Creative Director + FIXER

Keshia Merritt

What qualifies me as a Creative Director?

Well…

As a creative director, my superpower lies in being a “fixer,” an architect of aesthetic perfection who sees what others overlook. With an innate ability to hone in on the minutiae, I measure by the millimeter and uncover the subtle nuances that elevate projects from good to extraordinary. It’s in these overlooked details that I find the essence of brilliance, shaping experiences.

But my leadership extends beyond my keen eye. I believe in cultivating teams to excellence, empowering each member to bring their unique strengths to the table. Together, we weave a tapestry of creativity, each thread meticulously placed to craft a masterpiece. Through mentorship and collaboration, I foster an environment where innovation thrives and boundaries are pushed. As a result, our collective vision is not only realized but exceeds expectations, leaving an indelible mark on every project.

With a rich background spanning corporate, nonprofit, and startup sectors, I bring a wealth of knowledge in creative direction. Hailing from Memphis, TN, I draw inspiration from the city’s vibrant cultural tapestry. Grounded in a passion for fine art and history, my aesthetic sensibilities drive me towards exceptional design. Throughout my career, I’ve played integral roles in developing corporate collateral, social media assets, and marketing communications materials, leveraging my visual creativity to drive impactful outcomes.

My Experience…

spans a spectrum of responsibilities, from providing art direction to visually articulating business objectives and coordinating trade exhibition visuals. I thrive in collaborative environments, where I work closely with creative teams to refine concepts and bring visions to life. Managing photo shoots, video production schedules, and strategic planning are all part of my toolkit, allowing me to navigate projects with precision and efficiency. I’m dedicated to staying ahead of the curve by staying informed about design trends and continuously expanding my skill set and leadership capabilities through ongoing education.

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Portfolio

United Way of the Mid-South

Tasked with giving United Way of the Mid-South visual identity, garnered a rebirth in the region which gave pride to the employees when congregating with the communities served through new initiatives and time-tested legacy programs.

House of Cheatham

Under the umbrella of the House of Cheatham are several notable brands —Hollywood Beauty, Aunt Jackie and Kuza — I had the pleasure of creating advertisements and tradeshow graphics for.

Literacy Midsouth

This campaign kicks off Literacy Mid-South’s 50th anniversary improving the quality of life through education to achieve the critical literacy skills they need to navigate the world.

National Civil Rights Museum

This pictorial is an entry into the National Civil Rights Museum where visitors are guided by curiosity, empathy and a stunning representation of the past.

OFFERING

Event Design

Capturing the essence of each moment, creative direction for special event visuals is a kaleidoscope of innovation and imagination. Through a fusion of striking aesthetics, and a deep understanding of my client’s vision — ordinary spaces are transformed into extraordinary experiences, where every sight is a symphony and every scene tells a story.

Interior Design

In the art of staging & decorating residential properties, creative direction is the brush that paints dreams into reality. With an eclectic eye for composition and a flair for mood building, I curate spaces that speak volumes. Each room becomes a canvas, meticulously arranged to showcase its full potential. Through my creative lens, I transform properties into aspirational sanctuaries, where every frame whispers a promise of possibility.

Photography

With a passion for storytelling and an unwavering commitment to authenticity, I embark on a journey to capture the soul of every subject. From the grandeur of landscapes to the intimacy of candids, each frame is a testament to my dedication to craft and vision. Through my lens, ordinary moments become extraordinary, and fleeting expressions are frozen in time, echoing the beauty and complexity of the human experience.

RESUME

as an EMPLOYEE,

2017 – Present  United Way of the Mid-South / Associate Director, Creative Services

  • Led the organizational rebranding effort, including website, print collateral, and flagship program redesigns, resulting in increased brand recognition, donor giving, engagement, and trust.

  • Orchestrated production scheduling, marketing timelines, departmental budget, inventory control, and delivery expectations.

  • Managed contract workers; photographers, videographers, graphic designers, web developers

  • Served as the direct contact for internal and external clients, ensuring creative details are communicated to all stakeholders.

