Portfolio: https://www.davemyslinski.com | Linkedin Profile: https://www.linkedin.com/in/dmyslinski
443-783-5095 | dmyslin1@comcast.net
Brand and creative leader with extensive experience developing integrated campaign initiatives, amplified through compelling storytelling and inspiring visuals. A conceptual and strategic thinker who creates emotional connections that are relevant and meaningful, building long-term brand affinity. Highly adept at brand building and establishing consistent standards. Embraces collaboration with leadership, stakeholders, and teams to ensure success in bringing cross-channel marketing initiatives and brand stories to life. Brings a global perspective to continually redefining the creative “next” for brands and businesses. Sought after for mentorship and the professional development of direct reports. Agile and collaborative in identifying new ways of working and fostering productive partnerships. Committed to inclusive leadership, incorporating accessible design principles and embracing technological innovation.
HARD SKILLS
• Adobe Creative Cloud
• B2B
• Brand Architecture
• Brand Management
• Campaign Development
• Content Generation
• Copywriting
• Creative Briefs
• Creative Direction
• Digital Asset Management
• Digital Design
• Email Marketing
• Event Branding
• Experiential Activations
• Figma
• Google Workspace
• Integrated Marketing
• Marketing Strategy
• Microsoft Office
• Motion Graphics
• Out-of-Home
• Package Design
• Photo Direction
• Presentation Design
• Product Styling
• Print Design
• Project Management
• Storytelling
• Style Guide Development
• Social Media Design
• Video Editing
SOFT SKILLS
• Adaptability
• Collaboration
• Communication
• Creativity
• Critical thinking
• Emotional Intelligence
• Empathy
• Leadership
• Mentorship
• Organization
• Problem Solving
• Team Direction
• Vendor Relations
EXPERIENCE
Senior Creative Director, Brand & Creative | National Geographic Society, Washington, DC | Oct 2022-Present
Senior creative, key brand leader, and marketing strategist responsible for defining and upholding the Society’s position in the marketplace as an iconic, modern, and relevant brand. Responsible for ensuring brand essence and consistency across visual identities, brand architecture, standards, and messaging, providing clear direction for all stakeholders and supporting a collaborative partnership with Disney. Strategic thought partner in the development of global brand initiatives, integrated campaigns, and enterprise-wide moments. Develops conceptual narratives that further amplify storytelling within the Explorer community. Leads a diversely talented team to drive success through cross-channel storytelling and strategic marketing initiatives.
• Led the rebrand of the signature events portfolio, establishing a cohesive identity that increased recognition and awareness
• Directed branding and creative development for upper-echelon programmatic initiatives, including naming, style guides, and design templates
• Served as brand partner in the identity and campaign development for the Museum of Exploration, Explorers Café, Flagship Retail Store, and National Geographic Hotel
• Co-led the Enterprise-Wide Moment strategic team, driving the development and execution of initiatives that generated record engagement and KPIs across integrated platforms
Creative Director | National Geographic Society, Washington, DC | Dec 2018-Oct 2022
Lead creative responsible for the branding and design of live signature events, as well as corporate branding guidelines and initiatives, including visual messaging for executive presentations and human resources communications.
Content Marketing Manager | Cascade Sotheby's International Realty, Bend, OR | Mar 2018-Nov 2018
Primary lead in the development of strategic content, campaigns, events, and creative collateral for 25 offices across Oregon and Southwest Washington. Chief brand steward ensuring that all materials align with established guidelines and reflect the parent company’s iconic luxury heritage. Initiated an internal brand education program to educate and support 265+ brokers in maximizing leverage, differentiating from competitors, targeting specific demographics, and generating engagement. Created original content, including copywriting, video production, web design, motion graphics, and infographics, with campaign integration across traditional and digital mediums.
• Established a lead-generating experiential activation at a regional airport, incorporating passive beacon messaging, interactive touchscreens and displays, live social posting, and other original content
• Q2–Q4 2017 marketing initiatives resulted in record transactions of $1.3 billion and $30 million in company revenue
• Co-led the website redesign project, providing creative direction and visual asset design
• Established email marketing standards and oversaw execution of all marketing campaigns
• Led planning and production of a video program project, introducing broker team promotional content
• Created viral blog and social posts for a listing, generating over 80K hits and 20K+ website click-throughs (Twilight House)
• Led branding and coordination of highly successful corporate partnership events with luxury brands, increasing awareness and elevating the brand (Porsche, The Annual Oregon Polo Classic)
• Primary lead in the development of the Asian demographic desk, targeting increased interest in the region’s many exclusive farm, ranch, and vineyard properties, as well as new construction projects in downtown Portland, Oregon
Creative Director | Every Idea Marketing, Bend, OR | Feb 2017-Mar 2018
Creative lead and thought partner for local and regional clients, providing direction across all aspects of campaign development, including creative concepting, brand strategy, principal photography, and design of integrated marketing initiatives. Led a highly diverse team, collaborating on the execution of activations such as video and radio spots, print, OOH, digital and social advertising/content, events, and experiential work. Established brand identity and standards, while crafting narratives through original content.
