Melissa Virk

1465 East Lake Drive, Chaska, Minnesota 55318

612.210.3185
melissa@emvedesign.com

~ ART DIRECTOR / CREATIVE DIRECTOR ~

PROFILE
Resourceful and detail-focused professional extensive experience in marketing, a
dvertising, graphic design, project management, web development and media buying
underscored with SEO and SEM proficiency. Background includes active participat
ion in artwork, layout design, and copywriting for visual communications media.
Possess solid career track in formulating innovative design concepts and present
ation approaches. Proven ability to manage and motivate cohesive teams that achi
eve results. Proficient in Microsoft Office Suite, Adobe Creative Suite, After E
ffects, Final Cut Pro, Magento, Joomla, EmveCMS, EFI Monarch, MS Outlook, Mail a
nd Entourage in both MAC and PC platforms.

KEY EXPERTISE
- Brainstorming & Idea Generation
- Editorial Functions and Media Placement
- High Profile Event Planning and Management
- Advertising and Promotional Writing
- Creative Market Planning and Execution
- Market Research and Competitive Analysis
- Budget Management and Cost Control
- Team Leadership and Supervision

RECENTLY COMPLETED PROJECTS

- Strategically devised an e-commerce solution to increase market share wi
thin the financial industry; created an online store within 2 à ½ months, with more 400
0 products valued at $3.5K (Johnson Anderson & Associates, Inc. dba theprintvaul
t.com)
- Authored SEO plans that outran existing competitions after three weeks o
f implementation. (Johnson Anderson & Associates, Inc. dba theprintvault.com)
- Re-established company identity as a commercial printer and envelope man
ufacturer; generated large volume of new customers after repositioning the compa
ny (Johnson Anderson & Associates, Inc.)
- Developed a successful campaign to support the prescription drug awarene
ss that was later implemented as a nationwide effort (mark it! advertising)
- Slashed 40% of mailing costs for drug store chain by researching postage
costs; provided recommendation to change their departing location to save in po
stage and maximize their operation (mark it! advertising)

PROFESSIONAL EXPERIENCE
- Administered outsourcing of necessary staff, such as printers, programme
rs, developers and other technicians to ensure timely completion of the final pr
oject
- Worked collaboratively with various teams in brainstorming ideas and moc
king up concept designs, then presented them to clients and executive management
for approval
- Outlined and implemented annual marketing plans in conformance with prop
osed budgets
- Scheduled appointments with clients to determine their requirements and
discuss budget plans as appropriate
- Effectively coordinated photo and video shoots
- Established agreements, strictly enforced compliance contracts and manda
ted project timelines
- Performed various duties, such as press checks, press releases as well a
s public relations events

WORK HISTORY
JOHNSON ANDERSON & ASSOCIATES, INC., SHAKOPEE, MN
Director of Marketing / Creative Director Dec 2008-Present
EMVE DESIGN, MINNEAPOLIS, MN
Co-Owner / Creative Director Dec 2003-Present
MARK IT! ADVERTISING, ROCHESTER, MN
Graphics / Video Production / Idea / Marketing Gal Oct 2006-Nov 2008
MACY'S NORTH, MINNEAPOLIS, MN
Graphic Designer Apr 2005-Sep 2006

EDUCATION
Associateâ⠬⠢s Degree in Visual Communication ~ Brown College, Mendota Heights, MN (2005)
Participated in the 2005 Brown College Portfolio Show, and won the best in show
for graphic design and web design categories.

AFFILIATIONS
- PIM (Print Industry Minnesota)
- MDMA (Midwest Direct Marketers Association)
- AIGA (American Institute of Graphic Artist)
- Brown College Graphic Design Portfolio Judge