I'm currently seeking a Creative Director or similar role, so if you'd like to work together, feel free to connect via LinkedIn or contact me directly at dreshek@gmail.com.
COMPETENCIES: Adobe Creative Suite (Photoshop, InDesign, Illustrator, XD), Branding, Project Management, Talent Acquisition, Print and Digital Design, Video Production, Public Relations, Email Marketing, Digital Marketing, Social Media, Event Planning, On-camera Work
WORK EXPERIENCE:
COMMUNICATIONS SPECIALIST | COACHELLA VALLEY WATER DISTRICT | FEB 2019 – PRESENT
Oversee internal communications for over 500 employees. Collaborate and lead other departments in branding and communication projects specific to each department.
Chair of employee appreciation committee - lead a team of employees in the planning and execution of dinners, lunches, and events targeted to increase employee engagement and morale. $80K yearly budget.
Currently writing, producing, and directing a video series about CVWD employee roles to increase social media engagement and employment • interest.
Wrote scripts for, produced, and directed the CVWD educational video series titled Ask CVWD.
Rebranded the District’s Annual Review, Calendar, and Budget Book to better target the 55+ community.
Editor-in-chief of the quarterly employee magazine targeting employee engagement
Rapidly responded to the COVID-19 pandemic by creating crucial messages for employees and customers through web, video, print, and signage.
CONTRACT BRAND/CREATIVE DIRECTOR | DALSHIRE INTERNATIONAL | AUG 2022 – JAN 2024
Spearheaded company rebranding initiative, revitalizing the brand identity and positioning in the online auction market.
Collaborated with watch brand designer to execute branding for seven distinct watch brands, focusing on diverse target audiences and market trends.
Played a pivotal role in talent acquisition by hiring and effectively managing a team of two designers and two product photographers, in collaboration.
Led the creative team in the development of visually striking product auction graphics, strategically increasing final bids and contributing to flash auction sales reaching up to $50K.
Created marketing and PR for special event auctions, delivering outstanding results with total sales ranging from $250K to $500K, showcasing the ability to create compelling and high-impact visual narratives for diverse audiences.
Branded and launched a visually compelling website, and established a functional database system for a memorabilia authentication contractor, ensuring a seamless and secure process for documenting and verifying collectibles.
Collaborated with key stakeholders and the design team to develop and implement design solutions that not only met but exceeded client expectations, resulting in enhanced consignor satisfaction and loyalty.
CONTRACT CREATIVE DIRECTOR
Contract Creative Director for full-service advertising agencies and government contractors. Concept and lead creative vision for web design, digital and social design, print advertising, high-level brochure design, illustrated maps, infographics, and new business initiatives. Pitch creative concepts to clients and revise overall vision based on their feedback.
Clients have included chambers, cities, convention and visitors bureaus, home developers, government entities, and a zoo.
CREATIVE DIRECTOR | CORD MEDIA COMPANY | DEC 2012 – FEB 2019
Senior leader in client relations, presentations, new business acquisition, talent procurement, and external negotiations. Grew the hospitality andentertainment vertical of the agency by creating 60 new business and budget proposals and 20 marketing plans.
Wrote 10 brand standards guides and created 10 press kits for hotels, casino resorts, products, and special events.
Executed brand launches for 6 new restaurants, 5 slot machine cabinets, 1 city, 1 hotel opening, and 1 beverage company.
Managed advertising campaigns for 9 casinos across 4 states.
Drafted budgets for advertising materials, marketing plans, and video productions.
Produced and directed 15 video and photography productions grossing over $2.5 MM for the agency.
Won over 25 awards including American Advertising Awards, Tellys, Daveys, and Communicators.• Signed over 12 new clients totaling millions of dollars in gross revenue.
Spoke on panels and at events about best branding practices.
Managed a team of employees through professional development and created best practices for increased operational efficiency.
BOARD MEMBER/PAST CHAIR | DESERT ADVERTISING FEDERATION | 2013 – PRESENT
Lead creative and communications. Guide board members in responsibilities. Co-chair of American Advertising Awards.
KEY CONTRIBUTIONS:
- Rebranded district logo and communications with a modern voice
- Produced American Advertising Awards including advertising, invitations, social media, gift giveaways, event script/run-of-show; motion graphics, and awards
- Effectively converted the awards show into a profitable function for Palm Springs/Desert Cities district
ART DIRECTOR | AGUA CALIENTE BAND OF CAHUILLA INDIANS | MAY 2006 – DEC 2012
Opened the 4-Diamond resort in Rancho Mirage. Team accomplishments include: Over 100,000 pieces of collateral, over 15 retail/directional/monument signs, 56 FAM tours, 32 hardhat tours, 17 VIP tours, 38 press releases and 16 media alerts.
Launched two new casino websites, overseeing UX and UI and created maintenance standards for timely up-to-date communications including press, brand standards, and social media development.
Led branding and grand opening launch for Vegas-style entertainment showroom, The Show. The 2,008 seat showroom sold out night after night with acts including, Billie Joel, Martina McBride, Matchbox 20, and Reba McEntire.
Garnered press attention and close to 30 American Advertising Awards for VIP and tribal special event materials resulting in increased “coin-in."
2004 | MASTER OF ARTS – ACADEMY OF ART UNIVERSITY
Emphasis in advertising design, video/photography production and marketing strategy
2002 | BACHELOR OF ARTS – UNIVERSITY OF ARIZONA
SUMMA CUM LAUDE | WITH HONORS | SENIOR OF THE YEAR/MEDIA ARTS
2016 | CASINO MARKETING CERTIFICATION
SYCUAN INSTITUTE OF TRIBAL GAMING – SAN DIEGO STATE UNIVERSITY