Jody Kolars

ProAvailable to hire

DESIGNER & STRATEGIST For 30+ years, I’ve been producing results-driven creative for a diverse customer base.

About

DESIGNER & STRATEGIST
For 30+ years, I’ve been producing results-driven creative for a diverse customer base. I am a strategist at heart and have a successful track record for bringing a variety of marketing messages to life — delivering through both social and traditional channels (print, radio, video, outdoor, etc).

Industry experience

  • Media & Entertainment
  • Professional Services

Projects · 10

I was responsible for both the copy and design of this mini ad campaign for the Hilton Hotel in Bloomington, MN. Building off their signature blue brand color, I reimagined the familiar phrase by extending it to “let us be your ‘something blue,’” adding a fresh, memorable twist beyond the traditional line—and it resonated strongly with the audience.

  • Copywriter
  • Graphic Designer
  • Production Designer

From the logo (and tagline) development to the creative concept, I was the lead designer on an internal communications project for a large scale digital transformation project at Marathon. My goal was to help employees to "imagine their future" by using simple, kid-like images that turn into "big ideas" (cat to lion, child superhero to Superman, legos to refinery, paper plane to real plane, etc); all by way of an employee tapping into the diverse tools offered in the new software. It is key to involve employees in the success of large scale organizational projects.

  • Concept Artist
  • Graphic Designer
  • Logo Designer
  • +1

Renters Warehouse needed a tradeshow display for events. I selected the appropriate format—including size, setup, and components—then developed the creative concept and carried it through to final production.

  • Concept Artist
  • Designer
  • Production Designer

My client needed a website to communicate the mission to "Make your city the next 2000-Watt Society in the world." I completely designed the website experience, all graphic elements on the site and the digital brochure. I used SquareSpace to build this for my client. Visit the site: https://www.twine.net/signin

  • Concept Artist
  • Web Designer

My client needed a creative concept—carried through from ideation to final production—that clearly communicated how travelers in Terminal 1 could scan a code to order food, pick it up, and head straight to their departure gate without waiting in line. Leveraging MSP’s graphic elements, the direction highlights a range of food and beverage vendors, each paired with concise descriptors for quick, on-the-go readability as travelers pass digital message boards throughout the terminal.

  • Concept Artist
  • Designer
  • Production Designer

My client wanted to modernize and simplify the logo to illustrate how HR technology (when implemented correctly) would lead to better analytics and results.

  • Logo Designer

From email to digital to print tactics, I concept and design campaigns for small- to mid-size colleges looking to attract the perfect demographic to their college. I acquaint myself with each of their individual brand standards/guidelines and develop campaigns that align with their branding.

  • Brand Designer
  • Concept Artist
  • Graphic Designer
  • +1

This was a guerrilla tactic meant to disrupt/surprise the recipient and educate them about Crafted ERP's features and benefits and encourage them to switch to their software. In doing so, they might just be the on the next cover of Beer Illustrated or Spirits Illustrated. In addition to designing the layout for the package, I found each prospect’s photo and placed it on the cover.

  • Art Director
  • Concept Artist
  • Designer
  • +1

I've partnered with the MSP airport on this project, in different capacities, since 2019. From concept to production, typically I put together 2-3 concepts/themes for them to choose from. Then, I build out the internal pages using elements from the chosen concept.

  • Brand Designer
  • Concept Artist
  • Graphic Designer
  • +1

My former company worked in Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP) communications. This infographic was used to tell the story of how projects fail when they don't engage their employees in the "why" of their business decisions. Without change management, a company's project is left to fail as employees are the KEY in their success.

  • Brand Designer
  • Concept Artist
  • Graphic Designer
  • +1

Work experience· 4 roles

Senior Graphic Designer/Art Director · Kolars MarketingJan 2017 – Present · 9 yrs 11 mos

• Review necessary materials and information for projects • Concept/Brainstorm creative solutions for projects • Work with copywriters, as needed • Design initial creative layouts/options • Present creative and gather feedback • Communicate regularly with client • Make edits through completion on projects • Complete work on time and error-free • Maintain client relationships • Lead other team member(s); as needed

Co-Owner/Creative Director · FrankJan 2009 – Jan 2017 · 8 yrs 1 mo

• Manage client relationships • Lead creative teams • Manage budgets • Coordinate with other freelancers/agencies and businesses • Concept and design layouts (when necessary) • Present creative and gathering feedback • Propose media placement • Source printing • Manage vendor relationships

Freelance Senior Graphic Designer · Kolars MarketingJan 2004 – Jan 2009 · 5 yrs 1 mo

• Manage client relationships • Concept and design layouts • Presentations of creative work to key stakeholders • Complete all rounds of creative changes from internal reviews and clients • Source artwork (stock sources or custom) • Choose photographers and lead photoshoots • Follow projects through to production • Manage project budgets and billing

Senior Graphic Designer · Star TribuneJan 1996 – Jan 2004 · 8 yrs 1 mo

Education

BA Degree · Bethel University1989 – 1993

Graphic Design Major with a Business Minor

Testimonials · 5.0 from 2 reviews

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