I am a creative and marketing leader with 15+ years of experience building brands, directing visual media, and driving marketing strategy across hospitality, consumer products, wellness, and arts-focused organizations.
My background spans creative direction, brand development, photography, graphic design, and content strategy, with hands-on leadership from concept through execution. I have led high-impact visual storytelling for startups, global consumer brands, cultural institutions, and experiential venues, blending strategic thinking with strong aesthetic sensibility.
I specialize in translating brand values into compelling visual systems, campaigns, and experiences that connect emotionally with audiences and support measurable business goals. Equally comfortable in studio, on location, or collaborating cross-functionally with marketing, product, and leadership teams, I bring a calm, solutions-oriented approach to creative leadership.
I am currently seeking senior-level opportunities where creativity, culture, and strategy intersect, particularly within hospitality, food & beverage, wellness, and music or arts-driven organizations, and I greatly appreciate your consideration.
experience
Nov. 2022 – Present (3+ yrs)
M. Kell Studio
Founder / Creative Director, Self-Employed
Creative lead for a multidisciplinary studio specializing in brand identity, commercial photography, and visual media. Lead art direction, brand strategy, and visual execution for clients across hospitality, lifestyle, consumer products, and arts-driven organizations.
Develop complete brand systems including identity design, websites, packaging, and marketing collateral. Produce high-end studio and lifestyle photography, including product, portrait, and live event work. Implement successful integrated campaigns to engage target markets.
Manage client and vendor relationships, project timelines, budgets, and production from concept through delivery. Collaborate with supporting teams and stakeholders to align creative output with business objectives.
Website: www.mkell.com
March 2024 – August 2024 (6mo)
Cooper’s Landing
Marketing Director & Venue Manager
Directed marketing and on-site operations for a high-traffic hospitality venue.
Led brand marketing, promotions, and visual content for live events, food and beverage programming, and seasonal campaigns. Developed and executed social, digital, and in-venue marketing initiatives to increase engagement and attendance.
Oversaw venue operations and bar management, balancing customer experience with business performance. Coordinated with performers, vendors, and staff to ensure cohesive brand presentation and guest experience.
Aug. 2018 – October 2022 (4yrs, 3mo)
Peak Design
Senior Photographer & Graphic Designer
Senior member of the creative team for a globally recognized consumer brand.
Produced high-end studio and lifestyle product photography for marketing, ecommerce, and fund-raising campaigns. Designed graphic assets for digital, print, packaging, and merchandising. Managed media archives and contributed to long-term asset strategy. Supported on-location photo and video productions as production assistant.
Collaborated cross-functionally with marketing, product design engineers, tech and sales teams to ensure brand consistency. Assisted in designing packaging, sales catalogs, product manuals, and project mockups.
Website: www.peakdesign.com
Aug. 2016 – December 2019 (3yrs, 5mo)
Alan Watts Organization
Co-Founder / Artistic Director
Co-founded and served as creative and artistic lead for the official organization of philosopher Alan Watts. Directed brand identity, creative strategy, and visual storytelling across all platforms.
Led content curation, filmmaking, photography, and media archive management. Oversaw marketing, advertising, ecommerce website design, and copywriting. Managed CRM systems, audience engagement, and digital growth initiatives.
Preserved and modernized a legacy brand while expanding reach to new global audiences.
Websites: www.alanwatts.com | www.alanwatts.org
Aug. 2014 – Oct. 2017 (3yrs, 3mo)
So Gold Studio
Co-Founder / Lead Photographer
Co-founded and led creative direction for a boutique photography and events studio specializing in weddings, portraits, and experiential events. Served as lead photographer and visual storyteller across weddings, portrait sessions, and live events.
Directed brand identity, graphic design, and visual marketing across digital and print platforms. Led product design and fulfillment, including custom photo products and experiential offerings. Managed wedding planning and on-site event coordination to ensure seamless client experience.
Designed, built, and operated custom photo booth experiences as part of brand and revenue growth initiatives.
Oversaw marketing, advertising, website design, CRM, and social media strategy. Managed client relationships, project timelines, and end-to-end production workflows.
Website: www.sogoldstudio.com
Apr. 2012 – Dec. 2014 (2yrs, 8mo)
Kitchen Table Promotion
Co-Founder / Creative Director
Co-founded and served as Creative Director for a multidisciplinary promotional agency supporting live events, concerts, and small businesses. Led creative direction and production for portrait and event photography and videography.
Developed brand identities, marketing materials, and promotional campaigns for clients. Planned and coordinated live events and concerts, managing logistics, vendors, and on-site execution.
Provided branding and small business consulting, aligning creative strategy with business goals. Oversaw product design and fulfillment for merchandise and promotional assets. Wrote marketing and promotional copy and managed advertising initiatives. Directed website design and social media strategy to drive audience growth and engagement.
Managed multiple projects simultaneously, balancing creative vision with operational delivery.
skills & program knowledge
Art & creative Direction
Branding & Identity Development
Photography & Cinematography
Project Management
Graphic Design
Event Planning & Management
Web Design
Marketing STrategy
Customer Service
Adobe Photoshop
Adobe Lightroom
Adobe Illustrator
Adobe Premiere
Adobe InDesign
WordPress
Google Suite
Microsoft Office
Quickbooks
TOAST POS
References
Richard King
Past Employer / Owner, Cooper’s Landing
gnikrf54@gmail.com
Victor Murillo
Past Colleage / Executive Producer, Peak Design
victor.murillo@peakdesign.com
Mark Watts
Past Employer / Owner & Co-Founder, Alan Watts Organization
mark@alanwatts.com
John Marino
Past Colleague / Co-Founder, Kitchen Table Promotion
jdmandthegiant@gmail.com
Nora Lewis
Past Colleague / Co-Founder of the Alan Watts Organization
nora@alanwatts.com
Doug Gilberg
Past Client / Founder of Wildwood Green Arts
dbgilberg@gmail.com
please contact personally for reference phone numbers

