Resumé

Michael R. Helman

Creative designer with 18 years of impressive art direction, user experience design, project management and copywriting experience. Managed multi-disciplined teams on multiple projects from conception through completion. Results oriented self-starter with a consistent record of exceeding standards and expectations.

Q U A L I F I C A T I O N S

Skills
Brand development, art direction, UI design, information architecture and user testing, Web site design, management, team building, troubleshooting & problem resolution, social media, browser and platform compatibility issues, animation, typography

Platforms
Mac OS X, Windows XP/Vista, familiar with UNIX environments

Tools
Adobe CS3 (Photoshop, Illustrator, InDesign, Flash, Fireworks, Dreamweaver, Pagemaker, Acrobat), Macromedia Freehand MX, Microsoft Office Suite (Word, Excel, Powerpoint), Email (SilverPop, Constant Contact, EmailLabs and WhatCounts); familiar with AJAX and other Web 2.0 Frameworks and Ecktron CMS 400.net and TeamSite,

Languages
HTML, DHTML, CSS, JavaScript and ActionScript

E X P E R I E N C E

Web Designer / Information Architect
BlueCross BlueShield, Chicago, Illinois
November 2009 – Present

Responsible for improving user experience by enhancing graphics, content layout and branding.

Design lead of Special Beginnings (An Interactive Pregnancy Program) and directed information architecture of deliverables including wireframes, site maps and page flow documentation.

Design consultant for developers with Usability/UX Design principles throughout all four HCSC web and mobile applications.

Design and code cross-platform CSS -based page layouts and micro-sites

Creative Director, Consultant and Owner
Flying Monkeys Studio, Chicago & Orland Park, Illinois
1997 – Present

Responsible for entire business operation including: client recruitment, design and production of all in-house promotional materials including business identity and website.
Write proposals and consult with clients to determine their needs, goals, deadlines and budget.
Create corporate identities, marketing campaigns, brochures, advertising, multimedia presentations, Web sites and illustrations for clients ranging from Fortune 500 companies to startups.

Creative Director / Information Architect
America’s Best Companies, Oakbrook Terrace, Illinois
May 2008 – May 2009

Led development team in the design and development of information architecture, content, creative strategy, graphics development, visual continuity, page layout & flow, HTML and functional development, content development, and project management.
Developed research analyses, conceptual models, workflows, sitemaps, wireframes, etc.
Designed and provided creative direction for all communications, including creating a unified brand identity, marketing collateral, printed and online advertising.
Shared knowledge and provided leadership in creative development processes and project tracking.
Developed and maintained on-going email marketing and analysis.
Reported regularly to senior-management to discuss project status and reports.

Senior Graphic/User Interface Designer
ShopLocal.com, Chicago, Illinois
March 2006 – May 2008

Designed, architected and implemented multiple website designs at a major e-commerce "dot-com" and technical services corporation - responsibilities included information architecture, graphics development, visual continuity, page layout & flow, HTML and functional development, user research, and project management.
Rapid development of web-based prototypes of User Interfaces in fast-paced, multi-project environment.
Participated in user tests within a fully implemented user testing facility.
Interfaced with multiple partners in development of online application UI screens and page flows.
Responsible for designing and managing marketing services for product business side.
Collaborated with marketing services and product managers to translate company needs and customer experience efforts into effective web design.
Researched and incorporated best practices and results into ongoing promotional activity.
Worked with marketing managers and developers to integrate user interfaces to applications.
Worked with tech team to assure that the design and navigation of the design are usable with company tech environment.
Designed and developed all internal and member communications collateral, including: style guides, brochures, sell-sheets, direct mail, identity design, online campaigns, marketing material, etc.
Participated in executive staff meetings and decisions.
Facilitated collaborative efforts and provided guidance to design team.
Designed and conceptualize HTML email and other collateral campaigns.
Maintained and policed the identity and creative rollouts of all company initiatives.
Led in establishing in-house design department, including working with suppliers and vendors.
Responsible for team planning including: supervision of staff, contractor management, budget resource allocation, scheduling and mentoring.
Managed a variety of projects including site optimization; Web site features, HTML newsletters, marketing campaigns, and sales support projects.

New-Media Designer
Direct Advantage, Inc. - Chicago, IL
December 2004 - March 2006