DONALD FORST – ART DIRECTOR

Art Direction / Advertising & Brand Marketing

Award-winning art director with a proven record driving business for diverse industries. Passion for creating sharp, professional, and unique designs and messages that immediately attract attention and drive responses. Skilled in developing high-impact marketing materials, brand identities, and print designs. Track record of meeting the most demanding deadlines, communicating effectively with cross-functional teams, and leading by example. Dedicated to finding the most cost-effective and creative solutions for all challenges. Known for taking a hands-on approach directing artists, collaborating with clients, and bringing creative concepts to life.

Notable Skills:

Marketing & Advertising: Promotional Conceptualization; Direct Mail (DM); Newspaper Ads; Retail Marketing; Direct Response (DR) Campaigns; Point-of-Purchase (POP) Displays

Interactive Campaigns Artistic Leadership: Graphic Design; Conceptual Direction; Photography Art Direction; Typography; Layout & Composition; Font & Color Management; Photo shoot Oversight; Multimedia Development

Business Development: Identity Development; Logo Design; User Design Experience (UXD); Customer Service; Company Branding; Client Interviews; Corporate Communications; Digital Client Relationship Management (CRM)

Print Materials: Brochures; Newsletters; Posters & Signs; Collateral Materials; Digital File Management

Team Management: Staff Inspiration & Training; Hiring & Recruiting; Project Management; Production Oversight; Cross-functional Communications; Budget Management; Presentations

Career Success:

CAPITAL ONE, 2004 – Current
SENIOR ART DIRECTOR

Developed a high-performing creative team to successfully execute design projects for multimillion dollar advertising campaigns. Develop and maintain graphical standards, templates, and resources. Design Senior VP level video presentations. Concept and develop control beaters and increase lift for existing packages in varied lines of business.

Key Achievements:

Designed brand architecture and ownable graphics within US Card Internal Communication, Customer Management and Rewards Division.

Created award-winning campaigns while meeting extremely tight timelines.

Selected to redesign the company’s new statement, improving its organization and clarity while reflecting federal regulation changes.

Provided branding direction for local non-profit organizations as the principal art director supporting Capital One’s community outreach program.

VIRGINIA COMMONWEALTH UNIVERSITY, 2009 – 2015
ADJUNCT FACULTY

Developed an innovative Public Relations Graphics course that introduces graphics, presentation, and branding principles to Mass Communication students. Teach cutting-edge graphic techniques within real life scenarios using Macintosh and Adobe CC.

Key Achievements:

Utilized advanced expertise to develop the comprehensive curriculum; successfully adapted materials for students with diverse backgrounds.

Ensured the timely completion of projects and assignments by providing individual attention to students and seamlessly directing multiple project teams simultaneously.

Cultivated a positive classroom environment through effective collaboration with students and fellow staff members.

RIDDICK CORPORATE MARKETING, 1999 – 2004
ART DIRECTOR/PROJECT MANAGEMENT

Expertly led the creative direction of high profile accounts such as Rubbermaid Commercial Products. Served as primary client contact, art director, and graphic designer. Provided innovative concepts, photo art direction, and preliminary sketches.

Seamlessly coordinated and directed all photo shoots; ran multiple studios at the same time, scouted the best locations, booked models, and styled sets/props.

Managed vendor relationships and approved press checks.

Key Achievements:

Maximized profitability by carefully controlling budgets, developing accurate price quotes, and successfully negotiating vendor contracts.

Created stylish packaging and clear instruction guides for 50+ products.

Built a cohesive, recognizable brand image by designing, implementing, and expanding on a group of existing brand standards.

MUMFORD MARKETING, 1997 – 1999
ART DIRECTOR

Skillfully directed the production of diverse collateral marketing materials, including over-sized POP materials. Produced captivating brochures, and compelling advertising campaigns while attending press checks, photo shoots and client management meetings.

Key Achievements:

Increased business by effectively managing large, multi-faceted campaigns from the concept to their completion.

Developed a solid reputation for doing whatever it takes to deliver superior design concepts to all clients.

Designed clean and well-constructed graphics supported by thought-provoking concepts.

Education:

Advertising Design/Associate Degree
Art Institute of Atlanta

Painting & Printmaking/Coursework Completed
Virginia Commonwealth University