top of page
2024-05-05_15-10-29_893.heic

JEN HIGMAN

Creative Director / Art Director

TECHNICAL SKILLS

Adobe Creative Suite

HTML and CSS editing and QC
Social media platforms

Jira, Trello, Workfront

Microsoft 365

Digital illustration and animation

Copywriting

Image manipulation/retouching

Mock-ups, mood boards, pitch materials

File prep for production and launch

LEADERSHIP SKILLS

Emotionally intelligent, empathetic

Effective written/verbal communication

Visual direction: print, digital and video

Copy direction

Photo/video shoot direction

Mentoring and training

Client presentations and relations

Conducting interviews, hiring

Project scoping/budget estimates

Presentations: internal and client-facing

EXPERIENCE

Creative Director

Guaranteed Rate Companies

February 2012 - Present

  • Lead the creation of compelling print and digital assets, driving
    customer acquisition, retention and recruitment for corporate
    brand initiatives and referral partners.

  • Partner with senior leadership and project managers to develop highly effective design strategies for both corporate brands and retail loan officer leadership.

  • Mentor and train junior designers, fostering their professional growth and design expertise.

  • Manage a cross-functional team of designers, delivering
    omni-channel creative solutions within a fast-paced, in-house
    marketing environment.

  • Translate leadership and stakeholder briefs into actionable direction, ensuring seamless project execution by identifying and mitigating potential roadblocks.

  • Oversee the organization and management of digital assets and
    design files, ensuring proper version control, easy access and smooth collaboration across the team.

Graphic Designer

Superior Mortgage

January 2008 - February 2012

  • Led the creation of all marketing and advertising materials, overseeing the full design process from concept to completion.

  • Mentored and trained junior designers, enhancing team skill sets and improving overall design output.

Graphic Designer

Merchant Street Printers

May 2002 - January 2008

  • Developed logos, business cards, advertisements, and other printed materials, collaborating closely with clients to assess needs and deliver impactful solutions.

  • Oversaw the entire production process, from initial concept through to final delivery.

  • Worked directly with press operators to optimize cost-effective printing solutions and ensure high-quality results.

  • Managed the transition from digital designs to print plates, ensuring precision and quality in every project.

Graphic Designer

Verizon

January 2001 - May 2002

  • Designed directory ads for various companies from all over
    the country.

  • Designed ads to upsell existing client ads.

Guaranteed Rate

February 2012 - Present

  • Craft compelling print and digital creative assets for our corporate brand, customer acquisition, customer retention, referral partners and recruiting. 

  • Collaborate with senior managers and project managers to craft highly effective design solutions. 

  • Train and mentor junior designers. 

  • Lead a team of designers to produce omni-channel creative work within a fast-paced cross-functional in-house marketing team. 

  • Relay briefs from leadership and internal stakeholders, provide direction for successful fulfillment, identify and remove potential obstacles.

EDUCATION

Rutgers University

BFA, Graphic Design

Anthenaeum Honor Society

bottom of page