  • Created out-of-home advertising, annual reports, event branding visuals, and executive presentations.

  • Responsible for data visualization through traditional and digital media outlets.

2016  Arkansas State University / Midsouth Community College / Adjunct Instructor

  • Developed curriculum and instructions for using Adobe Creative Suites within the Digital Media concentration, enabling students to efficiently learn industry-standard tools while presenting a comprehensive introduction to design principles.

  • Advised the program’s advisory board, contributing insight and guidance.

2012 – 2017  The Carter Malone Group / Creative Director

  • Managed a team of designers to deliver top-tier results for multiple client campaigns for print and web collateral.

  • Coordinated and co-directed :30 and :60 commercials, including video production, photo shoots, casting, and location scouting.

  • Developed brands for political campaigns, including logo, website, and solicitation material, increasing visibility and interest from key constituents.

2002 – 2011  Sharp Electronics Corporation / Sr. Graphic Designer

  • Contributed to UX design of user interfaces for control panels and digital displays, resulting in more intuitive operations.

  • Drafted production standards for engineering drawings and approvals, increasing standardization and quality of work.

  • Designed marketing collateral, packaging, product literature, and other public media projects to increase customer awareness and drive sales

as a FREELANCER,

2016 – 2023 AMPRO Industries Products Creative Director/Graphic Design 

  • Collaborated on rebranding efforts of legacy products and packaging design.

  • Developed the influencer brand, MagicFingers™, leading to a profit increase of 320%.

  • Designed event and trade show branding for CosmoProf US, Canada, and Europe.

  • Created creative digital, print, social, and merchandising campaigns, securing Shine ‘n Jam’s position as the number one SKU in the OTC channel year over year.

  • Designed print/magazine collateral and social media marketing materials.

2014 – 2018  National Civil Rights Museum Graphic Designer  

  • Layout and design of top selling book, “This is the Story of A People” Pictorial Book 

  • Special event branding; Annual Freedom Awards Ceremony

  • Promotional brochures highlighting the renovations of the museum

2009 – 2018  A Natural Affair Beauty Lounge Graphic and Web Design 

  • Identity redesign / product identity system

  • UX design and consult for website

  • Social media campaigns

  • Expo/Tradeshow Design

  • Logo development

  • Liaison between print production

  • Color consultant for interior design of salon

2013  Memphis Light Gas & Water  Contracted Sr. Graphic Designer

  • Produced Compressed Natural Gas Station signage

  • Utility marketing signage

  • Brochure design for corporate events

and as a STUDENT!

2003 – 2005  American Intercontinental University | BFA Visual Communication / Digital Design | 3.9 G.P.A.

1999 – 2000  State Technical Institute At Memphis | Associate of Applied Science | Graphic Arts Technology | 4.0 G.P.A.

Skills:

Creative Direction | Art Direction | Graphic Design | Web Design | SEO | Concept Development | Branding | Project & Budget Management | Client Services | Team Management | Event Branding | Photography

Software Proficiencies: 

Adobe CC Photoshop | Illustrator | InDesign |Premiere | WordPress | HTML & CSS (editor) | WIX | Powerpoint | Microsoft Word | G-Suite | PC & MAC Platforms | Asana | Apple Keynote & Pages

Honors/Certifications/Continuing Education:

Adobe MAX Conferences & Tutorials | LinkedIn Learning | Lynda.com Training | National Deans List | Nominated for Phi Theta Kappa Honors Society |  Catalyst Award

​Patent:

Sharp Manufacturing Company of America Stove (#us D490649) External surface configuration for the front panel of a microwave oven

2SENSE DESIGN STUDIO, Inc

“Experience is what you get when you don’t get what you want.”

At 2Sense Design Studio, expert visual communication and digital design services are offered. By combining two senses of communication — yours and mine, we’ll create a synergy of ideas that enhance your project. Let’s collaborate to craft captivating campaigns that resonates with your audience. Together, the possibilities are endless!

Schedule a Consultation

Your Sense + MY Sense