Geoffrey Schley

Art Director / Graphic Designer · Schlayer Design

MINNEAPOLIS, MN

In My Own Words

Art Director/Graphic Designer with substantial experience in ad agencies, design firms, in-house marketing departments and as a freelancer. Demonstrated expertise in creating original solutions to visual marketing and branding. Ability to manage others and maintain individual tasks on time and on budget. Exceptional communication skills, meticulous attention to detail, organized, approachable, flexible & collaborative.

Work Experience

Art Director / Graphic Designer

Schlayer Design

2014 – Present

Schlayer Design was built on helping businesses solve problems through design. With a focus on branding, projects and capabilities include logo/identity development, print collateral, websites, print and digital ad campaigns, product graphics, packaging, trade show booths, retail environments, clothing, poster design and illustration. Clients include ad agencies, design firms, media, and the tech, legal, public relations, financial, fashion, music, outdoor and travel industries.

Art Director

Resideo

2019 – 2020

Art Director position for a small in-house team tasked with creating and applying a brand-new visual identity and standards for a rebranded smart home company. Collaborate with internal clients and partners, external ad agencies and photographers to create all brand touch points. Projects include app design, packaging, print and digital advertising, social media campaigns, packaging and trade show design.

Art Director

Buffalo Wild Wings

2016 – 2020

Member of a small internal team tasked with rebranding a fast-growing nationwide restaurant, recently acquired by Arby’s/Inspire Brands. Collaborate with internal clients, and external photographers and copywriters to define strategies and create work that meets growth objectives. Responsibilities include planning and providing art direction for food and beverage photo shoots, and designing and managing print, digital and environmental projects from concept through production. Projects include in-store printed and digital promotions, digital and social media ad campaigns, packaging and promotional merchandise.

Art Director

Specialized Bicycle Components, Inc.

2013 – 2014

Recruited by an international industry leader to collaborate with their industrial design department, product managers, engineers, and industrial designers in a fast-paced, deadline-driven environment. Created and managed product graphic design for road, mountain and lifestyle bicycles. Researched trend analysis, developed strategy, created graphics, managed junior designers and traveled to European partners for presentations and design reviews to refine direction. Follow-up included creation of tech packs for vendor sampling and production in Asia, and travel to review pilot runs and samples.

Art Director

Black Diamond Equipment, Ltd.

2012 – 2013

Art Director position for international skiing and climbing brand. Responsible for establishing design and visual standards for product graphics, print and digital advertising, catalogs, packaging, presentations, websites, signage, industry events and retail environments. Collaborated with internal clients and external photographers and copywriters.

Art Director

Quality Bicycle Products (QBP)

2006 – 2012

Art Director for international distributor and manufacturer of numerous proprietary bicycle brands. Designed projects and managed staff creating product graphics, print and digital advertising, catalogs, packaging, presentations, websites, signage and trade show booths ensuring brand standards across all media. Met and communicated with clients and stakeholders to present strategies and solutions. Selected to rebrand QBP corporate identity and headquarters.

Graphic Designer

Target Corporation

2002 – 2006

Fast-paced advertising position. Collaborated with all levels of organization (upper management, strategic planners, buyers, and account managers) and internal/external copywriters, illustrators, fine artists, photographers and designers. Responsibilities included strategic planning, concepting, art/photo direction, design and presentation. creating print advertising, packaging and signage.