education
Master of Arts
Visual Media
University of Memphis
Bachelor of Arts
Creative Mass Media
University of Memphis
Study Abroad
Intermediate Spanish Language
Universidad de Costa Rica
skills
Creativity
Typography
Visual Communication
Design Principals
Color Theory
Layout and Composition
Print Production
Web Design
Photography
Time Management
Client Communication
Attention to Detail
Problem-solving
Marketing Knowledge
Software + Technical skills
Acrobat
AfterEffects
Dimension
Figma
Hootsuite
Illustrator
InDesign
Lightroom
MacOS
Microsoft Office
Photoshop
Premiere Pro
Wix
Squarespace
EXPERIENCE
FedEx Institute of Technology, Memphis, TN
Designer & Media Strategist
January 2018—Present
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Tasked with generating a wide array of collaterals, spanning print, social media, and website platforms, for the FedEx Institute of Technology (FIT) and its associated events, as well as the diverse research clusters.
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Created and executed a social media strategy that increased FIT social following on Twitter/Facebook/LinkedIn by an average of 84% and impressions by an average of 89% in 2022.
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Developed layout for presentations (digital & print) distributed to federal, state, and local government agencies, including technical graphics and data visualizations.
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Collaborated with internal teams to understand and execute projects and strategies.
Freelance, Memphis, TN and Cincinnati, OH
Graphic Designer & Photographer
December 2015—Present
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Discussing project requirements, objectives, timelines, and budgets to ensure meeting the client’s expectations.
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Produced designs for clients such as brochures, banners, flyers, posters, business cards, social media graphics, advertisements, branding materials, websites, logos, photography, and video assets that exceeded client expectations resulting in 90% returning clients.
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Balanced multiple projects and deadlines at once using detailed, listed objectives and time-management skills.
Meeman901Strategies, Memphis, TN
Assistant Firm Director
August 2016—May 2018
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Started as lead graphic designer and promoted to assistant firm director based on ability to communicate, collaborate, and lead the team effectively.
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Designed print and digital graphics delivering award-winning material.
Walt Disney World Resorts, Lake Buena Vista, FL
Disney College Program (Attractions)
January 2015—August 2015
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Received 6 awards within that time for outstanding efficiency, safety, and/or customer service during guest interactions.
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Overcame difficult social situations with guests by actively listening to their perspectives and finding solutions that will resolve the issue without escalating to involve management.
CONFERENCE PAPERS
Howell, J. M. (2019, March). Out of the shadows: Female representation in Shadow of the Tomb Raider. Presented to Open Division of Association for Education in Journalism and Mass Communication southeast colloquium, Columbia, South Carolina.
Howell, J. M. (2019, August). Out of the shadows: Female representation in Shadow of the Tomb Raider. Presented to Media Studies Division of Association for Education in Journalism and Mass Communication national conference, Toronto, Ontario, Canada.*
*Top Student Paper
awards
Top Student Paper—2019
Association for Education in Journalism and Mass Communication
Kappa Tau Alpha Inductee—2019
Department of Journalism & Strategic Media, University of Memphis
5th in National Logo Design—2017
Association for Education in Journalism and Mass Communication
Media Designer of the Year—2017
Department of Journalism & Strategic Media, University of Memphis
Media Designer of the Year—2016
Department of Journalism & Strategic Media, University of Memphis
Outstanding Leadership—2016
Meeman 901 Strategies
Web Designer of the Year—2015
Department of Journalism & Strategic Media, University of Memphis