JOSHUA A. WALKER
Telling Stories that Create Advocacy and Growth

Bachelor of Arts in Visual Communications & Literature and Writing, with a concentration in Photography and Journalism.

PROFESSIONAL EXPERIENCE

CREATIVE DESIGN MANAGER
Charleston Metro Chamber of Commerce • March 2020 — Current
I have mastered connecting with community as this organization’s primary brand director. Working closely with the Senior Vice President of Marketing, I listen to complex ideas and initiatives and travel to dozens of events throughout the year to create thoughtful, visual stories using design, photography, and video, that evoke a sense of community and belonging for the people and businesses we serve.
  • Ensure brand continuity throughout production of multi-platform marketing campaigns
  • Collaborate with senior leadership in the development of strategic plan
  • Partner with cross-functional teams to ensure alignment of marketing initiatives with company goals
  • Design original branded content across multiple channels
  • Direct and produced digital video campaigns and social media reels
  • Travel to events to capture firsthand perspectives and original photography and video
  • Manage printing, production, and finishing of large- and small-scale publications and literature
  • Style and photograph promotional materials and literature
CREATIVE SERVICES MANAGER
Hawkes Learning • July 2019 — March 2020
I learned how to optimize processes for this eLearning company. I led a creative team through the production of college-level textbooks and collaborated with software developers to establish a common language between print and digital products, which created a more streamlined workflow and helped elevate and unify the brand overall.
  • Ensure adherence to brand standards and oversee quality of products and deliverables
  • Managed creative department’s day-to-day production of print and digital products
  • Designed print and digital templates that improved design quality, accuracy, consistency, and efficiency of creative processes
  • Developed editing processes that streamlined proofing for subject matter experts
  • Hired and managed full-time and freelance designers and project managers
  • Collaborated with software developers to simplify workflows
ART DIRECTOR
The Scout Guide  •  March 2018 — July 2019
I elevated my leadership skills at this franchise of upscale city guides. As the brand’s chief steward, I led a team of ten young and talented designers. I also advised a network of more than 70 photographers and editors across the United States with a unified vision of capturing the visual stories and voices of the small businesses in their markets.
  • Oversaw and developed design and production team to maximize capacity, morale, and production capabilities
  • Established a culture of excellence with a highly collaborative team
  • Provided direction and feedback on all design projects
  • Produced branded photo and video shoots and designed subsequent print and digital marketing materials
  • Advised and spearheaded redesign of brand identity and voice
  • Enhanced communication strategies with franchise owners
  • Collaborated with marketing team to plan, create, and execute strategic plan tactics
  • Trained and advised franchise photographers and editors
  • Analyzed data and market trends to inform creative decisions
ART DIRECTOR
The Chronicle of the Horse / Untacked  •  July 2015 — January 2018
I mastered brand consistency as head of creative for this 86-year-old equestrian sports publication. I worked closely with its editorial and advertising teams to lead the redesign of our weekly and bi-monthly news and lifestyle periodicals. We modernized the brand’s aesthetic and voice while also respecting its heritage within a community that trusts a traditional and consistent voice.
  • Managed daily operations of design team and production of two award-winning publications
  • Led redesign of brand aesthetic and collaborated with editorial team to ensure consistency of voice and aesthetic
  • Designed templates and digital workflows that helped ensure adherence to elevated brand standards
  • Organized, directed, and produced photo shoots for award-winning cover artwork
  • Collaborated with print and distribution vendors to evaluate and improve materials and processes
  • Directed freelance photographers, designers, and other contracted employees
COMMUNICATIONS MANAGER
CRDF Global   •  April 2014 — July 2015
I elevated my ability to build an affective brand as the primary driver of this nonprofit’s voice, messaging, and aesthetic. I worked closely with the Vice President of Marketing and Communications to lead our content team through a reinvigoration of the brand. We focused on capturing and sharing the success stories of the people we served, which attracted more donors and grant opportunities, as well as media attention.
  • Provided leadership in the planning, development, and execution of marketing and communication strategies
  • Prepared presentations, scripts, and talking points for CEO and senior leadership
  • Executed long term communications and marketing strategies to promote the mission and brand
  • Promoted news dissemination to leading industry media outlets
  • Oversaw website redesign, as well as content and SEO and tracking
  • Oversaw content creators and production of internal and external communications and digital content
  • Developed and rolled out new mission, vision, and messaging platform
  • Redesigned organization’s brand identity with a focus on digital storytelling
  • Wrote and edited copy with a focus on storytelling for enewsletters, website, social media, blogs, articles, and press releases
  • Directed and produced photo and video shoots
MULTIMEDIA PRODUCER / MANAGING EDITOR
United States Eventing Association  •  December 2008 — April 2013
I mastered storytelling as this nonprofit organization’s creative lead. Using various mediums including video, photography, writing, and design, I traveled the country and embedded myself in the sport’s tight-knit community to capture and publish firsthand experiences, which helped engage and grow the association’s membership. The visibility we gained earned corporate sponsorships and diversified our membership base.
  • Oversaw a team of designers and content creators to establish and maintain a public profile as a leading voice of the Olympic sport of Three-Day Eventing
  • Developed and executed strategic planning initiatives and marketing campaigns as Co-Chair of the Marketing Committee
  • Developed, launched, and oversaw the daily production of a digital video community
  • Developed and produced digital video packages and multimedia news features
  • As Art Director of the organization’s publications, directed design and established style guidelines
  • As Managing Editor of the organization’s publications, oversaw the development and consistency of editorial content and collateral
  • Developed, cataloged, and launched a digital archive of the organization’s 60 years of historical publications
Independent Contractor
April 2013 — Present
I have mastered selfless service as a freelance creative professional. With patience and a can-do attitude, I have learned to set egos aside to help guide business owners and professionals through a variety of creative projects from concept to completion. Offering polished design, photography, video production, and copy writing services, I focus on creating lasting relationships and passionate advocates.
  • Conduct in-depth research and interviews on a variety of topics, personalities, and issues
  • Advise, develop, and design brand identities, voices, and guidelines
  • Travel to destination events and subject locations to produce lifestyle photography, video, and written accounts
  • Negotiate contracts with vendors and service providers
  • Write and edit copy for various marketing collateral and editorial pieces
STAFF WRITER & PHOTOGRAPHER
The Chronicle of the Horse  •  September 2005 — November 2007
  • Wrote news, feature, and lifestyle content for magazine, website, and social media.
  • Produced and edited news and feature photography.
  • Proofread weekly blue lines and online content.
  • Assisted with website content production and management.

EDUCATION

BACHELOR OF ARTS
Visual Communications (concentration on Photojournalism) with minor in Literature and Writing
California State University, San Marcos • August 2001 — May 2005