Paul Marano
Elgin,IL
Summary
Innovative professional in brand identity, packaging design, and product design. I work with clients both domestically and internationally. My goal is to create a deeper, more meaningful connection with your most valuable customers, building effective designs to deliver outstanding and consistent customer journeys throughout all channels.
Overview
30
30
years of professional experience
Work History
Senior Designer (Art Director)
Smurfit West Rock
10.2016 - Current
- Create 3D visual solutions and concepts for Beverage, Cosmetics, Confectionery, Media, Healthcare and Horticulture.
- Provide inspiration on a visual level; refine designs; lends a critical eye to all creative
- structural, and technical output with an aesthetic awareness of global design, media, and marketing trends.
- Partner effectively with both internal staff and clients to ensure delivery of on-brief, on-time, top-quality deliverables for production.
- Designs and fulfills very specific design direction and where time and budget allow provides additional designs above and beyond the request.
- Drive the artistic vision and creative strategy across the entire Creative Services team, while proactively developing and sharing best practice.• Key Accounts:
- HBO, NBC Universal, Lionsgate, Sony Entertainment, Warner Bros., LG Harmon Kardon, Bacardi, Smirnoff, EOS, Remy Martin, Amazon, Bed Bath and Beyond, Home Depot, Meijer, Target, Boscov's, Macy's, Marvel, Kroger, RLJ Entertainment and Disney Entertainment.
- Created engaging presentations showcasing design work for client pitches, winning numerous high-value contracts for the company.
- Developed schematics showcasing design layout, individual components, and production procedures.
- Organized digital assets library used by internal staff members by implementing proper naming conventions and categorization.
Director Of Product Development
PMI
07.2007 - 10.2015
- Analyzed consumer, industry and competitive trends to provide recommendations and facilitate decisions for new product development introductions
- Collaborated with cross-functional teams of marketing and advertising specialists to examine new features and related costs for inclusion in merchandise promotions
- Participated with leaders across the organization to address legal issues, pricing, packaging and shipping
- Core accounts included such as Disney, Warner Bros., New Line Cinema, Precious Moments, 20th Century Fox, Coca-Cola, Thomas Kinkade, Campbell's Soup, and Paramount Pictures
- Key Accomplishments: Created a comprehensive program for Disney, which generated over $600K in sales
- Key clients Terry Redlin, Thomas Kinkade, Coca-Cola, PMI and Wild Wings we designed and launched innovative programs, which resulted in more than $3 million revenue
- Oversaw product design and roadmap and coordinated aspects of development and rollout.
- Worked collaboratively with developers, senior-level stakeholders and partners to collect data on deficiencies and provide solutions to long-standing issues.
- Identified productivity bottlenecks and devised innovative solutions while remaining conservative with resources.
Art Director
Santa's Best
04.2006 - 07.2007
- In collaboration with clients, developed innovative print materials to support brand building and elevate sales.
- Managed the accounts of such well-known industry leaders as Coca- Cola, Wild Wings, Wal-Mart, Lowe's, Home Depot, Walgreens, Bed Bath and Beyond, Dollar Tree, Big Lots, Kmart and Sears.
- Oversaw sourcing and packaging, coordinating with the Hong Kong office to ensure client needs were met.
- Delivered insightful PowerPoint presentations to senior executives outlining the ideation for new product introductions and cost for product development.
- Key Accomplishments:
- Traveled overseas to Hong Kong and Mainland China to meet with key vendors and clients assessing needs to establish quality guidelines.
- Maximized project efficiency with meticulous attention to deadlines, budget constraints, and client expectations.
- Implemented artistic vision to give art purpose and meaning.
Senior Product Development Manager
The Bradford Exchange
07.2001 - 06.2006
- In collaboration with clients, developed innovative print materials to support brand building and elevate sales
- Managed the accounts of such well-known industry leaders as Coca-Cola, Wild Wings, Wal-Mart, Lowe's, Home Depot, Walgreens, Bed Bath and Beyond, Dollar Tree, Big Lots, Kmart and Sears
- Oversaw sourcing and packaging, coordinating with the Hong Kong office to ensure client needs were met
- Delivered insightful PowerPoint presentations to senior executives outlining the ideation for new product introductions and cost for product development
- Key Accomplishments: Traveled overseas to Hong Kong and Mainland China to meet with key vendors and clients assessing needs to establish quality guidelines
- Oversaw development of more than 50 new products each year.
Sr. Graphic Designer
Houston Harvest Gift
03.2001 - 07.2001
Sr. Graphic Designer
Enesco Corp.
01.1997 - 03.2001
Graphic Designer
Multi-Visual Productions
03.1995 - 01.1997
Education
Bachelor of Fine Arts - Commercial Illustration and Graphic Design
Northern Illinois University
DeKalb, IL03.1992
Associate in Fine Arts - Graphic Design
Elgin Community College
Elgin, IL03.1990
Skills
- Team Leadership
- Packaging Design
- Product Design
- Competitive Trends
- Brand Identity
- Vendor Relations
- Group Presentation
- Key Account Management
- Creative Problem Solving
- Adobe Creative suite
- ZBrush
- C4D
Timeline
Senior Designer (Art Director)
Smurfit West Rock
10.2016 - Current
Director Of Product Development
PMI
07.2007 - 10.2015
Art Director
Santa's Best
04.2006 - 07.2007
Senior Product Development Manager
The Bradford Exchange
07.2001 - 06.2006
Sr. Graphic Designer
Houston Harvest Gift
03.2001 - 07.2001
Sr. Graphic Designer
Enesco Corp.
01.1997 - 03.2001
Graphic Designer
Multi-Visual Productions
03.1995 - 01.1997
Bachelor of Fine Arts - Commercial Illustration and Graphic Design
Northern Illinois University
Associate in Fine Arts - Graphic Design
Elgin Community College
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