EXPERIENCE

Professional Résumé

 

Goal

My goal is to create design that pushes beyond the expected while working with people who share the belief, “it is better to shoot for the stars and miss than to shoot for shit and hit.” I strongly believe that success requires risk, innovation, and determination.

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Strengths

I am uniquely positioned to develop successful projects because I have over 18 years of professional experience in visual design, account management and project development including five years as a creative director and a Master’s in Business Administration.

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Professional Experience

Principal
Studio BALZER (February 2010 – present)

Studio BALZER is a design studio. Studio BALZER specializes in brand identity, print collateral, environmental graphics and website design. Clients include: Seattle University, GeoEngineers, 12th Avenue Iron, Pratt Fine Arts Center, 4Culture/Historic Seattle, G.Scott!Design, Pepperbox, MMB Collaborative, Laika Web Development, Fall Line Winery, Washington Alpine Club, DeLuxe Bar and Grill, and Youth in Focus.

Senior Designer
G.Scott!Design (April 2010 – August 2011)

Strategized, planned and designed signage systems—“wayfinding” systems—that get people to where they need and want to go. This included wayfinding, information design, project/property identity development, and experience design. Today’s buildings, organizations and places are complicated and people need help finding their way to them and through them.

Creative Director
Seattle University (June 2003 – February 2010)

Established the conceptual and stylistic visual design direction for Seattle University marketing materials. Developed and managed the university’s visual identity. Managed, communicated and coordinated design directions to campus constituents. This included student recruiting, university fundraising, athletics and alumni outreach. Worked closely with the director of communication and the assistant vice president to position Seattle University in the competitive higher education market.

Accomplishments

• Developed an organization-wide Seattle University brand identity and advertising program that increased the university’s regional stature.
• Planned and produced the 2008 Opus Prize event that recognized three humanitarian leaders from Nicaragua, India and Africa. The three-day event included a VIP dinner and sold-out civic ceremony at Benaroya Hall.
• Developed design direction and strategic communication plan for the Seattle University President’s Report, the university annual report.
• Increased the office yearly project capacity 125 percent.

Senior Designer
Seattle University (June 1998 – May 2003)

Responsible for the creative development of the undergraduate admissions student recruitment materials, Seattle University President’s Report, Seattle University alumni magazine, and the university athletics and various fundraising print collateral. Responsibilities included art direction, design, client management, print purchasing, and production.

Graphic Designer
Seattle University (December 1995 – May 1998)

Supported alumni outreach, university fundraising, university athletics, and undergraduate student recruiting. Worked on the Seattle University alumni magazine.

Graphic Designer
Rick Eiber Design (July 1993 – November 1995)

Designed and developed corporate identity programs for local and regional health systems and the aerospace industry.

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Related Experience

Board Member
Youth in Focus (July 2010 – Present)

The Youth in Focus board is a working board; members take an active role in setting policy, evaluating effectiveness and creating support for the organization. The board meets together monthly and at other times as projects require.

Foundry Instructor
Pratt Fine Arts Center (September 2002 – August 2006)

Responsible for student education, class development, shop maintenance, and shop safety. Classes included an introduction to bronze casting, bronze TIG welding, and small-scale independent casting.

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Education

Seattle University
MBA, Master’s in Business Administration
(Fall 2009)

University of Washington
BFA, Graphic Design
BA, Art History
(Spring 1993)