Adobe Creative Suite
Kim Sonsky
Creative Director
New York,New York
Summary
Results-driven and creative Director with over 15 years of experience in driving significant sales growth for Fortune 500 and high-growth companies. Successfully led $500M+ product launches for Bath & Body Works and sell-out QVC campaigns for Slatkin & Co. A strategic thinker with an agile approach, excels at seamlessly navigating complex projects, leading teams, guiding brainstorming sessions, and ensuring flawless project delivery. Expertise lies in fostering collaborative environments and translating emerging trends into successful creative solutions, particularly in the beauty and sustainability sectors.
Demonstrates strong analytical, communication, and teamwork skills, with proven ability to quickly adapt to new environments. Eager to contribute to team success and further develop professional skills. Brings positive attitude and commitment to continuous learning and growth. Ready to help team achieve company goals.
Overview
19
19
years of professional experience
Work History
SENIOR ART DIRECTOR, Remote Consultant
jocott brands (tjmaxx, marshalls – personal care)
01.2022 - 12.2022
- Developed premium packaging solutions for Jocott Brands' personal care and hair care lines, specifically tailored for TJ Maxx, Marshalls, and HomeGoods distribution
- Enhanced brand perception by implementing luxurious designs through strategic material selection, typography, and color palette
- Managed approximately 5 designs and projects per day across multiple seasons at once with the West Coast team and overseas vendors.
ASSOCIATE DESIGN DIRECTOR
SHISEIDO (bareminerals)
01.2019 - 12.2022
- Fostered cohesive teams by leveraging diverse skills and perspectives to achieve common goals
- Provided visual direction and guidance to graphic designers, copywriters, and production team members, promoting a collaborative and high-quality creative process
- Collaborated with cross-functional partners, departments, and external vendors to align creative needs with brand strategy and campaign activations
- Led the art direction of pre-production sampling for new product introductions, ensuring alignment with brand standards across domestic & international vendor collaborations
- Pioneered the development of bareMinerals first sustainable all-paper eyeshadow palette, driving rapid sell-out of key shades and expansion of the product line for both core and seasonal offerings
- Led the development of innovative designs and products, establishing project frameworks, brainstorming initial concepts, and presenting compelling proposals to leadership
- Generated strategic ideas that elevated brand presence across packaging, digital, social media, and other consumer touchpoints
- Developed streamlined speed models for virtual presentations, reducing revisions by 50%
- Collaborated with Global Brand Creative leadership to develop innovative, eco-conscious packaging solutions that aligned with brand identity and business objectives
- Experienced in both digital and print design, with a strong understanding of cross-media translation
- Effectively balanced creative strategy and execution of sustainable products, from concept to final release
- Experienced on-set Creative Director with a refined aesthetic for high-end visual storytelling
- Key Skills: Team Leadership & Collaboration, Creative Direction, Cross-functional collaboration, Brand Strategy, Visual Communication, Presentation Development, Project Management, Sustainable Design, Product Design & Development, Packaging Design, Digital & Print Design
SENIOR CREATIVE
Slatkin + Co
03.2023 - 12.2024
- Company Overview: Remote company
- Developed and executed visually compelling, strategically aligned concepts in collaboration with the CEO and CCO
- Led 360 brand design strategy, systemization, and deployment for Dwell212 across all consumer touchpoints
- Ensured consistent brand identity across packaging, social media, point-of-purchase (POP), and visual merchandising (VM)
- Created limited-edition collections and executed targeted campaigns for holidays and special occasions
- Conceptualized, designed, and developed premium packaging for the Dwell212 personal care line, from initial sketches and 3D renderings to final production and launch
- Conducted market research and competitive analysis to inform a unique packaging and messaging strategy
- Successfully conveyed a luxurious brand image through innovative material selection, elegant typography, and sophisticated color palettes
- Highlighted the brand's commitment to eco-friendly practices and sustainable packaging
- Achieved a substantial increase in sales, resulting in a sell-out within the first 10 minutes of the QVC launch
- Utilized AI software within the creative process for concept development that led to the final product creation
- Experienced in both digital and print design, ensuring effective cross-media translation
- Oversaw and approved design elements, layouts, and visual concepts, maintaining aesthetic quality and brand standards
- Effectively communicated work through virtual presentations to internal teams and C-suite leadership
- Collaborated with cross-functional partners, departments, and external vendors (domestic and international)
- Maintained a passion for innovation and stayed up to date with the latest design trends and technologies
- Remote company
- Key Skills: Brand Strategy & Systemization, Market Research & Analysis, Luxury Brand Management, AI-Enhanced Design, Digital & Print Design, Eco-conscious design, Packaging Design & Development, Visual Communication, Virtual Presentations, Cross-functional Collaboration, Project Management
SENIOR ART DIRECTOR, Remote Consultant
NARS Cosmetics
01.2022 - 12.2023
- Translated creative concepts into impactful, mood-driven, and story-focused visuals
- Effectively presented creative work to internal teams and senior leadership via virtual presentations
- Designed and managed multiple projects per day from cross functional partners and external vendors.
