Michele P. Jorgensen
Decatur,GA
Summary
Creative Senior Design Manager with a proven track record of managing diverse design projects from concept to completion. Strong communication skills and adaptability contribute to effective collaboration and client satisfaction. Passionate about empowering talent and delivering high-quality design results that meet, and exceed, project goals.
Overview
36
36
years of professional experience
Work History
Senior Design Manager
IG Design Group, Americas
Atlanta, GA
06.2024 - Current
- Lead a team of designers and assistant design managers in developing innovative product line collections, focused on our top revenue-producing customer, Walmart.
- Mentor and review direct reports, providing feedback to foster talent development, and enhance creative skills.
- Oversee multiple seasons and project timelines simultaneously, collaborating with Product Development and Sales teams, and ensuring adherence to design specifications and standards.
- Communicate a clear, creative vision through detailed design briefs, improving product development processes.
- Research and predict industry trends, consumer preferences, and sales data to create and inform product development direction.
- Facilitate cross-functional communications between product channels, enhancing communication, efficiency, and cohesive collections.
- Create and present line decks and prototypes, effectively managing customer expectations.
- Review and approve factory pre-production samples for team collections, ensuring high-quality standards.
Design Manager
IG Design Group, Americas
Atlanta, GA
04.2023 - 06.2024
- Developed and enforced design standards across multiple product lines and for a larger group of customers than the ADM role.
- Worked in tandem with the Sales and Product Development teams to ensure all products met specifications for presentation and production.
- Collaborated with Product Development Managers in the creation of innovation concepts, including designing and winning a new product line of custom ornaments for the major retailer, Aldi.
Assistant Design Manager
IG Design Group, Americas
Atlanta, GA
06.2021 - 04.2023
- Assisted the Creative Director and Design Manager in managing project timelines and deliverables for all design initiatives.
- Supported the creation of design presentations and prototypes for client meetings.
- Organized and maintained digital design assets, documentation, and licensing systems.
- Reviewed files for specifications and accuracy prior to production.
Senior Designer
IG Design Group, Americas
Decatur, GA
04.2019 - 06.2021
- Worked closely with the Creative Director and Design Managers to create innovative, trend-driven, and design-led products for celebration goods – including wrapping paper, greeting cards, stationery, gift bags, and seasonal décor.
- Mentored and helped create training initiatives for new hires, and provided design guidance for junior designers.
- Operated printers and managed print processes for prototypes and mockups.
Principal
Michele Creates Illustration & Design
Atlanta, GA
01.2006 - 01.2019
- Designed illustrations, branding materials, and social content for diverse clients and products, delivering quality and highly creative work while meeting client specifications and deadlines.
- Managed client relationships, ensuring alignment with design vision and goals.
- Developed logos, retail goods, and illustrations and layouts for publications from concept to production-ready status.
- Including work for large clients such as Abrams Publishing, Walmart, Hobby Lobby, Michael’s, Cracker Barrel Country Store, as well as numerous small businesses, and local and regional events.
Additional Experience
Various
01.1990 - 01.2019
- Certified Group Exercise Instructor and Personal Trainer | 1990 – 2019
- Professional belly dance performer and teacher | 1996 – 2016
- Licensed Tattoo Artist | 1992 – 2009
Illustrator & Designer
Plaid Enterprises
Norcross, GA
01.2005 - 01.2007
- Implemented trend forecasts and managed rigorous production requirements and strict deadlines in the creation of logos, crafting products, packaging, and point-of-purchase displays for Plaid’s brands and licensed lines.
Senior Graphic Designer
Electronic Graphics Group
Norcross, GA
01.2001 - 01.2005
- Managed project timelines and ensured accuracy of deliverables for design team.
- Implemented training sessions to transition publication workflow from Quark to InDesign.
- Enhanced operational efficiency and industry relevance through effective team training.
Graphic Designer
Electronic Graphics Group
Norcross, GA
01.2000 - 01.2001
- Delivered high-volume ad campaigns for a national periodical publishing company.
Education
BS - Fine Arts
Florida State University
Tallahassee, FLSkills
- Adobe Creative Suite expertise: Photoshop, Illustrator, InDesign, Acrobat
- Microsoft PowerPoint
- Trello
- Digital asset management
- Creative direction
- Client relationships
- Trend analysis and development
- Project management
- Presentation skills
- Communication skills
- Team management
- Illustration and design
Affiliations
- Volunteer with Mustang and Wild Horse Rescue of Georgia
- Member DGA Women's Development Network
- President of community HOA Board
- Selected for Light Grey Art Lab Gallery group exhibit and publication: 'The End is Nigh'
Accomplishments
- Illustrator, best-selling book Knitstrips: The World’s First Comic-Strip Knitting Book
- 2016 semi-finalist in Lilla Rogers Agency Global Talent Search
- Book Illustration: 2015 Nautilus Award Winner, Silver – Children's Illustrated Fiction
References
References available upon request.
Timeline
Senior Design Manager
IG Design Group, Americas
06.2024 - Current
Design Manager
IG Design Group, Americas
04.2023 - 06.2024
Assistant Design Manager
IG Design Group, Americas
06.2021 - 04.2023
Senior Designer
IG Design Group, Americas
04.2019 - 06.2021
Principal
Michele Creates Illustration & Design
01.2006 - 01.2019
Illustrator & Designer
Plaid Enterprises
01.2005 - 01.2007
Senior Graphic Designer
Electronic Graphics Group
01.2001 - 01.2005
Graphic Designer
Electronic Graphics Group
01.2000 - 01.2001
Additional Experience
Various
01.1990 - 01.2019
BS - Fine Arts
Florida State University
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