Tarek Abou Samra
Miami,FL
Summary
Ambitious and results-oriented Creative Director with over 10 years of experience leading teams, managing budgets, and developing profitable strategies. Proven track record in deep understanding of high-quality designs and innovative strategies and marketing campaigns that enhance business visibility and revenue. Skilled in overseeing designers, and artists to achieve challenging objectives, with a history of successful client and executive collaborations. Excellent communicator, problem solver, market researcher and detail-oriented manager with a nuanced understanding of brand voice. Adept in trend forecasting and sustainability, with a commitment achieving corporate goals and staying informed about emerging trends, technologies, and best practices.
Overview
11
11
years of professional experience
Work History
Creative Director
Atelier Forger
Miami, FL
05.2021 - Current
- Developed impactful creative briefs that brought to life purposeful and meaningful design projects resulted in valuable orders.
- Utilized industry-standard software to design layouts and storyboards for marketing materials, ensuring cohesive visual storytelling.
- Effectively managed multiple projects from start to finish while closely monitoring progress, data base, pricing.
- Boosted brand recognition through innovative marketing campaigns and compelling designs, enhancing overall brand reputation.
- Formulated and monitored budgets to manage expenses and control costs, leading to improved overall ROI.
- Developed impactful, award-winning designs that incorporated industry trends for engaging diverse audiences.
- Identified potential risks and negotiated contractual terms with vendors to secure low costs, and delivery dates for products ensuring compliance with corporate responsibility.
- Directed photoshoots from concept development to post-production, ensuring high-quality visuals aligned with brand goals.
- Championed sustainability practices, reducing environmental impact while maintaining aesthetic appeal and functionality.
- Brainstormed growth-driving initiatives by delivering high-quality designs, identifying new market opportunities, and improving existing products based on customer feedback to meet quality standards.
- Designed user-friendly, responsive websites and implemented strategies to promote campaigns on social media.
- Collaborated with PR and marketing professionals to enhance brand promotion at industry events.
Fashion Designer & Art Director
SAZ.
Beirut, Lebanon
06.2015 - 03.2021
- Created and conducted innovative designs based on emerging trends and popular color palettes, resulting in a loyal customer base and positive media coverage.
- Oversaw production teams in the creation of appealing final designs that fulfilled desired aesthetics and target market demands, ensuring exceptional quality standards.
- Effectively directed photographers and photoshoots to showcase new collections, thereby increasing exposure through print and digital media.
- Managed creative process by generating original concepts and inspiration, utilizing CAD to develop ideas and communicate strategies.
- Revitalized fashion lines with innovative fabric and design incorporation, enhancing garment versatility.
- Collaborated with marketing teams on a successful campaign, leading to increased sales and cost-effective management solutions while maintaining artistic vision.
- Enhanced brand reputation for luxury and exclusivity through designing custom garments for high-profile clients.
- Streamlined creative processes by implementing project management tools to Enhance design quality by mentoring junior designers and providing constructive feedbacks.
Chief Designer
Abed Mahfouz
Beirut, Lebanon
12.2013 - 04.2014
- Led the development and execution of haute couture collections, utilizing market research and trend analysis to identify opportunities.
- Motivated and led teams in the creation of exquisite garments, utilizing innovative concepts and cutting-edge technology to stay ahead of industry trends.
- Established clear lines of communication between departments to foster teams collaboration. Prioritized tasks and efficiently managed resources on tight deadlines.
- Utilized innovative approaches to create intuitive interfaces and visually appealing designs, resulting in improved customer satisfaction ratings.
- Regularly interacted with clients to gather information on their preferences, styles, and ideas.
Education
Bachelor of Arts - Design And Visual Communications
Damascus University
Damascus, Syria07-2012
Associate of Arts - Fashion Design - Haute Couture
Model Center
Damascus, SyriaAssociate of Arts - Fashion Design - Ready to Wear
Model Center
Damascus, SyriaSkills
- Campaign development
- Strategic communications
- Project Management & Development
- Business Planning
- Product Management
- Budget Control
- Negotiation
- Marketing
- Visual Communication
- Conceptualization
- Art Direction
- Sketching abilities
- Adobe Creative Suite
- Fabrication and design
- CAD Software
- Digital illustration
- Adobe Creative Suite
- Profit and Loss Management
- Sales & Revenue Growth
- Decision-Making
- Innovative and Visionary
- Market Research
Key Achievement
Achieved a milestone as the youngest designer to lead the design and execution department, developing and showcasing haute couture collections at Paris Fashion Week in 2014, And at Arab Fashion Week in Dubai 2022 resulting in substantial industry recognition and media attention like Elle Magazine and Harper’s Bazaar.
Successfully Led the design and production operations achieving 17% company growth between 2021 and 2024, with 35% sales increase.
Saved 18% in annual expenses through effective vendor negotiations and increased revenue by 23% over 4 years.
Expanded distribution strategy by 17%, and expanded the . client base by 27% within 18 months.
Languages
English
Full Professional
Arabic
Full Professional
French
Limited
References
References available upon request.
Timeline
Creative Director
Atelier Forger
05.2021 - Current
Fashion Designer & Art Director
SAZ.
06.2015 - 03.2021
Chief Designer
Abed Mahfouz
12.2013 - 04.2014
Bachelor of Arts - Design And Visual Communications
Damascus University
Associate of Arts - Fashion Design - Haute Couture
Model Center
Associate of Arts - Fashion Design - Ready to Wear
Model Center
Similar Profiles
Figue Figen UyarFigue Figen Uyar
French as a Foreign Language Instructor at Atelier Stimamiglio Srl (High-End Fashion Atelier – Supplier to Leading French Couture Houses)French as a Foreign Language Instructor at Atelier Stimamiglio Srl (High-End Fashion Atelier – Supplier to Leading French Couture Houses)
Zahira KiraneZahira Kirane
COGÉRANTE – Responsable ADV & Logistique at Sarl Jow – Marque indépendante Hylia Jow – Atelier de BijouterieCOGÉRANTE – Responsable ADV & Logistique at Sarl Jow – Marque indépendante Hylia Jow – Atelier de Bijouterie
Lillian CooperLillian Cooper
Aftercare Supervisor at The Atelier Primary School of Creative LearningAftercare Supervisor at The Atelier Primary School of Creative Learning
Yennifer NimoYennifer Nimo
Registered Medical Assistant at Guidewell SanitasRegistered Medical Assistant at Guidewell Sanitas
Yvelyne MercierYvelyne Mercier
Assistant Manager at Club SpaceAssistant Manager at Club Space