Summary
Overview
Work History
Education
Skills
Systems and Software
Awards
Certification
Timeline
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Karl Mortensen

Houston,TX

Summary

Versatile and clever Creative Manager with over 20 years of experience, adept at leading teams to produce elevated and relevant content. Proficient in driving on-brand lifestyle content and producing accurate and efficient product photography converting shoppers into buyers. Recognized for the capacity to manage multiple projects concurrently, work independently as well as collaboratively, and interact effectively with all organizational levels.

Overview

23
23
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification

Work History

Photo Studio Manager

Quad Graphics
05.2022 - Current
  • Managed the marketing content and ecommerce studios for one of Quad's larger Client Services accounts, Academy Sports and Outdoors
  • Repaired and maintained a stellar relationship with the client while growing our service offering
  • Facilitated performance reviews, growth initiatives, periodic work quality audits, and role evolution
  • Collaborated with client’s art directors to help define and evolve style guides and lighting direction for private brands
  • Created video content for broadcast advertising, corporate communications and quarterly business updates with C-suite executives
  • Project management of large-scale photo and video productions
  • Coordinated communication between clients and photography team to ensure seamless project execution from start to finish
  • Equipment management: research emerging equipment and software trends, maintain existing assets, implemented duty cycle cadence for equipment replacement
  • Balanced and managed on-site and offshore retouching teams
  • Spearheaded safety and sustainability initiatives
  • Implemented cost-saving measures to effectively manage studio expenses without compromising quality or service
  • Maintained DAM and implemented automation surrounding upload, archive, and deprication processes

Content Studio Manager

Thrasio
10.2020 - 05.2022
  • Managed the content creation studios for the world’s largest and fastest growing Amazon aggregator of over 200 premium brands
  • Built production team of photographers, stylists, videographers, and supporting staff to create content for Marketing, Brand and eCommerce art teams
  • Researched, tested, and implemented relevant and compliant content
  • Oversaw transition and decommission of DAM platforms and implemented archive protocol
  • Established and managed offshore post-production team
  • Coordinated daily studio operations, including scheduling, staff management and budget
  • Designed and equipped two specialized production studio spaces
  • Established a positive work environment, fostering collaboration among staff members to improve productivity and creativity.

Creative Services Manager

The Richline Group
07.2018 - 04.2020
  • Fostered a team of creatives to build and deploy award-winning messaging, collateral material and brand initiatives for our retail partners as well as our direct-to-consumer sites
  • Generated a renewed confidence in our imaging department and brought together creative teams spanning 4 countries
  • Expanded the service offering of our department through extended education for team members, employing contract talent, and leveraging talent from sister companies
  • Reduced hemorrhaging budget by identifying and eliminating unnecessary spend
  • Reduced SLA from 2 months to just 6 days after inheriting an operation plagued with delayed product launches, duplicate SKUs, and disgruntled staff
  • Initiated and implemented strategies which quickly improved staff morale and productivity
  • Established and implemented creative standards and processes to ensure quality deliverables while managing the design and production of 360-degree video devices to satisfy online imagery needs for each retailer
  • Directed and produced showcase reels on new product offerings, marketplace choices, 3D renders of complex processes, and responsible sourcing of materials
  • Managed photographers, graphic artists, copywriter, social media coordinator and support staff as well as a remote retouch team.

Senior Photographer

Amazon
04.2015 - 07.2018
  • Photographer based in Amazon’s largest off-figure studio charged primarily with driving quality in jewelry and timepieces, sportswear, footwear and eyewear, in addition to championing studio safety in all North American studios
  • Implemented a rotational cadence to cross-train all photographers for any subject matter, reducing the risk of increasing SLA with workforce absences
  • Subject matter expert accountable for authoring and implementing SOPs and training manuals to improve efficiency and streamline operations
  • Led, trained, and developed permanent and freelance photographers in lighting, software, workflow, and process
  • Spearheaded safety and 5S initiatives for all North American imaging studios
  • Proposed and developed a talent share cadence to offer neighboring studio associates an opportunity to learn additional processes and techniques

Art Director

Larry H Miller Group
01.2011 - 04.2015
  • Strategic liaison between dealership management principles and wary consumers, granting confidence and transparency through the car-buying process
  • Creative partner for branded messaging through web, print, outdoor, and broadcast
  • Managed online presence of 8 automotive dealerships through website design and social presence
  • Maintained compliance with FTC regulations and strict manufacturers’ legal requirements
  • SEO campaigns, SEM strategies using Google Analytics and AdWords.

Photographer

Aldik Artificial Flowers
11.2001 - 04.2008
  • Photographic technician capturing compelling imagery of over 5,000 SKUs per year for use in print catalogs, email, and retail signage
  • Built and equipped a full-service product photography studio
  • Concepted and implemented “shoot abroad” program where I brought the studio to our factories overseas; resulted in sales materials published 6 weeks prior to our competitors’ best efforts
  • Photo and video of trade shows and sales meetings
  • Delivered high-quality images under tight deadlines, demonstrating strong time management skills

Education

Bachelor of Arts - Commercial Photography, Marketing

Brooks Institute of Photography
Santa Barbara, CA
08.2001

Skills

  • Creative Direction
  • Digital asset management
  • Teamwork and Collaboration
  • Deadline-oriented
  • Scheduling Coordination
  • Team Leadership
  • Adaptability and Flexibility
  • Problem Resolution

Systems and Software

  • Adobe Creative Suite
  • Photoshop
  • InDesign
  • Illustrator
  • Premiere Pro
  • Acrobat
  • Lightroom
  • Phase One CaptureOne
  • Shotflow Helicon Focus
  • Microsoft Office
  • MS Word
  • Excel
  • PowerPoint
  • DaVinci Resolve
  • Bynder
  • Chorus
  • Asana
  • Monday
  • Workfront
  • Canon
  • Sony
  • Nikon
  • Fujifilm
  • Hasselblad
  • Mac
  • Windows

Awards

  • Communicator Awards - Business to Business Integrated Campaign, Inverness, 2020
  • Dieline Awards - Best Luxury Packaging, Grown With Love, 2019
  • Graphic Design USA - Brand and Identity, Training Videos, Inverness, 2019
  • Communicator Awards - Branding and Eco Friendly Integrated Campaign, Grown With Love, 2019
  • Addy Awards - Gold Luxury Packaging, 1872 Legacy of Love, 2019
  • Graphic Design USA - Campaign and Packaging, Grown With Love, 2018


Certification

  • CNP - Certified Notary Public
  • First Aid/CPR Certified
  • CSP - Certified Safety Professional
  • PhaseOne CaptureOne Certified

Timeline

Photo Studio Manager

Quad Graphics
05.2022 - Current

Content Studio Manager

Thrasio
10.2020 - 05.2022

Creative Services Manager

The Richline Group
07.2018 - 04.2020

Senior Photographer

Amazon
04.2015 - 07.2018

Art Director

Larry H Miller Group
01.2011 - 04.2015

Photographer

Aldik Artificial Flowers
11.2001 - 04.2008

Bachelor of Arts - Commercial Photography, Marketing

Brooks Institute of Photography

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Karl Mortensen