About me

As a dynamic creative professional, I am fueled by boundless energy and a proven history of sculpting purpose-driven brands, captivating audiences, and achieving tangible outcomes. Central to my philosophy is the recognition that genuine influence stems from igniting human emotions and awakening the senses. My focus revolves around evoking profound emotional connections with customers through the art of design.

Throughout my career, I’ve assembled and guided teams of project managers, designers, writers, photographers, and agencies who share my dedication to cultivating brand influence and fostering deep consumer engagement. Drawing upon our diverse perspectives, strengths, and unyielding spirit of exploration, we consistently conjure moments of magic. In addition to shaping creative visions, I excel in the operational facets of team management and resource optimization. I prioritize nurturing talent, providing purposeful coaching, and aligning growth trajectories with individuals’ skill sets and personal passions.

Customer insights and strategic thinking are pivotal in my approach to crafting meaningful and impactful creativity, augmented by leveraging cutting-edge technology and trends. My repertoire encompasses a breadth of skills and a distinguished history of orchestrating comprehensive campaigns and digital platform experiences across branding, design systems, digital and social marketing, and advertising.

Over the course of my career, I’ve had the privilege of collaborating with exceptionally innovative, talented, and intelligent individuals who have not only influenced and championed me but have also provided fertile ground for producing some of the most exquisite and effective work imaginable.

Career

Creative Manager
Motorola Solutions | Chicago, IL

March 2022 – Present

Oversee Corporate Brand and Experience across company global marketing and internal initiatives to meet brand standards. Create top-tier branding across all mediums from concept to production. Communicate with stakeholders to understand design needs for upcoming product launches. Establish various product brand guidelines and assets to share with global graphic design team. Delegate projects to creative team through Lytho project management system. Lead brainstorming creative sessionswith designers to generate ideas for scope of project. Route design direction to stakeholders for approval and coordinate with design team to finalize. Responsible for executing global facility branding across portfolio of Motorola Solutions offices. Mentor and motivate global creative team of senior/junior designers to support their growth and development.

Design Lead
Motorola Solutions | Chicago, IL

May 2021 – March 2022

Senior Graphic Designer
Motorola Solutions | Chicago, IL

March 2021 – May 2021

Senior Graphic Designer
Great Wolf Resorts | Chicago, IL

2018 – 2021

Design, create and lay out assets for print, web, display and other forms of digital media across the company’s portfolio of brands at each of their 19 properties. Participate in and contribute to creative planning strategy sessions with the Project Manager, Creative Manager, and other members of the marketing team. Meet with administration and departments heads to discuss, receive, and understand design project requirements and objectives, and present completed designs for feedback and approval. Responsible for leading the collaborative process of managing all content and edits to Great Wolf’s brand library.

Production Artist
YMCA OF THE USA | Chicago, IL

2017 – 2018

Develop graphics under the direction of the Creative Director and Traffic Coordinator for all communication channels including monthly publications, print collateral, web and social media assets. Strategize with Marketing Communications team on complex and multi-component projects from concept implementa-tion, design, production and release to the digital team. Deliver projects within deadlines and on budget.

Graphic Designer & Coordinator
Motif Events | Elk Grove Village, IL

2015 – 2017

Conceptualize, plan, design, and produce a wide range of 2D /3D graphics for trade show industry. Collaborate with Art Director and Content Directors on design specifications and floor plan layout. Deliver graphic solutions to meet client expectations for innovation, creativity, understanding and budget. Maintain work-flow to support various concurrent projects for print. Work closely with executive team to enhance digital marketing initiatives through web, social media, and email. Refine and create corporate brand items, including interactive slide decks, business cards, and reports for internal presentations and speaking arrangements.

Graphic Designer & Web Designer
Imixx Media | Merrillville, IN

2005 – 2014

Imixx Media marked my first leap into graphic and web design. Accomplished my own online identity through various projects such as designing of logos and collateral materials set for print production. Worked with companies and individuals to consistently create unique solutions to existing or mundane projects. Print products included billboards, banners, flyers, ads, apparel, websites, and mobile phone applications.

Graphic Designer
Plan B Promo | Griffith, IN

2005 – 2009

Created concepts and designed print materials for popular Chicago entertainment venues. Handled multiple projects under tight deadlines and within desired budgets. Provided in-house web design services. Created, maintained, and updated website to promote events.

Education

BA Computer Graphic Technology
Purdue University

Skills

Photoshop
Illustrator
InDesign
Dimension
Premiere
After Affects
3D Max
Microsoft Office
Google Office Suite
AEM (Brand Portal)
Workfront
Lytho InMotion
WebDam

Contact

mrjpena621@gmail.com