Associate Creative DIRECTOR – Home Fragrance + Soaps / Sanitizers
L BRANDS (Bath & Body Works)
01.2006 - 12.2018
- Spearheaded company-wide innovation and brand realignment initiatives, establishing a reputation as a 'go-to' resource
- Anticipated future trends and translated them into groundbreaking strategies, ensuring seamless brand integration across all consumer touchpoints
- Played a pivotal role in Bath & Body Works' growth from $1M to $4.5B by leading innovative product design as Director
- Consistently presented compelling new collections and ideas to leadership, shaping brand direction
- Led and mentored creative teams, fostering a culture of innovation, collaboration, and high-quality creative output
- Built cohesive teams that leveraged diverse skills and perspectives to achieve common goals
- Collaborated with Marketing and cross-functional partners to align creative needs with brand strategy and campaign activations
- Fostered effective teamwork by building cohesive teams that leveraged diverse skills and perspectives to achieve common goals
- Provided creative direction for photo and video productions, ensuring aesthetic quality and brand consistency
- Managed multiple design projects simultaneously, consistently adhering to deadlines and budget constraints
- Oversaw and approved design elements, layouts, and visual concepts, ensuring accuracy and brand alignment
- Proactively addressed client feedback and integrated it into project work to ensure successful outcomes
- Expert knowledge of brand systems, typography, layout, and a rich cultural library for inspiration
- Directed the development of high-end, affordable candle and soap designs, significantly impacting sales and market share
- Led high-profile Fall and Winter candle collections, achieving #1 sales rankings and driving sales exceeding $500M
- Successfully introduced textured glass forms (hobnail, ribbed, corkscrew) in luxury shop-in-shop White Barn stores, exceeding sales expectations
- Introduced black and white opaque soap bottles, surpassing sales expectations and inspiring a new White Barn opaque color line
- Pioneered the use of black and white abstract photography, exceeding sales targets and disrupting traditional product storytelling
- Key Skills: Team Leadership & Mentoring, Cross-functional collaboration, Creative Direction, Brand Strategy & Development, Project Management, Market Trend Analysis, Sales Growth & Strategy, Visual Communication, Luxury Packaging Design
- Quantifiable Achievements: Drove Bath & Body Works' growth from $1M to $4.5B in 4 years
- Led candle collections that generated over $500M in sales
- Achieved #1 sales ranking for multiple candle collections
- Successfully launched new product lines that exceeded sales expectations
- Optimized marketing materials through cohesive visual storytelling and targeted messaging.
- Developed an effective system for managing resources like budgets and deadlines leading to higher efficiency and output.
- Increased company visibility by creating eye-catching promotional materials for industry events and trade shows.
- Evaluated emerging technologies and tools to remain competitive, resulting in the implementation of new creative techniques and industry best practices.
- Managed multiple projects simultaneously, ensuring timely delivery of high-quality work within budget constraints.
- Executed branded events from concept to completion, resulting in increased audience engagement and brand awareness.
- Implemented design best practices to maintain consistency across digital, print, and social media platforms.
- Refined creative processes for efficient workflow management, reducing production timelines while maintaining quality standards.
- Delivered visually engaging campaigns by leading brainstorming sessions and conceptualizing ideas.
- Collaborated with cross-functional teams for streamlined project management and improved communication.
- Directed photoshoots and video productions for compelling visual content that resonated with target audiences.
- Drove the development of award-winning campaigns by championing innovative ideas and collaborating effectively with colleagues.
- Contributed to a culture of innovation within the department by staying current on industry trends and sharing knowledge with colleagues.
- Elevated brand identity by developing innovative creative concepts and executing design strategies.
- Maximized campaign performance through data-driven analysis of metrics, refining messaging, visuals, or targeting as needed.
- Mentored junior designers, fostering their professional growth and enhancing team productivity.
- Streamlined internal communications by designing visually appealing templates for presentations, reports, and newsletters.
- Enhanced pitch presentations with compelling visuals and persuasive narratives, securing new business opportunities.
- Established strong client relationships through clear communication, understanding of goals, and delivering on expectations.
- Analyzed data and metrics to measure success of campaigns and adjust strategies accordingly.
- Researched emerging technologies and developed effective strategies for integrating into existing campaigns.
- Carefully prepared design layouts into prepress files for offset, web and digital printing.
- Managed workloads of designers, illustrators and other team members to optimize productivity and timeliness of task completion.
