EXPERIENCE

Senior Graphic Designer   True Value Company, Chicago, Illinois. 2013 - Present.
Graphic Designer   2009 - 2013.

Demonstrated ability to conceptualize, design and produce a wide variety of materials in print and digital platforms while collaborating with the creative and business teams, for both business to business (B2B) and business to consumer (B2C) promotions. This includes, but is not limited to P.O.P. retail kits, brochures, trade show booths, packaging, ad slicks, social media graphics and national promotions.

Shot both product and portrait photography for various printed pieces and web sites resulting in saving the company significant money in freelance photography fees.

  • Responsible for the concept and label design for the new EasyCare 365 which was selected over several outside agency designs to represent the brand. As a result,
    all label design was brought in house.

  • Created new logotype, marketing collateral and trade show booth design. These items were in support of a rebranding initiative for True Value's Home & Garden ShowPlace to redefine the company and its identity. The project exceeded expectations and opened doors to incremental business within the True Value Company. Requests for new and updated looks for their trade show booths occurred as well. 

  • Responsible for the concept, design, art direction and production of all in store collateral for the launch of the new True Value credit card and gift card programs.

  • Conceptualized, designed and produced an award winning kit to entice major prospects for Home and Garden Showplace. 

  • Collaborated with Dreamworks and produced the True Value Trolls paint signage and social media graphics. 

Graphic Designer Level I Lawson Products, Des Plaines, Illinois. 2004 - 2009.
Graphic Designer Level II 2000 - 2004.
Graphic Designer Level III 1998 - 2000.

  • Designed and produced four color brochures, sell sheets and catalogs for both business to business (B2B)
    and business to consumer (B2C) promotions.

  • Developed creative artwork for calendars, posters, and cards, many times using personally taken wildlife photography.

  • Generated web pages and graphics for corporate web sites.

  • Shot both product and portrait photography for various printed pieces and web sites.
    - Created new logotype and marketing collateral in support of a rebranding initiative to redefine the company and its identity.
    - Successfully managed project development from the collaboration of initial concept with product managers and marketing personnel, to the direction of Photography and Production. Effective multitasking and time management resulted in meeting all deadlines and project requirements.
    - Took initiative to fill void when the photography department was in transition. Utilized talents and abilities with both product and portrait photography to avoid any scheduling conflicts.

Graphic Artist / Production Artist Graphic Phases Design Studio, Palatine, Illinois. September 1996 - February 1998.

  • Designed and produced brochures, sell sheets, catalogs, packaging and point of purchase materials for clients such as Canfields, Keebler, Orval Kent, Quaker, Riddell and Thorspring.

  • Scanned and prepared photos for publication via color retouching and image manipulation.

EDUCATION:

Northern Illinois University DeKalb, Illinois.
Degree: Bachelor of Science in Education / Art 
Minor: Psychology

Pennsylvania State University University Park, Pennsylvania.
Specific Emphasis: Graphic Design and Photography

Oakton Community College DesPlaines, Illinois.
Web Design: HTML, Dreamweaver and Flash
Multimedia: Premier, Carrara and Maya

New York Institute of Photography NewYork, New York.
Portrait Photography

AWARDS:

True Value President's award nominee 2016, 2011
Gold Ink Awards Silver Winner 2012
Phi Theta Kappa - International Honor Society
The National Dean's List

ADDITIONAL CREATIVE EXPERIENCE:

Freelance Photographer CindyGrothPhotography.com

Wildlife Photographer
My photography is available through Alamy.com stock photo and at the Hello Galena Art Gallery, the Mount Carroll Art Gallery and the Heritage Market of Mount Carroll.