Fine Artist | Art Instructor | Art Director | Gallery Director
Social Media Coordinator | Textile Designer | Interior Designer
Summary
Multidisciplinary artist and designer with 16+ years of experience in leadership, management, and visual art. Familiar with fine art, coordinating art programs, and exhibitions. Very organized and detail-oriented. Handled teaching roles daily. Created programs for all ages.
Work Experience
Social Media Coordinator & Community Arts (Civic Engagement) Specialist
Childcare Center - SC
January 2022 to July 2024
Job Titles:
Social Media Coordinator: Developed and implemented social media strategies to increase brand awareness and drive engagement across multiple platforms
Community Arts Specialist (Civic Engagement Specialist): Analyzed data and location to foster engagement from clients and convert new ones to the business.
Creative Consultant: Expanded the academic program through innovative solutions such as creating engaging services for children, increase learning opportunities, and helping parents achieve goals set for their children
Additional Accomplishments:
Monitored industry trends and activities for insights into best practices and opportunities for improvement
Identified target audience segments based on demographics, interests, behaviors etc. for more effective targeting of projects / campaigns
Developed and implemented community engagement strategies to increase participation and involvement in learning environment and activities
Developed comprehensive strategies for optimizing recognition, lessons, and helping students feel optimistic about learning new skills
Helped create a positive learning environment and implemented solutions to improve learning practices
Developed concepts and lesson plans for summer programs and after school programs
Overnight Inbound Expert (Stock Associate)
Target - Las Vegas, NV
July 2022 to April 2024
Merchandised various departments such as art supplies, baby, children’s apparel, toys, and home goods
Managed and maintained accurate inventory levels for a high-volume retail store, ensuring optimal stock availability
Oversaw the receiving, inspecting, and organizing of incoming shipments, ensuring accuracy and timeliness
Trained new staff members on proper stock management procedures and safety protocols
Collaborated with managers to mentor employees that were training for both seasonal and long term employment
Creative Director / Art Studio Manager
Khephra - New York, NY/ Las Vegas, NV / Charleston, SC
May 2011 to May 2024
Accomplishments:
Collaborated with clients to understand their objectives and develop creative strategies that aligned with their vision
Managed multiple projects simultaneously, ensuring deadlines were met and deliverables exceeded client expectations
Conceptualized and designed compelling visual assets for print, digital, and social media platforms
Provided art direction and feedback to designers, photographers, and copywriters to ensure high-quality work
Stayed up-to-date with industry trends and emerging technologies to incorporate into creative strategies
Conducted market research to identify target audience preferences and optimize campaign effectiveness
Project Development (Research and planning)
Director of The Visual Arts Program/Art Instructor
Clarendon School District One - SC
August 2018 to August 2020
Instructed Middle and High School students in a regular classroom setting (as well as virtual classes)
Developed and implemented comprehensive visual arts curriculum for students of all ages, focusing on various mediums such as painting, drawing, sculpture, and mixed media
Provided personalized instruction to students based on their skill level and artistic goals, fostering creativity and self-expression
Facilitated engaging art projects and assignments that encouraged experimentation with different techniques and styles
Organized student exhibitions to showcase their artwork within the community, promoting pride in their achievements
Collaborated with other instructors to plan interdisciplinary projects that integrated visual arts with subjects like literature or science
Introduced innovative teaching methods like using unconventional materials to create art, implementing art criticism for younger students, and expanding the visual arts program to special needs students
Collaborated with school administration on the design and implementation of an arts integration program that connected visual arts with other academic subjects
Taught lessons for after school and summer programs
Lead Stock Associate
Vera Bradley - North Charleston, SC
January 2018 to June 2020
Ensured inventory was ready for selling events and helped with event planning
Created innovative solutions
Trained new hires on visual merchandising techniques and inventory management
Implemented new sorting processes while managing accessory inventory
Participated in ongoing learning opportunities
Sales Associate/Customer Service
Loft Outlet ( Ann Taylor Factory) - Charleston, SC
March 2017 to June 2019
Recommend merchandise to clients
Helped train staff on visual art elements to improve their ability to merchandise the store and engage with clients
Effectively execute visual merchandising plans to company expectations
Implemented new concepts to boost sales, upsell and increase units per transaction (UPT)
Lead Visual Merchandiser
Forever 21 - Charleston, SC
October 2017 to October 2018
Collaborated with cross-functional teams including marketing, sales, and store management to develop effective visual merchandising strategies
Utilized knowledge of current fashion trends and customer preferences to create visually compelling product presentations
Trained store staff on visual merchandising techniques, ensuring consistent execution of brand image throughout the organization
Incorporated storytelling elements into visual displays to create an emotional connection with customers and enhance brand loyalty
Utilized knowledge of color theory and design principles to create visually harmonious displays that enhanced product appeal
Supervisor/Manager
Babies R' Us - Charleston, SC
March 2017 to August 2017
Supervisor of Baby Apparel (Visual Merchandiser / Visual Stylist):
Ensured that all accessory and fashion products were properly placed according to company Standard Operating Procedures (SOP)
Partnered with the Stockroom Manager
Trained staff on visual art elements and visual merchandising techniques
Baby Registry Supervisor:
Event planning, set daily goals for the team and hosted registrants in an interactive retail environment
Planned activities for children at events
Assistant Manager/ Key Holder
Cato Fashions - Manning, SC
2016 to 2017
Actively supported and contributed to the store team with the goal of helping the entire team delight guests and achieve revenue targets
Ensured that the store was ready by completing a daily walk through of the entire store and addressed any areas of concern
Assisted with visual merchandising, processed transactions, counted the safe daily, prepared and transported deposits to the bank
Effectively recruited, trained and supervised staff
Sales Associate (Commission Sales)
Macy's, Bay Plaza - Bronx, NY
May 2015 to February 2016
(Men's Suit and Shoe Dept.)
