RESUME

760-688-6011
vanessavanhawkins@gmail.com

As a creative director, I bring a wealth of skills in visual arts, design, digital marketing, and entrepreneurship to the table. My strategic approach to creativity drives me to spearhead impactful brand campaigns with dedication. I thrive on conceiving volume-boosting ideas by blending my passion for art, storytelling, and brand development. Integrating design expertise with the latest in technology and digital marketing is where I excel.

Whether directing a creative & marketing team or implementing design and executing campaigns myself, I'm a strong creative leader with the ability to get into the trenches. I thrive in both roles—leading with vision and strategy while also rolling up my sleeves to handle the nitty-gritty details. My adaptability allows me to pivot seamlessly between high-level leadership and hands-on execution, ensuring that every project meets the highest standards, whether I'm guiding a team or doing the work myself.

Experience

Alchemy Fine Home

Creative Director
2015—2024

As the creative director of a fast-growing start-up, I've worn many hats, successfully transforming Alchemy into a leading luxury furniture brand. I spearheaded significant growth and revenue, evolving into an eCommerce expert by seamlessly blending technology, creativity, branding, marketing, and team leadership—all with a laser focus on profitability.

My key roles and achievements include:
• Executive Leadership Across Departments
• Strategic Growth & Development
• Creative Direction & Marketing
• Digital Strategy & Site Curation
• Financial Forecasting & P&L Management
• Fundraising & Investor Relations
• Operations & Customer Service Management

Key Creative Direction & Marketing Achievements:
• Creative Direction, Strategy & Branding
• Website & App Design - UX / UI expertise
• CRO & Creative Testing
• Launched new digital experiences
• Led a Team of 9 Direct Reports - Designers, marketers, and developers
• Managed an offsite Team of 25 - agencies & contractors
• Content Marketing - Drove Organic & Direct Traffic - Contributing 75% of total revenue
• CRM (Email, SMS & Push)- Built a 300k+ subscriber list, generating 45% of onsite revenue
ª Social Media Marketing- Grew Instagram following to 93k engaged users
• Content Strategy - Collaborated with influencers, interior designers, and partners
• Implemented Key eComm Technologies - Merchandising, AI testing, audience optimization
• Digital Marketing - Managed paid media, SEO, influencer, and retention strategies
• Oversaw $200k+ Monthly Budgets
• KPI Optimization & Reporting
• Achieved 105% YOY Sales Growth

Nogin

Senior Brand Manager
2017—2019
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• Managed Branding & Digital Marketing for Key Fashion Clients - Joe's Jeans, Dogeared Jewelry & Aquaitalia
• Website Design & Merchandising
• Promotional & Seasonal Content Calendar
• Email Marketing Design & Execution
• Managed Accounts with Over $1 million Monthly Marketing Spend
• Reported On Paid Channel Advertising
• Coordinated Key Social Media Events & Influencer Campaigns
• Email Marketing - Grew a 300k Engaged Email List that Contributed 45% of Total Revenue

Luxury Weddings & Events

Art Director
2009—2017
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• Designed Luxury Weddings, Private Events & Charity Events Across the US and Europe
• Had Key Event Featured In Top Wedding Magazines Including Martha Stewart Weddings & Harpers Bazaar
• Taught Wedding Art Direction & Styling Workshops to Photographers Across Europe
• Created Experiential Designs - Lighting, Video, Art Installations & Culinary Experiences
• Managed Budgets over $1m
• Oversaw Intricate Installations & Logistics Involving Over 30 Vendors Per Event
• Coordinated Luxury Travel Accommodations & Activity Planning For Guests
• Collaborated with Luxury Hotel Groups In Monaco, Ibiza, Italy & Mexico for Elite Wedding Packages
• Designed Luxury Invitations & Event Stationery Including Laser Cutting, Foiling, Letterpress & Etching on Metal

Brighton

Freelance Art Director
2007—2009
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• Directed Key Photoshoots for Marketing Campaigns, In-Store Signage & eCommerce Campaigns
• Creative Team Selection & Management - Curated the best Photographers, Model Selection, Beauty & Make Up Teams
• Site & Prop Scouting - Hollywood Hills Homes, Historical Sites, Vintage Car & Boat Rentals
• Directed & Coordinated Studio Shoots and Set Design
• Designed Branded Magazine, Catalog & Print Design Pieces
• Illustrated Patterns & Designed Design for Retail & eCommerce

Mistral

Art Director
2004—2007
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• Packaging Design for Perfume, Bath & Body Products
• Art Direction Photoshoots
• Product Catalog Design
• Curated Creative Teams - Photographers & Stylists
• Illustrated Patterns For Signature Scents
• Designed Luxury Packaging & Gift Sets
• Coordinated Printing & Packaging Production Including: Catalogs, Folding Cartons, Custom Die Lines, Foiling, Laser Cutting, Plastic Injection Moulding, Tins, Tubes, Custom Glass Bottles & Labels
• Ensured Legal Labeling Requirements Met for International Distribution
• Designed Private Label Collections for Nordstrom, Anthropologie & Ojai Valley Inn & Spa

RESUME

Resume

Skills