ABOUT ME

To inspire others with design is my ultimate goal, whether it is design I produce or direct. I love collaborating in teams for a cohesive campaign, as well as having the space to explore concepts individually. I'm responsible, organized and innovative and solution-based.

I'm Sherrie McKinley, I eat and breathe creative pursuits from theatre and film to fashion, food and travel. All these projects influence my graphic design.

Need a show-stopping piece that communicates your brand image? Let me concept ideas, then art direct the photo shoot and coordinate with all the vendors and parties involved. After that, I can go back and execute all the pieces across the campaign personally, or oversee a team that does.

Art for me is not just a way of working, but a way of being, of living. There's nothing I enjoy more than sharing that passion with both collaborators and the world!

EXPERIENCE

Graphic Design Manager

Sarasota Orchestra » Sept 2008 - June 2021

This 76-member professional Orchestra performs more than 100 concerts each year, plus a full calendar of youth education programs. Starting in an entry level position and growing into management, I developed an efficient system of project management for the entire visual language of the organization. I conceived graphic design for print and digital, art directed photo shoots, and upheld brand standards for the organization. I strengthened working relationships with print vendors and outside contractors like photographers and cultivated my colleagues into a champion marketing team.

  • Art directed photo and video shoots including; coordinated schedules, secured locations, styled costumes and props. Retouched images.
  • Revitalized advertising assets of a concert series with ailing attendance by creating stylized photography of concert themes using musicians as models which resulted in concerts selling out again.
  • Designed marketing materials that complied with brand guidelines and connected with audiences across platforms from print to social to digital.
  • Created lasting relationships with outsourced vendors including offset and digital printers and photographers and videographers.
  • Systemized schedule of ads, direct mail, programs, event signage, invitations, social media and email campaigns for over 25 distinct campaigns.
  • Collaborated with Web manager, PR & Social Media manager, and Communications manager to grow the organization’s brand and message across multiple platforms.
  • Spearheaded community outreach programs in the art gallery at Symphony Center. Curated works, managed artists and brought in as much as $5K income annual revenue from sales.
  • Awarded ADDY silver award for season campaign in 2020.

Creative producer:

Flying Car Pictures » Jan 2011 - May 2014

Flying Car Pictures is an independent film production company focusing on science fiction and fantastic stories. As Creative Producer I organized logistics and managed teams on seven films. I mobilized 12-50 creatives on each project to produce video on a micro budget in an environment of empathy, persuasion, and service.

  • Recruited volunteer Camera, Sound, and Art Departments crew.
  • Coordinated auditions: posted casting calls, secured spaces, sourced volunteers, organized timetable of the day.
  • Executed production breakdown of script and planned shooting schedules with Director.
  • Conceived and secured filming locations.
  • Apprised cast, crew, location and property owners of evolving schedules.
  • Produced and distributed call sheets for each shooting day.
  • Organized lunch catering and craft services.
  • Oversaw shoot with all prep completed, and adapted solutions for when things did not go to plan.
  • Awarded Honorable Mention Boston Science Fiction Film Festival 2013
  • Showcased films in seven festivals nationwide

Business owner, designer

Beautifully Handmade Stationery » July 2003 - Aug 2008
  • Designed and handmade bespoke invitation packages for weddings, parties and events.
  • Advised and consulted with clients on the creative possibilities for their event.
  • Identified new products, trends, and industry standards.
  • Promoted Beautifully Handmade to the public via networking groups, bridal shows, and website.

EDUCATION

Ringling College of Art + Design

Bachelor of Fine Art in Illustration

SKILLS

Adobe Creative Cloud - Indesign, Photoshop, Illustrator, Acrobat, Lightroom • Email newsletters - MailChimp, Prospect2 • Microsoft Office • Branding • Typography • Color Theory • Press file prep including Variable Data Printing • Art Direction Photo/Video Shoots • Systemizing • Problem Solving • Presentation • Communication • Critical Thinking • Time Management • Emotional intelligence