Professional Summary
Overview
Work History
Education
Skills
Timeline

Elizabeth Stedman

Kaleidoscope School of Fine Art
Cary,IL
22
years of professional experience

Dynamic Art Instructor with a proven track record at Kaleidoscope School of Fine Art, adept at fostering creativity through project-based learning and inclusive education. Skilled in multiple art forms and effective communication. I have successfully curated engaging lesson plans and workshops, enhancing student artistic expression and community involvement.

I am also a natural team leader as well as a problem solved. I will always come up with exciting ideas to help Kaleidoscope grow as a school and as a team.

I maintain close relationships with coworkers, students, families and members of the community to keep Kaleidoscope relevant and exciting in Barrington as well as surrounding towns.

I have brainstormed and given many successful ideas to directors in the past and always have fun new ideas to help the school thrive.

I go above and beyond with colleagues and students to help everyone feel they are doing their best.

Work History

Freelance Muralist

5 Years 7 Months
Self Employed | 01.2021 - Current
  • Designed and executed custom mural projects for residential and commercial clients.
  • Collaborated with clients to develop creative concepts and themes for murals.
  • Utilized various painting techniques and materials to enhance visual impact of designs.
  • Managed project timelines, ensuring completion within client deadlines.
  • Conducted site assessments to determine optimal mural placement and design feasibility.
  • Documented progress throughout each stage of the creative process by taking photos or videos—creating valuable content for marketing purposes such as social media and website updates.
  • Utilized various painting techniques and styles to create unique murals that catered to diverse clientele requests.
  • Frequently ordered new supplies from vendors.
  • Provided consultation services for clients seeking guidance on mural themes, materials, budgets, and other project details.
  • Mentored aspiring artists in the skills required to become successful muralists through workshops and one-on-one training sessions.

Art Instructor

5 Years 5 Months
Kaleidoscope School of Fine Art | 03.2021 - Current
  • Developed and implemented engaging lesson plans that fostered creativity in diverse student populations.
  • Curated and executed projects and ideas for Barrington Garden Club
  • Maintained a close relationship with the SRACLC and became their art outreach instructor for four years
  • Curated lesson plans for homeschool families and maintained open communication with the parents to accommodate their needs.
  • Plan and instruct events for Cals Angels and Hopes In
  • Create projects to help local Girl Scouts earn their proper badges.
  • Instruct and create weekly projects for the Garlands Memory Care and assisted living programs.
  • Correspond with parents interested in parties, private lessons, and home school groups to create the best projects for their children's needs.
  • Accommodate to each individual child's needs based on their ability.
  • Create a fun and engaging environment that helps students grow in their skill all while providing a kind nurturing environment.
  • Instructed students in various art techniques, enhancing their technical skills and artistic expression.
  • Organized and led art workshops, promoting collaboration and hands-on learning experiences.
  • Evaluated student progress through constructive feedback, ensuring continuous improvement in artistic abilities.
  • Created a supportive classroom environment that encouraged experimentation and individual artistic growth.
  • Led after-school programs at various District 220 grade schools.
  • Planned and executed activities to promote skill and talent development.
  • Facilitated group sessions and provided one-on-one support.
  • Developed lesson plans surrounding various types of art, history and culture.
  • Modeled interpersonal relationships with staff members, students and administrators and strived to enhance student learning and well being.
  • Maintain a strong relationship and connection with the community through communication, networking and creative projects.
  • Communicate and execute plans with fellow colleagues to help one another and do team building nights where we get together and try new art styles together.
  • Support the team with clear communication and help through substitute teaching and tracking the schools inventory.

