Professional Summary
Creative leader and hands-on designer with more than 30 years of experience creating strategic visual communications, brand systems, and integrated marketing solutions across digital and print platforms. Experienced in leading creative teams, mentoring designers, managing visual brand standards, and partnering with marketing and business stakeholders to develop compelling, audience-focused communications.
Expertise includes creative direction, branding, digital design, print production, website design, photography direction, video production, illustration, animation, and emerging creative technologies. Proven ability to manage multiple priorities while maintaining exceptional attention to detail, quality, and brand consistency.
Professional Experience
Marketing Art Director
Mittera Creative and Tech | Des Moines, Iowa
2025 – Present
- Lead and mentor a high-performing team of seven designers delivering integrated marketing solutions for diverse clients.
- Direct creative strategy and execution across digital and print marketing campaigns.
- Oversee production of magazines, catalogs, packaging, direct mail, photography, video, social media content, and other marketing communications.
- Partner with marketing teams and stakeholders to translate business objectives into compelling visual communications.
- Manage multiple projects while maintaining quality, consistency, and production standards.
Brand Lead
Tractor Zoom | West Des Moines, Iowa
2022 – 2025
- Led a successful company-wide rebrand across three platforms, improving brand consistency and recognition.
- Developed and maintained visual brand standards across digital products and marketing communications.
- Created digital and print campaigns, websites, animations, videos, and social media content.
- Collaborated with leadership and marketing teams to create effective creative solutions.
- Designed tradeshow environments, presentations, and marketing collateral.
Senior Art Director
Grey Dog Media | West Des Moines, Iowa
2020 – 2022
- Developed creative concepts, brand identities, and integrated marketing campaigns.
- Directed photography projects from concept through production.
- Created illustrations, digital assets, and social media campaigns.
- Established visual standards that improved brand consistency.
Art Director
Flynn Wright | Des Moines, Iowa
2016 – 2020
- Conceptualized branding, advertising campaigns, packaging, and corporate identity systems.
- Designed arena graphics, tradeshow displays, vehicle graphics, murals, and environmental branding.
- Created brand standards, presentations, and integrated marketing campaigns.
Art Director / Web Designer
Flatout Branding | Grimes, Iowa
2011 – 2016
- Designed and developed responsive websites and digital marketing campaigns.
- Created logos, mobile applications, digital advertising, and branded communications.
- Managed projects from concept through production.
Art Director
Essman Associates | Des Moines, Iowa
2008 – 2011
- Directed branding, advertising campaigns, packaging, and marketing communications.
- Led photography sessions and managed print production quality.
- Collaborated with clients and internal teams to deliver strategic creative solutions.
Owner / Senior Designer
Hansen Illustration Design | Audubon, Iowa
1990 – 2008
- Founded and operated a creative design studio serving clients nationwide.
- Produced award-winning illustration, packaging, museum exhibits, publishing, and branding projects.
- Managed every phase of creative development from concept through production.
RESUME
