Joe's Resume
Joe's Resume
Creative Director | Visual Systems Specialist | Technical Design Leader
Denver, CO | joeygleason2027@gmail.com | 720.320.7022
Professional Summary
Multidisciplinary creative leader with 10+ years of experience spanning brand development, experiential graphics, packaging design, large-format printing, and technical production operations. Skilled at bridging creative strategy with hands-on execution across branded environments, print production, and fabrication. Known for solving complex production challenges, improving workflows, mentoring teams, and delivering high-impact visual experiences under demanding timelines.
General Manager - Design Works | Premium Event Design | Denver, CO 2025 – 2026
• Supported operations for an experiential event design company specializing in branded environments, custom décor, staging, and environmental graphics.
• Designed a new company logo and contributed to website and marketing initiatives to improve brand visibility.
• Stepped into a lead graphics production role during a staffing transition, independently managing fabrication and preparation of event graphics under tight deadlines.
• Designed and fabricated custom dimensional graphics and event elements for corporate events and large-scale installations.
• Produced and assembled large-format graphics using HP Latex printing technology, vinyl application, foam-core fabrication, and hand-finishing techniques.
• Assisted with creative direction, client presentations, vendor coordination, workflow improvements, and quality control.
Professional Experience
Creative Lead & Digital Specialist - DeLine Box & Display | Denver, CO April 2018 – April 2025
• Spearheaded 57% YoY growth in digital department staffing through hiring, onboarding, and training operators, supervisors, logistics, and creative staff.
• Served as primary expert on the Barberan Jetmaster 1680 digital press; developed SOPs, resolved technical issues, and trained teams in operation and maintenance.
• Authored and delivered step-by-step technical documentation for Jetmaster, Zund D3 Cutting Table, and Tanabe Folder Gluer, improving uptime and consistency.
• Partnered with logistics and supervisors to improve transitions and minimize workflow bottlenecks.
• Improved ink savings by 15% annually through optimized file prep and color accuracy in collaboration with Pre-Press.
• Guided 100+ client projects from ideation through production, including packaging design, client consultations, and print setup.
• Designed internal and external materials including signage, promotional kits, and presentations.
• Led DeLine Digital’s branding initiative, setting visual identity and strategic messaging.
• Played a central role in making the Jetmaster 1680 responsible for over 50% of company revenue by 2025.
• Mentored cross-disciplinary staff with tailored communication and growth strategies.
• Created data-rich reports for leadership using Excel and PowerPoint, advising on investment and production priorities.
Design Manager - Design Works | Denver, CO November 2021 – April 2022
• Managed creative direction and graphic buildout for 15+ high-profile events including galas and fundraisers.
• Designed and assembled stage graphics, signage, and 3D structures using Adobe Creative Suite, Epson printers, and Graphtec plotters.
• Partnered with lighting, floral, fabric, and logistics teams to deliver seamless branded experiences.
• Engineered immersive event elements, such as layered entrances and narrative stage environments.
• Developed departmental workflows to improve timing and resource planning.
• Recognized by clients for high visual impact and creative execution under pressure.
• Mentored junior designers on material handling, large-format prep, and dimensional design techniques.
Founder & Principal Designer - RyJo Designs LLC | Littleton, CO 2018 – Present
• Built brand systems for startups and small businesses, including logo design, print collateral, digital graphics, and signage.
• Provided one-on-one consulting and on-site training nationwide for Barberan Jetmaster digital press owners.
• Balanced freelance clients with full-time roles through strategic project workflows.
• Handled all aspects of client relations, from proposal to concept to final production files.
• Maintained long-term relationships through consistent quality and service reliability.
Lead Graphic Designer - Minuteman Press | Lakewood, CO April 2017 – April 2018
• Designed business collateral, restaurant menus, billboards, brochures, and signage for 100+ clients.
• Created and maintained brand consistency across print and environmental graphics.
• Delivered high-volume design work while ensuring precise handoff for print vendors.
• Collaborated directly with clients to gather input, pitch concepts, and adjust designs.
• Helped increase performance and reduce lead times by recommending internal hardware upgrades.
Technical Skills
• Adobe Creative Suite (Illustrator, Photoshop, InDesign) • Colorgate RIP • ArtiosCAD • SketchUp • Figma • Microsoft Office (Excel, PowerPoint, Word) • Large-Format Printing • Pre-Press File Prep • Structural Packaging Design • Presentation Graphics • Digital Asset Management
Leadership & Strategy
• Creative Direction • Brand Development • Cross-Functional Collaboration • Design Mentorship • Technical Troubleshooting • Preventative Maintenance Planning • Client Communication • Training Program Design • Reporting & Analytics • Visual Storytelling • Process Optimization
Education
Bachelor of Fine Arts in Graphic Design Colorado Mesa University
President, Mesa’s Emerging Designers (MED)