- Wrote creative briefs and coached copywriters to develop compelling content.
- Utilized industry-standard software to design layouts and create storyboards for visual presentations.
- Coordinated with vendors and suppliers to source materials and equipment needed for production.
- Created innovative advertising campaigns that successfully generated increased brand awareness and recognition.
- Fostered highly communicative, collaborative team culture on visual product projects.
- Presented creative concepts to clients and implemented continual feedback to achieve client satisfaction.
- Collaborated with marketing and advertising teams to maintain brand consistency across campaigns.
- Implemented strategies for promoting campaigns on social media.
- Oversaw implementation of editing, color correction and other post-production processes.
- Conducted research and identified market trends to inform creative direction.
- Directed photo shoots for print and digital media, reviewing each element against client standards and expectations.
- Developed artistic visual products while working within defined technical constraints.
- Monitored progress of projects, keeping on schedule and within budget.
- Developed style guides to promote consistent branding across projects.
- Spearheaded rebranding campaign to meet and exceed quarterly sales goals.
- Directed and supervised team of designers to create award-winning visual media campaigns.
- Created creative briefs and timeline to manage creative process from concept to completion.
- Worked with creative teams to develop concept designs for campaigns that resonated with target audiences.
- Mentored and trained junior designers to help enhance skills and capabilities.
- Developed high-impact creative trailers and promotional content for company campaigns from concept to completion.
- Managed campaigns with specific focuses in order to meet customer needs and creative visions.
- Formulated and monitored budgets to manage expenses and control costs.
- Monitored industry trends to keep creative materials fresh and engaging.
- Developed strategic communication and marketing plans.
- Evaluated and contributed to creative team ideas and translated into actionable project plans.
- Designed innovative creative strategies to raise brand awareness and engagement for organization.
- Improved client satisfaction with creative solutions tailored to meet unique business objectives.
Education
BS - Graphic Design
Fashion Institute of Technology
New York, NYAAS - Advertising Design
Fashion Institute of Technology
New York, NYSkills
- Team Leader, Foster Teamwork, Encourage Innovation
- Cross-functional Collaboration
- Project Management
- Presentation
- Brand Strategy & Systemization
- Luxury Brand Management
- High Emotional Intelligence and Strategic Thinker
- Creative Production Problem Solver
- Excel in Developing Spontaneous Ideas
- Digital & Print Design and Eco-conscious design
- Packaging Design & Development
- Visual Communication
- AI Prompts, ADOBE Firefly, MidJourney
- ADOBE CC, Microsoft Office
- Chat GPT, GEMINI
- Asana, Figma
- AI-Enhanced Design
Personal Information
Title: Creative Director
Accomplishments
- Supervised team of 7 staff members at Bath & Body Works.
- Collaborated with team of 8 both domestic and international in the development of Dwell212 at Slatkin + Co.
- Achieved 50% decrease in revisions by introducing virtual presentations with live actionable changes for bareMinerals during the unprecedented COVID Pandemic.
- Achieved $500M in sales by completing and leading our high performance 3-wick candle collections with accuracy and efficiency for Bath & Body Works
Work Availability
monday
tuesday
wednesday
thursday
friday
saturday
sunday
morning
afternoon
evening
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Affiliations
- Volunteer Dance and Mental Health teacher at Groove with Me
Work Preference
Work Type
Full TimePart TimeContract WorkGig WorkWork Location
RemoteHybridImportant To Me
Work-life balanceCompany CultureFlexible work hoursHealthcare benefitsWork from home optionPaid time off401k matchStock Options / Equity / Profit SharingPaid sick leaveCareer advancementTeam Building / Company RetreatsPersonal development programs4-day work weekQuote
I can’t understand why people are frightened of new ideas. I’m frightened of the old ones.
John Cage
Software
Microsoft Office
Google Teams
Slack
Asana
Figma
Zoom
MidJourney
Adobe Firefly
ChatGPT
Gemini
Google Drive
Egnyte
Interests
Dancing
International Travel
Museums
Camels
Culture
Music
Performing Arts
Timeline
SENIOR CREATIVE
Slatkin + Co
03.2023 - 12.2024
SENIOR ART DIRECTOR, Remote Consultant
jocott brands (tjmaxx, marshalls – personal care)
01.2022 - 12.2022
SENIOR ART DIRECTOR, Remote Consultant
NARS Cosmetics
01.2022 - 12.2023
ASSOCIATE DESIGN DIRECTOR
SHISEIDO (bareminerals)
01.2019 - 12.2022
Associate Creative DIRECTOR – Home Fragrance + Soaps / Sanitizers
L BRANDS (Bath & Body Works)
01.2006 - 12.2018
BS - Graphic Design
Fashion Institute of Technology
AAS - Advertising Design
Fashion Institute of Technology
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