Visual merchandising and maintained the stockroom
Conducting daily audits and inventory counts
Provided ongoing support and assistance to customers throughout the entire sales process
Trained staff on visual art elements and visual merchandising techniques
Transitions Homeless Shelter
Columbia, SC
2014 - 2015
Planned and taught art lessons to residents
Managed art supply inventory
Planned, installed and hosted art exhibitions for residents
Problem solved with innovative solutions
Accommodated diverse community of artists at various levels (beginner level and advanced level), different personality types, and backgrounds
Senior Exhibit
Columbia College, SC - Columbia, SC
2014 to 2015
Featured Artist (26 Artworks)
Framed and installed all artwork for the gallery and exhibitions
Completed senior level capstone for 6 paintings and 20 prints (printmaking)
Attended and hosted a gallery opening and sold 10 original artworks
Introduced my work at an artist talk and formal events.
Attended weekly artist critiques
Event Planner
Communicated my plans during weekly meetings
Planned and managed catering, volunteers and decorating
Worked closely with graphic design team and the marketing and communications team
Graphic Design Intern
Columbia College Dance Department - Columbia, SC
2014 to 2015
Graphic Designer For The Dance Program
Completed graphic design and post-production for major dance exhibitions (including tour maps, brochures and flyers)
Collaborated with cross-functional teams including marketing, sales, and product development departments to understand project requirements and deliver effective design solutions
Managed multiple design projects simultaneously while prioritizing tasks based on urgency and importance
Conducted market research on industry trends and competitor designs to ensure designs were innovative and aligned with current market standards
Utilized Adobe Creative Suite (Photoshop, Illustrator, InDesign) to design and edit graphics for print and digital platforms (also
Contributed creative ideas and suggestions during brainstorming sessions to enhance the overall visual communication strategies
Utilized Excel, Word, PowerPoint, and presentation software like Figma and Canva.
Assistant / Key Holder
Emmanuel Child Care Center - Summerton, SC
2013 to 2015
Assisted with management duties such as payroll, lesson plans and marketing
Maintained social media sites, websites and answered office phones
Created content, graphics, and art for website, lesson plans, and classrooms
Planned and implemented interior design of all work spaces according to building regulations
Researched to ensure that all accessory and furniture products are properly placed according to safety rules and guidelines
Maintained confidential files and records, ensuring accuracy and accessibility for quick retrieval
Collaborated with team members on special projects or assignments as needed
Director / Assistant Manager
Kay Morrow ( Licensed Daycare Provider) - Clarendon County, South Carolina
April 2012 to September 2012
Collaborated with clients to understand their objectives and develop creative strategies for learning that aligned with their goals
Managed multiple projects simultaneously, ensuring deadlines were met and outcome exceeded client expectations
Established positive relationships with parents/guardians through effective communication about daily activities, progress, and any concerns
Assisted in creating lesson plans that aligned with the daycare’s curriculum objectives
Education
Bachelor's degree in Studio Art
Columbia College - Columbia, SC
2011 to 2015
Outstanding Senior Art Major, Columbia College Division of Arts 2015
Outstanding Sophomore Art Major, Columbia College Division of Arts 2013
Dean's List 2012- 2015
Bachelor's degree in Art Management / Community Arts (Civic Engagement)
Columbia College - Columbia, SC
2011 to 2015
President of KGCM (a campus student organization that planned and hosted events for women and creative professionals)
Art Instructor for Adults at Transitions Shelter
Completed four years of extensive volunteer work in various fields based on community needs. (Residence Care Facilities, Homeless Shelters, Schools, and Public Libraries)
High School Diploma
Scotts Branch High School - Summerton, SC
August 2007 to June 2011
Outstanding Achievement in Art, Clarendon County School District One - 2015
1st Place in S.C. Junior Duck Stamp Contest - 2015
1st Place Winner of Art Contest, Columbia Museum of Art - 2011
Skills
Gallery Installation and Exhibition
Communication and Collaboration
Project Management and Event Planning
Exhibition and Storytelling
Teaching and Public Speaking
Graphic Design and Creative Presentation
Strategic Leadership
Change Management & Adaptability
Advanced Problem-Solving
Innovative & Human-Centered