Accomplished art director/graphic design communicator in both non-profit and for-profit organizations with expertise in photography and photo art direction, creative design and brand management. 12 years experience as a senior art director/graphic designer and photographer for the University of Northern Iowa. Five years as an art director/graphic designer for a midwest regional, full service advertising agency. 

In my fifth year with Randy Darst Design, LLC. Design, expertise in multipage brochures structured around brand development and creative cohesion to new or existing marketing campaigns. 

Also offering commercial photography services with an emphasis in Architectural, Commercial/Residential Interiors/Exteriors. Utilizing the professional line of Canon Digital SLR equipment. High resolution, high quality, creative images supplied with royalty-free usage rights at a reasonable cost. Willing to travel.

SUMMARY:
Accomplished art director/graphic designer and photographer in both non-profit and for-profit organizations with extensive experience in art and creative direction, innovative design, brand management and commercial photography.

WORK EXPERIENCE:
Principal/Owner  |  7/2012 - present
Randy Darst Design LLC, Cedar Falls, Iowa
Art and creative direction, graphic design, commercial photography
- Creative/art direction, graphic design for brand campaigns, identity, print/web advertising and marketing
- Food/beverage, interior/exterior real estate and architecture, studio/environmental portraiture, editorial photography

Communications Coordinator  |  8/2016 - present
Cedar Heights Community Presbyterian Church, Cedar Falls, Iowa
• Develop weekly e-campaigns via ConstantContact, manage/update website, social media and lobby information display, produce Sunday service live stream videos and A/V consultation

Graphic Designer/Associate Art & Photography Director |  9/2000 - 6/2012
Office of University Relations, University of Northern Iowa, Cedar Falls, Iowa
Lead creative and design for university departments and university brand development in print and online
• UNI Admissions Recruitment (2011-12)
- lead creative and design of publications, including view book suite (8 publications), advertising, direct mail, etc.
• University brand development (ongoing)
- develop marketing and brand strategies from research by Noel-Levitz and SimpsonScarborough
- collaborate with advertising agency to develop TV, print, web and social media for internal rollout and 
external campaign of new brand initiatives
- lead design of “UNI I am...” branding campaign implementation since 2010
• Gallagher-Bluedorn Performing Arts Center (2001-2011)
- lead creative and design of publications, including season brochures, playbills, advertising, displays, etc.
- development and art direction for sub-branding
- art direction/creative consultation of Gallagher-Bluedorn website
- consult on Gallagher-Bluedorn television and radio campaign integration with print and site design
• Photo direction/photography (ongoing)
- supervise full-time photographer
- photograph assignments including facilities, portraits, groups, events, performances, campus scenes, etc.
- manage/maintain photo studio and equipment
- provide photography for publications, web and other media
- develop and maintain digital photography workflow of nearly one million images
• State Fair trade show booth design (annually)
- design and art direct overall creative of booth display
- design drawings/schematics for booth setup and lead onsite setup
• Additional creative and design for Athletics, Alumni Relations, Foundation and Department of Residence
• Assist in the training and supervision of student design staff
• Assist university web design team with creative
• Oversee completion of print projects, including multi-color press checks to ensure high quality results

Art Director/Graphic Designer | 9/1999 - 8/2000
Financial Profiles Inc., Carlsbad, California
Computer Software & Services
• Conceptualized/created innovative print design and brand initiatives for all sales/marketing materials
• design support to web team
• Vendor correspondence; printing, paper, photography, signs, color separation, etc.
• Conduct multi-color press checks
• Art direction of photography shoots and performed in-house photography as needed

Art Director/Graphic Designer  |  11/1995 - 8/1999
Dearing Group, Lafayette, Indiana
Full service Advertising, Marketing and Communications Agency
• Conceptualized/created innovative print design and brand initiatives for Purdue University, hospitals and banks
• Worked with a creative team to complete deadline sensitive design, communications and advertising projects
• Facilitate and maintain client relations representing more than $1.5 million
• Train and mentor junior graphic design staff
• Vendor correspondence; printing, paper, photography, signs, color separation, etc.
• Conduct multi-color press checks
• Art direction of photography shoots and performed in-house photography as needed

PROFESSIONAL SKILLS:
Computer
	• Adobe Creative Cloud
		- Proficient with InDesign, Photoshop, Illustrator and Lightroom
	• Photo Mechanic
	• Microsoft Office
Photography
	• Proficient with Canon D-SLR equipment
		- Tilt-Shift, perspective control lenses
	• Image color correction and retouching
	• Professional studio lighting design

INDUSTRY AWARDS:
ADDY Awards (American Advertising Federation annual awards)
	More than 20 local awards since 1995, including Best of Show, Gold and Silver awards
CASE District VI (Council for Advancement and Support of Education)
	Six CASE design awards, including one gold and five silver

EDUCATION:
Ball State University, Muncie, Indiana
BFA, Graphic Design & Photography, 1993

PORTFOLIO:
www.darstdesign.com
PDF or printed samples available upon request

REFERENCES:
Available upon request