Furman Fortner
Columbia,SC
Summary
Dynamic and innovative creative professional with nearly a decade of experience at South Carolina Educational Television (SCETV), the PBS and NPR affiliate in South Carolina, specializing in graphic design, content creation, and project management. Skilled in creative software and technology, Furman excels in crafting educational content that connects with diverse audiences, enhances learning, and meets high visual standards. Known for optimizing workflows, fostering collaborative environments, and aligning design solutions with brand strategy, Furman delivers projects that consistently exceed expectations and inspire engagement.
Overview
12
12
years of professional experience
Work History
Instructional Technology Specialist/Content Creator
South Carolina Educational Television (SC PBS)
07.2020 - Current
- Created and produced high-quality educational content in various formats—print, video, interactive, and audio—for early childhood and K-12 educators, students, and parents.
- Ensured all educational materials are accessible on knowitall.org, enhancing instructional delivery methods for diverse audiences.
- Developed professional development workshops for educators on emerging technologies, including 3D printing and augmented reality, fostering a tech-savvy workforce.
- Incorporated innovative topics like digital literacy program, Simple.Digital, into training sessions to address current educational needs.
- Presented at conferences on innovative technology use in classrooms, gaining positive feedback for sessions on augmented reality and digital literacy.
- Identified gaps in existing content, proposing new topics and leading brainstorming sessions to drive innovation and meet project needs.
- Managed the video production process, from pre-production planning to post-production editing, ensuring high-quality output for educational initiatives.
- Evaluated and recommended educational software applications, aligning them with curricular goals to support effective teaching and learning.
- Collaborated with cross-functional teams and communications to develop cohesive strategies that amplified the reach and effectiveness of educational campaigns.
- Maintained a strong understanding of industry trends, consistently producing relevant and insightful content that engages target demographics.
- Successfully managed multiple projects simultaneously, prioritizing tasks to meet deadlines while maintaining professionalism in a fast-paced environment.
- Enhanced engagement through creative visuals and effective social media management during live events, providing real-time updates and interactions with audiences.
- Resolved design challenges creatively, ensuring consistency with branding guidelines while exploring new graphic design techniques and trends.
Creative Director
Lakeside Enterprises
03.2019 - 03.2019
- Conceptualized unique logo designs for startups, establishing strong visual identities that resonated with target markets.
- Created branding and marketing materials for various clients, enhancing brand recognition through visually impactful designs that told compelling stories.
- Improved client satisfaction by delivering tailored product solutions on time and under budget, exceeding expectations and aligning with client visions.
- Met with customers to present mockups and gather feedback for adjustments, ensuring designs aligned with client needs.
- Developed strategic communication and marketing plans informed by thorough market research to keep offerings aligned with current trends and consumer preferences.
- Built strong relationships with clients and vendors, fostering long-term partnerships and securing cost-effective services without sacrificing quality.
- Engaged in networking and sales activities within the community and with local businesses to expand the client base and promote services effectively.
- Successfully managed multiple projects simultaneously, prioritizing tasks based on urgency and resource availability.
- Developed comprehensive project plans with clear timelines and budget requirements, ensuring timely delivery of high-quality results.
- Monitored project progress against established goals, adjusting schedules and resources as needed to keep projects on track.
- Collaborated closely with senior management to align project objectives with strategic company initiatives, contributing to overall business growth.
Web and Graphics Specialist
South Carolina Hospital Association
11.2016 - 03.2019
- Provided creative design support for internal teams, consistently maintaining brand and graphic standards across projects while delivering visually engaging products tailored to target audience demographics.
- Collaborated with communications team on award-winning campaigns, creating impactful materials that resonated with local communities and increased brand visibility.
- Developed project management portal to streamline workflows, improving team efficiency and ensuring timely delivery of design projects.
- Produced both digital and printed materials, ensuring each design optimized for print production and cost-effectiveness without compromising visual appeal.
- Enhanced social media engagement by designing shareable visuals that promoted brand awareness and effectively communicated key messaging points.
- Leveraged design fundamentals—including typography, layout, composition, and color theory—to create eye-catching graphics aligned with project’s unique goals.
- Created efficient file organization processes, reducing turnaround times for asset retrieval and project updates, and facilitating smoother team collaboration.
- Oversaw production printing process, ensuring designs were optimized for print fidelity and efficiency while coordinating with vendors for quality assurance to meet project deadlines.
Graphic Designer
UofSC School of Engineering and Computing
09.2012 - 11.2016
- Designed brochures and advertisements for the college, promoting various majors through both print and digital mediums while ensuring high-quality visual communication.
- Designed eye-catching event collateral, including print materials, banners, and signs, that captured audience attention, reinforced brand identity, and supported fundraising efforts.
- Maintained and optimized the college website by creating visual assets that enhanced user experience and facilitated faster loading times.
- Collaborated closely with professors and the dean to design customized publications that met their specific needs and preferences.
- Created engaging social media graphics and visual content that drove user engagement and increased online visibility, contributing to successful campaigns.
- Facilitated the transition to a digital signage system, broadening student outreach and information dissemination across campus.
- Achieved a consistent look and feel across all materials, reinforcing brand identity while innovating new design elements still in use today.
- Edited and updated existing artwork, materials, and graphics to align with project goals and maintain high aesthetic standards.
Education
Bachelor of Fine Arts - Graphic Design And Illustration
University of South Carolina
Columbia, SC08-2016
Skills
- Content and Project Management
- Audio, Video, & Photo Production
- Digital and Technological Literacy
- Layout, Print, & Type Design
- Branding and Identity
- Mastery of Adobe Creative Suite
- Animation and Motion Graphics
- 3D Modeling and 3D Printing
- Editorial, Educational, and General Illustration
- Wireframing, Prototyping, and Accessibility
- Production Printing
- Grant Writing
Accomplishments
- Art director of several statewide and national programs for SCETV and PBS. Including a 2023 South East Emmy Nominee.
- Redesigned and overhauled the SCETV KIDS mascot Smart Cat to better match PBS KIDS characters.
- Trained over 3,000 educators statewide on using different types of educational content in the classroom.
- 2020 Able SC Celebrate Award for Showing Disability Pride in Illustration
- Launched a nationwide promotional item store for realtors of NextHome resulting in a significant increase in sales on our end and outreach for clients.
- 2019 CHPRMS Award for Outstanding Design - Poster Design
Affiliations
- Palladium Board - Historic Columbia
- AAF of the Midlands
- American Institute for Graphic Arts
Timeline
Instructional Technology Specialist/Content Creator
South Carolina Educational Television (SC PBS)
07.2020 - Current
Creative Director
Lakeside Enterprises
03.2019 - 03.2019
Web and Graphics Specialist
South Carolina Hospital Association
11.2016 - 03.2019
Graphic Designer
UofSC School of Engineering and Computing
09.2012 - 11.2016
Bachelor of Fine Arts - Graphic Design And Illustration
University of South Carolina
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