Kristi McKay
CREATIVE DIRECTOR
Las Vegas,NV
Summary
Creative professional driven by high standards and results using strategic brand storytelling. Skilled in conceptualizing and executing innovative campaigns, with strong focus on team collaboration and adapting to evolving project needs. Proven ability to lead cross-functional teams, combining strategic vision with practical design skills to deliver impactful outcomes. Reliable and adaptable, excelling in environments that demand creativity and precision.
Overview
17
17
years of professional experience
5
5
years of post-secondary education
Work History
CREATIVE DIRECTOR OF DESIGN
Adomni
03.2020 - Current
- Led brand creative development and omni-channel content creation to support the company's 75% growth.
- Achieved rapid growth of the company's social media following to 10K in 7 days by implementing an influencer marketing strategy.
- Enhanced brand coherence by developing comprehensive style guides for all distribution channels.
- Helped secure significant partnerships with several high-profile brands by overseeing and executing creative development within a 2-week timeline
- Developed and executed a strategic rebranding initiative to exceed quarterly sales objectives.
- Optimized creative processes, resulting in improved team efficacy and productivity levels.
- Developed a system of sales templates allowed for quick customization as new deal opportunities emerged.
- Evaluated and contributed to creative team ideas and translated into actionable project plans.
- Elevated team capabilities by mentoring junior designers, fostering significant professional growth.
- Established a culture of community by leading a cross departmental team of volunteers and launching, designing, and executing a 40-page quarterly publication for an internal audience of 75
- Coordinated multiple initiatives simultaneously, ensuring both timely completion and effective implementation.
- Crafted comprehensive marketing and communication strategies to enhance brand visibility.
EXECUTIVE CREATIVE DIRECTOR & FOUNDER
Kristi McKay Creative
08.2011 - 03.2020
- Launched successful advertising campaigns that attracted new clients and expanded market reach.
- Enhanced brand identity through the development of visually cohesive marketing collateral across multiple channels.
- Partnered with cross-functional teams to align creative direction with business objectives and company vision.
- Secured stakeholder engagement through compelling presentations, driving support for project implementation and resource distribution.
- Managed budgets for creative projects, ensuring cost-effective solutions while maintaining quality standards.
- Notable clients: Penta Builders, Hilton Hotels, Walgreens, Sourcebooks, Scientific Games, Haimark Travel
EXECUTIVE CREATIVE DIRECTOR (contract)
The Cupcake Girls
09.2019 - 02.2020
- Oversaw the development of social media content team – from concept through final production – that resonated with target audiences and increased engagement by 10% in 4 months.
- Engaged cross-functional teams to synchronize creative strategies with organizational vision and objectives for new brand enterprise within 4 month timeline.
- Accelerated project timelines by optimizing workflows, resulting in heightened efficiency within the team.
- Crafted cohesive marketing materials to enhance brand identity across multiple platforms.
SENIOR ART DIRECTOR
McGuffin Creative Group
08.2015 - 03.2017
- Achieved a significant lift in account acquisitions, surpassing the goal of 5% by managing end-to-end financial creative projects for client's print, digital, and social media campaigns.
- Balanced artistic vision with business objectives by integrating data-driven insights into the creative process.
- Immediate sales increase and repeat business for the client.
- Demonstrated expertise in managing timelines, risk assessment, cross-functional collaboration, and indirect leadership.
- Oversaw the rebranding of a major healthcare company's collateral systems resulting in a strong agency partnership.
- Drove successful integration of art direction into marketing initiatives through collaborative teamwork.
- Facilitated brainstorming sessions, cultivating innovative advertising ideas within a collaborative team atmosphere.
- Notable clients: Allstate, BMO Harris Bank, Cars.com, Young Dental, Common Threads, Mayo Clinic
SENIOR ART DIRECTOR
Bally Total Fitness
03.2008 - 08.2011
- Drove creative brainstorming initiatives that generated impactful advertising ideas within a collaborative team environment.
- Successfully managed resources and budgets, ensuring quality delivery across concurrent projects.
- Ensured exceptional design quality in every project, leading to an increase in gym memberships by 5% year-over-year, contributing to revenue growth.
- Strengthened market presence through effective branding strategies, enhancing corporate image overall.
Education
MFA - MASTER OF FINE ART INTERDISCIPLINARY ART
Goddard College
Port Townsend, WA 08.2011 - 03.2013
BFA - BACHELOR OF FINE ART VISUAL COMMUNICATIONS
Kendal College of Art & Design
Grand Rapids, MI 09.1991 - 05.1995
Skills
Creative Team Leadership
Team Development
Mentorship
Creative/Art Direction
Visual Storytelling
Social Media Strategy
Omni-channel Campaign Development
Problem-solving
Analytical thinking
Attention to detail
Complex problem solver
Creative Suite
Google Suite
Websites
Professional Highlights
- Managed and created an impactful pitch presentation, incorporated data-driven visuals and competitive analysis, resulting in a $10M contract with sports betting company; propelled revenue growth by 20% in the first quarter
- Won 5 year RFP from major retail company with a strategic direct mail campaign that led to the growth of 4 FTE
- Instrumental in helping to launch a new business entity that gained $100K in sales within 4 weeks by developing a brand system and social media strategy for a scalable & repeatable direct-to-consumer DOOH product.
- Addy Award winner, Addy Citation of Excellence; ASPBE National Gold Award winner
Accomplishments
• ASPBE National Gold Award, CSP Magazine Category Management Handbook
• Addy Award, Michigan Ad Club Holiday Invitation
Timeline
CREATIVE DIRECTOR OF DESIGN
Adomni
03.2020 - Current
EXECUTIVE CREATIVE DIRECTOR (contract)
The Cupcake Girls
09.2019 - 02.2020
SENIOR ART DIRECTOR
McGuffin Creative Group
08.2015 - 03.2017
EXECUTIVE CREATIVE DIRECTOR & FOUNDER
Kristi McKay Creative
08.2011 - 03.2020
MFA - MASTER OF FINE ART INTERDISCIPLINARY ART
Goddard College
08.2011 - 03.2013
SENIOR ART DIRECTOR
Bally Total Fitness
03.2008 - 08.2011
BFA - BACHELOR OF FINE ART VISUAL COMMUNICATIONS
Kendal College of Art & Design
09.1991 - 05.1995