Darren M. Strecker
streckergraphics@sbcglobal.net  

2007-Present
Owner - Strecker Graphics - Design and Illustration
Clients:

Fundex Games

Indianapolis Motor Speedway

BIC Graphics

Johnson County Solid Waste District

ECO Parking Lights

ISEN Foundation

Clothes Pin Films

2005-2007
Product Manager - Poster Division - Marketing Department
Trends International, LLC; Indianapolis, Indiana
Managed the product line for a 1200-sku mass market focused poster division
Created a yearly line plan to track the production of 30 posters per month
Worked directly with national clients to secure product approval
Provided direction to the art department in design and image selection
Negotiated with printers, image providers, artists, and display manufactures
Helped develop marketing procedures and processes internally
Worked with retailers to create promotional displays for major movie releases
Traveled nationally to represent the company at trade shows, conventions, and client meetings

1997-2005
Senior Designer – Art Department
At-A-Glance/Mead & Trends International, Inc.; Indianapolis, Indiana
Worked as a designer for all product lines before moving exclusively to posters
Assisted the creative manager with schedule and delegation of design projects
Promoted to senior designer for all product lines after 3 years
Trained junior designers on product development and department procedures
Organized and maintained server files, archiving and internal printing
Worked with licensors and marketing department to meet national deadlines
Produced 150 sports, entertainment, and specialty posters annually
Developed corporate logos, signs, trade show banners, catalogs, sales material, and product mock-ups

1997
Designer/Illustrator – Creative Services Department
MacMillan Publishing/MacStaffing; Indianapolis, Indiana
Designed national magazine advertisements, corporate sales material
Created clip art and character designs for corporate use
Illustrated package cover for software CD
Assisted designers with printing and mock-up creation

1995-1997
Art Director/Designer – Art Department
Promotional Marketing Group, Inc.; Indianapolis, Indiana
Managed up to 3 designers and their workflow
Arranged material and print buying
Developed corporate identities for 3 separate companies
Created and produced screen printed and embroidered product
Worked with photographers and printers to produce catalogs for hundreds of items to aid in product sales at a national level

1995
Output Technician/Proofing Assistant
LaserSystems, Inc. – Film Output/Prepress; Beech Grove, Indiana
Ran second shift proofing department
Produced matchprints for client approvals
Assisted with file pre-flight, film processing and stripping

1994
Artist/Production Assistant
The Barn Woodworks – Sign Design/Production; Fortville, Indiana
Created sign designs and illustration for carvings
Assisted with redwood and foam sign production
Laid out patterns, cut frisket, sandblasted, primed and painted signs

1987-2007
Freelance Illustrator
Various Organizations and Companies; Indianapolis, Indiana
Drew caricatures for Indianapolis Indians, 500 Motor Speedway, Kona Jacks
Created show flyers for local bands and events
Designed spokes-characters for various promotions
Illustrated elements to aid in logo development
Developed comic covers and panels for events
Used 3D modeling software for technical drawings and product mock-ups

Education:

1989-1994
Attended Ball State University - Muncie, Indiana
Graduated with Bachelor of Fine Arts
Minor in Journalism/Advertising

Educational Highlights:
Helpdesk Technician (2 years)
Freshman Orientation Coordinator (2 years)
Weekly Cartoon – Ball State Daily News
Deans List 1994

References:

Dawn DeBellis - Director, Creative Services
Indianapolis Motor Speedway
4790 W. 16th St.; Indianapolis, Indiana 46222
Email: ddebellis@brickyard.com

 Darren M. Strecker - At Work 2009