a camera around my neck and a sketchbook full of poems. I started my art education journey at Northern Essex where I earned my associate degree in visual arts. From there, my passion for the arts took me to Salem State University where I earned a bachelor's degree in Studio Art with a minor in English/Creative Writing. While visual art is my main passion, I was a featured poet in Salem's Literary Festival in 2021, where I performed a poetry show entitled Forest Fire. I currently spend the school year working with many grade schools and colleges throughout New England as a sports, yearbook, prom and graduation photographer. Over the summer, I work as the Art Director at a camp in Maine where I teach art classes and manage the logistics and execution of the art department. The three things that drive me most are courage, creativity and community. Put me in a place where I can demonstrate any of these values, and you will see me thrive.

Overview

10
10
years of professional experience

Work History

Art Director

Camp Kingswood
05.2021 - Current
  • Instructed students on visual arts techniques and assigned related art projects for campers aged 6 - 17 years old.
  • Provided visual arts equipment and tools to facilitate creation of drawings, paintings, sculptures, printmaking, wood burning, needle felting, leather work, ceramics and other projects.
  • Created engaging lesson plans, fostered culture of discovery and provided well-organized classroom structure to help campers succeed in program.


  • Guided students through process of artistic self-discovery, helping each evaluate and develop personal talents.


  • Exercised and demonstrated use and mastery of elements of design to meet goals.


  • Managed art room supplies, equipment and ordering logistics to maintain consistent supply for projects.


  • Applied strong leadership talents and problem-solving skills to maintain team efficiency and organize workflows.
  • Evaluated employee performance and coached and trained to improve weak areas.
  • Managed efficient workflows by creating effective schedules and delegating work based on personnel strengths and knowledge.

Photography Teacher (After-School)

Leap For Education
01.2023 - Current
  • Curated a bi-weekly photography curriculum as an after-school program.
  • Led demonstrations of photography regarding color theory, composition, story-telling, studio lighting, portraiture, landscape and abstract photography.
  • Provided new and challenging photo prompts each session and encouraged usage of advanced photography techniques.
  • Proven ability to learn quickly and adapt to new situations.
  • Passionate about learning and committed to continual improvement.
  • Scheduled and curated art shows and photo presentations of student work.
  • Sponsored student arts and theatre clubs, attending club events

Head Photographer (Seniors and Commencement)

E-lluminations Photography
09.2021 - Current
  • Expert knowledge on portrait and headshot photography.
  • Excellent interpersonal skills and ability to capture genuine photos of clients.
  • Photographed high-quality images for various print and digital projects.
  • Utilized natural and artificial lighting to capture desired images and maintain quality.
  • Assisted clients in selecting poses, wardrobe and backgrounds to photograph different looks, concepts and locations.


  • Selected and set up appropriate props, backdrops, and lighting.
  • Utilized various types of camera equipment to capture best possible shots.

Lead Sports Photographer

New England Sports Photography
09.2021 - Current
  • Responsible for managing a team of photographers, photographing little league and school sports leagues.
  • Trained new photographers in use of camera equipment.
  • Maintained friendly business relations with clients.
  • Expert knowledge of set up and break-down of studio lighting and equipment.
  • Planned and prepared for on-location and studio shoots.
  • Photographed high-quality images for various print and digital projects.
  • Utilized natural and artificial lighting to capture desired images and maintain quality.


Snow Plow Operator

North Atlantic Snow
01.2019 - Current
  • Trained in operation of heavy machinery such as HL 757 Loaders, skid-steers, and RTV Plows.
  • Applied salt or chemical solutions to surfaces as preventive measure against snow and ice buildup.
  • Completed prompt snow removal process during and after weather events.
  • Maintained assigned vehicles and equipment in professional working conditions.
  • Upheld safety standards for working in wet, cold and windy conditions.
  • Worked in parking lots, roads and driveways to handle needs of businesses and residential customers.