Personal Stylist

5 Years 7 Months
Nordstrom | 01.2013 - 08.2018
  • Curated personalized wardrobe solutions for clients, enhancing individual style and confidence.
  • Conducted thorough body shape and color analysis to provide tailored styling recommendations.
  • Collaborated with team members to develop seasonal lookbooks and visual merchandising displays.
  • Assisted clients in selecting outfits for special occasions, ensuring satisfaction and return visits.
  • Maintained up-to-date knowledge of fashion trends and product offerings to inform client consultations.
  • Developed strong client relationships through exceptional customer service and follow-ups post-purchase.
  • Led styling events, showcasing new collections while driving customer interest and sales conversions.
  • Monitored and maintain commission sales and set team goals
  • Followed up with clientele through phonecalls and hand written cards.
  • Traveled to obtain items for clients so they have what they need for their event or trip.
  • Maintained schedules and events for the department
  • Created relationships with stylists at other locations to help give customers the best experience possible.
  • Kept track of clients events, wardrobe alterations and shipping updates.

Photographer/stylist/assistant

7 Years 6 Months
Gina Sanders Studio | 04.2008 - 10.2015
  • Captured high-quality images for diverse client projects, ensuring artistic vision aligned with client expectations.
  • Assisted in planning and executing photo shoots, coordinating logistics and equipment setup.
  • Edited photographs using industry-standard software to enhance visual storytelling and meet project deadlines.
  • Collaborated with clients to understand their needs, providing creative input to achieve desired outcomes.
  • Traveled to various locations through out Chicagoland and set up studio shoots for small schools and businesses.
  • Styled and executed photo shoots ranging from one person to one hundred people.
  • Followed up with clients to insure their needs were met and arrange retakes or reschedule for photo shoots in the future.
  • Created the schedule product list and logistics for each location.
  • Worked and traveled with a small team to achieve effective, creative and time efficient work.

Catastrophe Claims Adjuster

2 Years 6 Months
Allstate Insurance | 09.2004 - 03.2007
  • Evaluated catastrophe claims to determine coverage and settlement options.
  • Communicated with policyholders to gather information and clarify claim details.
  • Reviewed documentation for accuracy and compliance with industry regulations.
  • Collaborated with team members to streamline claims processing workflows.
  • Followed up with clients enduring the aftermath of natural disasters. Specifically Hurricane Katrina, Rita and Wilma
  • Went above and beyond for clients to push settlements and get the work needed for families to be able to rebuild
  • Approach each client of disaster with empathy and understanding.
  • Maintained schedules and tracked pricing of construction items to best help clients find the right items to rebuild.
  • Assist clients to the best of my ability that did not have flood insurance but needed assistance for water damage
  • Worked in a very high volume customer service and adjuster department.
  • Maintained a calm and appropriate demeanor to handle difficult customers.

Education

Associate of Arts - Art And Design

William Rainey Harper College | Palatine, IL | 07-2026

As a traveling professional musician through out my 20s , I made it a point to take classes in-between touring. On and off over the years I have studied art, education , design , fashion , and business.

All courses have helped greatly in the line of work I have chosen and am going back to school part time in the Fall to finish my degree.

Skills

Inclusive education
Motivational
Digital photography
Project-based learning
Assessment strategies
Visual communication
Strategy development
Feedback delivery
Elementary art
Scheduling
Payroll
Administrative office work
Spread sheets and advertising media
Strong Social media and PR skills
Fundraising expert
Art-based technology
Classroom management
Event planning
Teamwork
Teamwork and collaboration
Problem-solving
Time management
Attention to detail
Multitasking
Reliability
Excellent communication
Critical thinking
Organizational skills
Team collaboration
Effective communication
Adaptability and flexibility
Decision-making
Relationship building
Microsoft office
Team building
Professionalism
Public speaking
Scheduling coordination
Adaptability

Timeline

Art Instructor

Kaleidoscope School of Fine Art
03.2021 - CurrentRead More

Freelance Muralist

Self Employed
01.2021 - CurrentRead More

Personal Stylist

Nordstrom
01.2013 - 08.2018Read More

Photographer/stylist/assistant

Gina Sanders Studio
04.2008 - 10.2015Read More

Catastrophe Claims Adjuster

Allstate Insurance
09.2004 - 03.2007Read More

William Rainey Harper College

Associate of Arts from Art And Design
Read More
Elizabeth Stedman