Kathleen Dillinger

• Offered high-end plumbing sales and design support
• Placed and tracked orders for large and small scale projects
• Provided excellent customer service
• Helped the customer explore creative design and flow within their home
• Worked within a client's budget
• Managed customer accounts to secure customer satisfaction and repeat business
• Retained excellent client satisfaction ratings through outstanding service delivery
• Developed and maintained comprehensive understanding of products, services and competitors to enhance sales presentations
• Met with existing customers and prospects to discuss business needs and recommend optimal solutions
• Stocked merchandise, clearly labeling items, and arranging according to size or color
• Engaged in friendly conversation with customer to better uncover individual needs.
• Listened to customer needs and desires to identify and recommend optimal product
• Built customer loyalty and retention by delivering excellent shopping experiences
• Created inviting environment for customers by maintaining store organization and cleanliness
• Delivered energetic responses to customers in-store and by telephone, going above and beyond to serve needs
• Developed strong rapport with customers and created positive impression of business
• Maintained up-to-date knowledge of store sales, payment policies and security standards
• Used in-store system to locate inventory and place special orders for customers

Accounts Payable assistant:

• Data entry and filing
• Received packing slips and matching to invoices
• Completed monthly check runs and reports

Assistant to Operations Manager:

• Implemented new projects and procedures
• Wrote company memos
• *Implemented a new recycling and trash cycle to save money and explore environmental awareness

Advertising Assistant:

• Met with media reps
• Tracked and recorded media contracts and budget information
• Designed in-house coupons and promotions
• Event planning, design and set-up
• Conducted primary and secondary research to better understand customer needs and behaviors.
• Researched and evaluated potential new markets and products.

• Implemented artistic vision to give art purpose and meaning
• Conceptualize and create visual designs for various digital and print media
• Develop and maintain brand identity through consistent design elements
• Collaborate with clients to understand their creative needs and objectives
• Brainstorm ideas and provide creative direction to achieve client's vision
• Create mockups, wireframes, and prototypes to present design concepts
• Manage multiple projects and meet deadlines
• Stay up-to-date with design trends and industry best practices
• Ensure all designs are visually appealing and coherent with client's brand guidelines
• Coordinate with copywriters and marketing teams to develop compelling visual content
• Maintain a strong portfolio showcasing past design work
• Presented concepts, copy and art during internal and client reviews.
• Worked with creative teams to develop concept designs for campaigns that resonated with target audiences.

• Applied knowledge of printing standards to create high-quality images
• Created digital and print layouts for diverse materials
• Prepared digital files for screen printing
• Provided customer service with rush client proofs and mock-ups
• Found solutions to production and file issues
• Designed & produced custom promotions
• Worked with the design team to complete custom presentations for new and existing clients
• Completed overflow design projects such as flyers, catalogs, print repeats, and overseas production files
• Assisted with Social Media updates
• Assisted the Art Director with lifestyle photo shoots and preparation
• Collaborated with clients and team members to understand client needs and project objectives
• Managed multiple projects and meet deadlines
• Utilized graphic design software and tools to create layout and graphics
• Prepared final designs for production and ensure quality control
• Stay up-to-date with industry trends and techniques in graphic design
• Coordinated with print vendors and product development team
• Maintained a library of design assets and templates
• Provided support for other design-related tasks as needed
• Product photography

• Developed creative design for print materials, brochures, banners, and signs
• Product concept & design for new and exiting accounts (Callaway Golf, Timberland, Eddie Bauer, Adidas, Nordstrom, Ross, Brookstone)
• Catalog design & layout
• Designed & implemented icon graphics
• Logo design
• Expanded upon and updated company branding
• Created textile designs and print repeats for overseas production
• Design flyers & promotional materials
• Product photography and editing
• Social Media and website updates as needed
• Created and recreated art for promotional product clients
• Created screens of artwork for the screen printing production team
• Designed custom presentations for promotional and private label clients
• Created and designed visual materials for print and digital platforms
• Collaborated with clients and team members to understand design needs and project objectives
• Managed multiple design projects and meet deadlines
• Utilized graphic design software and tools to create layout and graphics
• Prepared final designs for production and ensure quality control
• Stayed up-to-date with industry trends and techniques in graphic design
• Coordinated with print vendors and product development team
• Maintained a library of design assets and templates
• Provided support for other design-related tasks as needed

• Resolved issues quickly to maintain productivity goals
• Reviewed work for quality and compliance with company standards and design specifications
• Managed the design calendar and oversaw all projects including catalogs, packaging, fashion development, flyers, brochures, social media, and client presentations.
• Art directed & produced photo shoots and created photography look-books
• Manage product photography
• Managed a team of graphic designers and production staff
• Oversaw the design and production process
• Provided creative direction and guidance to team members
• Managed project timelines and ensuring timely delivery of projects
• Collaborated with clients, sales team and internal stakeholders to understand design requirements
• Created and modified graphic elements and layouts
• Created and curated seasonal fashion prints
• Designed product trims and colors alongside the product development team
• Ensured brand consistency across all design materials
• Email design and digital asset creation
• Reviewed artwork and materials for quality and accuracy
• Kept up-to-date with industry trends and best practices
• Trained and mentored team members
• Created custom designs and presentations for multiple brands/accounts including, Nordstrom, Target, Costco, Callaway Golf, Adidas, Dillard's, Macy's, Nordstrom, Nordstrom Rack, DSW, and many more.
• Researched current packaging, typography, and design trends

• Implemented artistic vision to give art purpose and meaning
• Contributed to creative process through original ideas and inspiration
• Made collateral to support various marketing campaigns and visually communicate concepts
• Developed and executed creative concepts for marketing campaigns
• Collaborated with clients to understand their brand identity and goals
• Lead and managed a team of designers and freelancers
• Created and presented visual design solutions
• Oversaw the production of marketing materials, including print ads, digital banners, and social media graphics
• Ensured brand consistency and quality across all mediums and platforms
• Stayed current with design trends and industry best practices
• Managed multiple projects and meeting deadlines
• Worked closely with marketing and advertising teams
• Provided art direction and guidance to photographers, illustrators, and other creative professionals

In January of 2023 I started an online pet retail business called Whisker Union Co. to challenge myself and learn new skills. As the owner and graphic designer I created the brand, website (through Shopify) and social media presence. It has been challenging and rewarding!

• Creating and designing visual content for various projects
• Developing concepts and ideas for products and prints
• Creating logos, layouts, and branding materials
• Using graphic design software and tools to create and edit designs
• Researching current design trends and staying up-to-date with industry best practices
• Managing and organizing design files and assets
• Overseeing the creative direction and visual identity of the brand
• Marketing and promoting products
• Staying informed about copyright and intellectual property laws related to graphic design

• Researched trends and projected industry changes to capitalize on emerging opportunities.
• Create and design visual concepts for various projects, including branding, marketing materials, and digital media.
• Collaborate with team members to develop and execute design strategies that meet project goals and objectives.
• Manage multiple projects simultaneously, ensuring that deadlines are met and quality standards are maintained.
• Stay up-to-date with industry trends and best practices, and incorporate them into design work as appropriate.
• Conduct research and gather information to inform design decisions, including user needs, market trends, and competitor analysis.
• Present design concepts and ideas to stakeholders and incorporate feedback into final designs.
• Work closely with production teams to ensure that designs are executed accurately and efficiently.
• Work with the team to develop and maintain brand guidelines and design standards, ensuring consistency across all materials and channels.