Lead School and Action Photographer

Geskus Studios And Yearbook Publishing
09.2019 - 09.2021
  • Responsible for managing a team of photographers on location, photographing and editing action sports and event candid photos
  • Trained new photographers in use of camera equipment and editing software.
  • Experience in school yearbook production.
  • Photographed high-quality images for various print and digital projects.
  • Planned and prepared for on-location and studio shoots.
  • Edited, toned, captioned, and uploaded photographs for publication.
  • Managed and organized photo database using consistent naming conventions and key-wording for search optimization.
  • Leveraged camera gear and equipment to express creative vision.

Lead Photographer

Hockmeyer Studios
08.2017 - 09.2019
  • Experience in prom and event candids, portraits, sport action shots, high school and college commencement photography, studio and on-location photography.
  • Photographed high-quality images for various print and digital projects.
  • Assisted clients in selecting poses, wardrobe and backgrounds to photograph different looks, concepts and locations.
  • Oversaw a team of photographers and maintained friendly business relations with clients.
  • Expert understanding of studio lighting and equipment.
  • Digitally edited photos to enhance appearance.
  • Coordinated local fairs and shows booths for marketing and recruitment.

Teaching Assistant (3D Art)

Northern Essex Community College
01.2015 - 05.2016
  • Worked with Professor Dianne Pappas for four semesters (Fall 2015, Spring 2015, Fall 2016, Spring 2016) as the teaching assistant in 3D Art.
  • Facilitated activities in small groups to reinforce concepts taught by class teacher.
  • Supported classroom maintenance and upkeep, organizing books and materials.
  • Assisted teachers with classroom management and document coordination to maintain positive learning environment.
  • Supported classroom activities, tutoring, and reviewing work.
  • Helped with grading assignments and tests, providing constructive feedback to students based on results.
  • Partnered with teacher to plan and implement lessons following school's curriculum, goals, and objectives.

Gallery Assistant

NECC Art Gallery
01.2014 - 01.2016
  • Helped gallery coordinator set up and break down art shows.
  • Knowledge of hanging, displaying, and curating 2D and 3D artworks.
  • Worked closely with visiting artists such as sculptor Markus Haala, Illustrator Brian Alves, Digital Artist Erin Cooney, and Multi-Media Artist Cathy Mclaurin.
  • Informed visitors of exhibit features and highlights to promote enriching gallery experiences.
  • Maintained safety and accuracy of shipments of works of art and curated collections.

Education

Bachelor of Arts - Studio Art

Salem State University
Salem, MA
05.2022

Associate of Arts - Visual Arts

Northern Essex Community College
Haverhill, Mass
01.2017

Skills

  • Studio lighting and On-Camera Flash knowledge
  • Photo-Editing and post-production skills
  • Proficient in Adobe Illustrator, Lightroom, Photoshop
  • Excellent understanding of Nikon, Canon, Sony and Fuji Film cameras and equipment
  • Team Management
  • Scheduling and Ordering Logistics
  • Classroom Management
  • Public and Private Education Knowledge
  • Creativity and Artistic Expression
  • Instructional Strategies
  • Positive Reinforcement Strategies
  • Art History Expertise

Timeline

Photography Teacher (After-School)

Leap For Education
01.2023 - Current

Head Photographer (Seniors and Commencement)

E-lluminations Photography
09.2021 - Current

Lead Sports Photographer

New England Sports Photography
09.2021 - Current

Art Director

Camp Kingswood
05.2021 - Current

Lead School and Action Photographer

Geskus Studios And Yearbook Publishing
09.2019 - 09.2021

Snow Plow Operator

North Atlantic Snow
01.2019 - Current

Lead Photographer

Hockmeyer Studios
08.2017 - 09.2019

Teaching Assistant (3D Art)

Northern Essex Community College
01.2015 - 05.2016

Gallery Assistant

NECC Art Gallery
01.2014 - 01.2016

Bachelor of Arts - Studio Art

Salem State University

Associate of Arts - Visual Arts

Northern Essex Community College
Dylan McDougall