EMILY SWANSON
Chicago,IL
Summary
Dynamic Project Management Specialist with a proven track record of guiding teams to achieve short- and long-term project objectives. Expertise in budget management and cost monitoring ensures timely project delivery within financial constraints. A strong commitment to service delivery, combined with exceptional multitasking skills, fosters productive professional relationships that enhance profitability and drive impactful business outcomes. Dedicated to leveraging strategic insights to optimize project performance and exceed expectations.
Overview
12
12
years of professional experience
Work History
Framing Consultant & Print Specialist
Artists Frame Service
Chicago, IL
05.2021 - Current
- Collaborated with artists, designers, and clients to create customized framing solutions that reflect aesthetics, color palettes, and home decor, while addressing limitations of art type and size.
- Manage 100+ framing projects monthly, balancing multiple deadlines while maintaining accuracy and efficiency.
- Evaluated client needs and expectations, establishing clear goals for each framing consulting engagement.
- Partner with internal teams and external vendors to troubleshoot color and material issues, and maintain quality standards throughout production.
- Managed client relationships through regular check-ins and updates on project progress.
- Managed key designer accounts, building strong relationships that drove repeat business and referrals.
- Design, proof, and produce custom large-format and fine art prints for retail and individual clients.
- Maintain organized digital asset libraries and job files to support efficient, consistent, and repeatable workflows.
Freelance Graphic Designer & Illustrator
SureWerx, Loyola University & Other Clients
05.2017 - Current
- Created marketing materials, digital assets, safety apparel illustrations, and exhibition graphics that effectively met the needs of university and corporate clients.
- Utilized Adobe Illustrator, Photoshop, and InDesign for illustration, layout, digital image processing, and design execution.
- Collaborated with clients to develop visual branding strategies that aligned with business goals.
- Designed innovative graphic solutions for diverse marketing campaigns across multiple platforms.
- Led design projects from concept to completion, ensuring adherence to deadlines and client specifications.
- Created engaging social media graphics that drove user engagement and increased online visibility.
- Created digital image files for use in digital and traditional printing methods.
- Employed design fundamentals when selecting typography, composition, layout, and color in design work.
- Coordinated multiple creative projects, ensuring alignment with client requirements, revisions, deadlines, and quality standards.
- Developed visual solutions in collaboration with clients, successfully aligning with project goals and aesthetic requirements.
Associate Manager
Blick Art Materials
Chicago, IL
04.2018 - 05.2021
- Guided customers in selecting art and design materials tailored to project needs, enhancing their overall experience.
- Managed store operations, pricing updates, product presentation, and visual merchandising with strong attention to detail and organization.
- Oversaw store operations, pricing updates, product presentation, and visual merchandising, ensuring an organized and appealing shopping environment.
- Assisted customers in selecting art and design materials based on project requirements, recommending appropriate products and alternatives.
- Cultivated extensive knowledge of art, design, and creative materials through daily interactions with customers and projects.
- Developed training programs for staff to enhance product knowledge and sales techniques.
- Oversaw inventory management processes, ensuring accuracy and timely replenishment of stock.
- Implemented merchandising strategies that increased store visibility and customer engagement.
- Remedied issues and conflicts among workers using negotiation and active listening.
Freelance Costume Designer
Paramount Theatre, Lifeline Theatre, Actors Gymnasium & Other Productions
Chicago, IL
05.2014 - 01.2019
- Designed costumes in collaboration with directors and producers, translating creative concepts into cohesive designs appropriate for character, period, setting, and production requirements.
- Created costume sketches to visually convey design concepts, silhouettes, details, and overall vision, enhancing collaboration with production teams.
- Led actor fittings to evaluate garment fit, comfort, movement, and design integrity, making adjustments as needed.
- Applied sewing and garment-construction skills to develop, modify, and finish costumes for performers.
- Led actor fittings to evaluate garment fit, comfort, movement, and design integrity, making adjustments.
- Managed multiple design projects and budgets while adhering to production timelines, ensuring timely delivery of high-quality costumes.
- Adapted to fast-paced production environments by applying attention to detail and problem-solving skills, ensuring seamless execution of costume designs.
- Designed costumes for diverse productions, enhancing storytelling through visual elements.
- Collaborated with directors and production teams to align costume concepts with artistic vision.
- Conducted thorough research on historical fashion to ensure authenticity in designs.
- Managed fitting sessions, providing constructive feedback to actors for optimal presentation.
- Led costume design team in creating innovative solutions under tight deadlines.
Education
Bachelor of Arts - Theater, Studio Arts + English
Loyola University Chicago
Chicago, IL01-2017
Skills
- Adobe Creative Suite: Illustrator, Photoshop, Lightroom, & InDesign
- Problem-solving
- Analytical skills
- Creative problem-solving
- Detail orientation
- Microsoft Office
- Client consultation
- Client management
- Client engagement
- Issue management
- Project leadership
Awards & Recognition
Loyola University Prize for Theatrical Design and Collaboration, 2017, Loyola University Chicago Doc Johnson Award, 2015
Timeline
Framing Consultant & Print Specialist
Artists Frame Service
05.2021 - Current
Associate Manager
Blick Art Materials
04.2018 - 05.2021
Freelance Graphic Designer & Illustrator
SureWerx, Loyola University & Other Clients
05.2017 - Current
Freelance Costume Designer
Paramount Theatre, Lifeline Theatre, Actors Gymnasium & Other Productions
05.2014 - 01.2019
Bachelor of Arts - Theater, Studio Arts + English
Loyola University Chicago