Stephen Macklin

A Creative thinker and writer who consistently produces effective and timely design as a team leader and as a team member. Diverse agency and corporate experience on major national and international brands,  non-profits, and local small businesses. Work encompassed communications, technology, public safety, gaming, food and beverage, apparel, office products, personal care, and automotive.

The Concept Studio   |   October 2011 – Present

Director, Creative Services

Lead Creative and digital development of online consumer and B2B promotional campaigns for all Concept Studio clients. Develop and execute engaging digital experiences while maintaining both agency and client standards. Introduced the agency to the concepts of Lean UX design and responsive web development.

Clients include AT&T: Public Safety; Business; Consumer Mobile, FirstNet, NASCAR, Yellow Pages, Global Access to Cancer Care, Scopely Games, and Caliber Public Safety.

Freelance Design   |   July 2009 – Present

President, Creative Director

Launched an independent graphic design practice offering print, copywriting, website design, Flash animation, and video production.

Clients include General Electric Company, One Web Source, Sweet Teez Candy Shoppe, Anecdote Solutions, ThemeNaps Llc., Sellars Nonwovens, Mesh Creative GroupEmbalming Supply Company, and Yacht Interiors of Essex.”

BIC USA INC, Shelton, CT   |   Feb. 1999 – July 2009

Brand Graphics Leader, Promotions

  • Delivered the brand message to trade and consumer audiences for a global manufacturer of writing instruments, lighters, and shavers. 
  • Successfully grew the brand and expanded the role of Brand Graphics Leader. 
  • Managed work of design support staff, in-house photography, print procurement, and outside agencies as needed.
  • Managed over 300 internal projects annually resulting in a significant reduction in outside agency expenses. 
  • Created award-winning trade advertising.
  • Produced videos for national sales meetings and customer sales presentations.
  • Designed and oversaw the production of catalogs.

Market Growth Resources, Wilton, CT   |    April 1998 – Nov. 1998

Senior Art Director

  • Led four-person staff assigned to develop marketing and promotional materials for Tropicana Juices, First Brands, Bass Ale, and Progresso Soups.
  • Attended client meetings, developed creative briefs, and presented creative concepts
  • Created new business presentations

Ryan Partnership, Westport, CT   |   Feb.1994 – April 1998

Art Director

  • Designed marketing and promotional materials for assigned clients including Pepsico, Heineken USA, Timberland, Nabisco, BF Goodrich, and Norelco.
  • Developed and delivered concepts and new business presentations.
  • Lead a team assigned to develop a presentation to Lucas Film on behalf of Pepsico. The presentation developed under a very tight schedule resulted in a contract between Lucas Film and Pepsico as well as new business for the agency.
  • Designed point-of-sale for James Bond Tomorrow Never Dies that set a Heineken USA record for promotional sell-through.
  • Created successful Super Bowl promotion for Nabisco Ritz Crackers featuring John Madden.

CDS Ink, Corp., Stamford, CT   |    June 1993 – Feb.1994

Manager, Electronic Graphics

  • Produced camera-ready art and mechanicals, slides and transparencies for corporate communications and training.

Yarmouth Printing & Graphics, Yarmouth, ME   |   Jan. 1989 – May 1993

Manager, Printing & Graphics

  • Directed all computer activities including staff training, purchasing and installing software and hardware. 
  • Managed pricing, scheduling, and production coordination among pre-press, printing, and bindery. 
  • Supervised customer service and design staff and produced camera-ready art.