• Developed the “We’re Know It Alls” campaign for Newport Avenue Market, winner of the 2017 National Grocers Association Creative Choice Award and recognized as one of the best marketing and merchandising programs in the grocery industry
• Led photo direction and design for the highly successful Man Saver, Post Driver, “Rancher’s Voice” campaign
• Primary lead on the corporate rebrand of Newport Avenue Market, including store signage and wayfinding, package design, website redesign, style guide, and marketing templates
• Developed brand and identity standards and product launch for the Rosewood Wagyu Beef brand for the Hunt family, owners of the Kansas City Chiefs and innovators of Rosewood boutique hotels • Layout and design development for a charitable cookbook by Kix Brooks, one half of the country music duo Brooks & Dunn
Director of Marketing | Sunshine Retirement Living, Bend, OR | Jan 2016-Oct 2016
Led the introduction of new integrated strategies to promote and govern the parent company brand, as well as the marketing of 19 nationwide communities. Directed regionally targeted multimedia efforts and collaborated with local teams to execute planned activations and analyze data influencing lead generation, budget expenditures, and allocation management. Monitored website optimization, new content development, and competitive analysis. Served as creative lead for campaign development, social media and digital strategy, and media buys across all channels, including management of external vendors and contractors.
• Integrated chat functionality on the website, resulting in increased visitor data capture, lead generation, and tours
• Led optimization of community Yelp pages, providing an additional source of lead generation and improved click-through rates
• Launched an integrated Hispanic marketing campaign to drive engagement in regions with high Latin populations
• Established a partnership with Lyft to provide an easy-to-use rideshare program for community seniors • Directed and produced the video series “These Eyes Have Seen,” highlighting the lives well lived by community residents
Creative Director | Arizona Diamondbacks, Phoenix, AZ | June 2014-Jan 2016
Direction of in-house department, “Clubhouse Creative,” in the concepting, development, and production of campaigns and strategic marketing initiatives that resulted in increased ticket sales, improved fan experience, and consistent branding across all channels. Supervised the execution of over 1,500 annual projects, servicing 25 internal divisions. Responsibilities included budgeting and forecasting, project management, detailed creative briefs, comprehensive style guides, concepting and direction of print, outdoor, and digital advertising, TV/radio, original social media content, copywriting, package design, special events, space branding, and stadium signage. Also led planning and direction of photography and video projects. Presented to executives, corporate clients, and prospects. Served as agency liaison, managing vendor relations and negotiations. Provided team leadership and fostered a collaborative environment conducive to a proactive creative culture.
• Led the reimagined identity of the internal creative department, “Clubhouse Creative”
• Provided creative direction and acted as a thought partner with senior leadership in the development of a complete uniform redesign, collaborating with MLB corporate and apparel vendors (Majestic, Nike, New Era, Stance) and targeting a youth demographic
• Concept development, strategy, and execution of the launch campaign “Join the Evolution,” introducing the newly designed team uniforms through regional experiential activations, traditional advertising, and a player runway show hosted at Chase Field
Creative Director | Every Idea Marketing, Bend, OR | Sept 2013-June 2014
Creative lead and thought partner for local and regional clients, providing direction across all aspects of campaign development, including creative concepting, brand strategy, principal photography, and design of integrated marketing initiatives. Led a highly diverse team, collaborating on the execution of activations such as video and radio spots, print, OOH, digital and social advertising/content, events, and experiential work. Established brand identity and standards, while crafting narratives through original content.
Creative Director | Design Options, Salisbury, MD | Dec 2012-Sept 2013
Principal and creative strategist, offering logo design, full identity and brand development, campaign concepting, and strategic planning. Services included marketing initiatives and integrated deliverables across traditional and digital mediums, as well as original content creation, copywriting, photo/video direction, editing, food and beverage/product styling, social media management, media buying, motion graphics, website development, package design, event planning, and experiential activations.
• Clients included Perdue Farms, Tyson, Allen Family Foods, Cato Oil, Goose Creek Stores, Allied Beverage Tanks, FBI National Academy, Acorn Market, Ocean City Parks & Recreation, Bear Trap Dunes Golf Club, Bayside Resort Golf Club, and Evolution Craft Brewing
EDUCATION
Bachelor of Science, Major in Liberal Studies/Minor in Advertising Graphic Design: Monmouth University - W. Long Branch, NJ
Continuing Education, Non-degree program, Graphic Design Concentration: Parsons School of Design - The New School, New York, NY