I’m an experienced, forward-thinking Creative Designer and Team Leader with 20+ years of experience developing and implementing creative strategies. I strive to deliver quality projects by working closely with cross-functional teams and bringing brands to life. I’m dedicated to building emotional resonance through influential work, and I’m highly organized with strict quality control, strong communication skills, and a growth mindset—while also mentoring others and improving workflows across teams.…

Melissa DOLCE

I’m an experienced, forward-thinking Creative Designer and Team Leader with 20+ years of experience developing and implementing creative strategies. I strive to deliver quality projects by working closely with cross-functional teams and bringing brands to life. I’m dedicated to building emotional resonance through influential work, and I’m highly organized with strict quality control, strong communication skills, and a growth mindset—while also mentoring others and improving workflows across teams.…

Available to hire

I’m an experienced, forward-thinking Creative Designer and Team Leader with 20+ years of experience developing and implementing creative strategies. I strive to deliver quality projects by working closely with cross-functional teams and bringing brands to life.

I’m dedicated to building emotional resonance through influential work, and I’m highly organized with strict quality control, strong communication skills, and a growth mindset—while also mentoring others and improving workflows across teams.

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Skills

Experience Level

Language

English
Fluent

Work Experience

Creative Manager at Maximus
September 1, 2022 - Present
Directed and oversaw creative strategy and execution across campaigns; managed multiple projects and teams; coordinated with copywriters, illustrators, and photographers; ensured quality and timely delivery.
Creative Manager at Maximus (Remote)
September 1, 2022 - Present
Led creative strategy and execution; managed multiple projects and vendor relationships; mentored team; maintained budgets and schedules; supported brand and campaign development.
SR. GRAPHIC DESIGNER / (Sr. Graphic Designer) at Pinch A Penny Corporate
August 1, 2020 - September 1, 2022
Designed diverse projects including collateral, info-graphics, logos, web and digital assets. Prioritized and managed multiple projects against deadlines and budgets. Led strategy, concept, and development of campaigns with design completion in a fast-paced omni-channel environment for diverse target markets. Managed, inspired, and supported the creative team; translated objectives into designs. Coordinated with outside vendors and agencies to maintain high quality standards. Presented and communicated clearly to internal/external stakeholders. Researched and implemented workflow improvements and project management solutions.
Sr. Graphic Designer at Pinch A Penny Corporate
August 1, 2020 - September 1, 2022
Designed and produced advertising materials, branding, collateral, direct mail, packaging, and VIP invitations; maintained branding guidelines; collaborated with copywriters and photographers; led multi-project design work.
SR. GRAPHIC DESIGNER at The Venetian Resort Las Vegas
January 1, 2010 - January 1, 2010
Designed national award-winning publications by planning content, creating layouts, coordinating ads, overseeing production, and managing distribution. Managed a creative team and projects in a fast-paced environment, implemented new project management solutions to improve workflow efficiency, and maintained budgets and schedules.
CREATIVE MANAGER at Services Squadron Incirlik
March 1, 2006 - June 1, 2020
Designed 300+ graphics and interactive components for permanent and international traveling exhibits and museums. Developed creative solutions across multiple platforms including collateral, ads, digital, publications, presentations, exhibits, and social. Created creative briefs and timelines, organized operations, and mentored the creative team for 14 years to improve creativity and productivity while leading creative strategy.
Creative Manager at Odyssey Marine Exploration
March 1, 2006 - June 1, 2020
Developed and created branding, collateral, catalogs, exhibits, digital and print graphics; designed logos; produced advertising; managed multiple projects and budgets; collaborated with writers, illustrators & photographers; maintained brand guidelines and ensured accuracy across all materials.
Freelance Creative Designer
January 1, 1996 - January 1, 2026
Sole in-house designer responsible for concept and design of advertising and marketing materials for hospitality and museum clients, including collateral, international ads, outdoor, packaging, direct mail, national VIP invites, and branding. Collaborated with the president for strategy and execution; directed video and photo shoots with editing skills; created original illustration work; managed deadlines, budgets, vendor coordination, proofing, pre-press, and print quality control; collaborated with copywriters, illustrators, and photographers. Tools include Adobe Creative Suite, Microsoft Office, AI tools (Firefly/ChatGPT/Midjourney/Copilot), prototype platforms (Figma/WordPress/Wix/GoDaddy), and project management software.

Education

Graphic Design Degree at Indiana University - South Bend
January 1, 1993 - December 31, 1996
Graphic Design Degree at Indiana University - South Bend, IN
January 1, 1993 - January 1, 1996
Associate of Arts (AA) in Graphic Design at Indiana University – South Bend, IN
January 1, 1993 - January 1, 1996
AA Degree at Indiana University - South Bend, IN
January 1, 1993 - January 1, 1996
AA Degree at Indiana University - South Bend, IN
January 1, 1993 - January 1, 1996
AAF Addy Award (education/recognition) at Indiana Vocational Technical College
January 11, 2030 - August 24, 2026

Qualifications

ADDY Award
January 1, 2016 - January 1, 2018
AAF ADDY Awards
January 1, 2016 - December 31, 2018
AAF ADDY Awards
January 1, 2016 - December 31, 2018
Digital Marketing Institute Direct Marketing Certificate
January 1, 2023 - March 30, 2026
Situational Leadership Course (SL11)
January 1, 2024 - March 30, 2026
AAF ADDY AWARD
January 1, 1996 - January 1, 1996
Digital Marketing Institute Direct Marketing Certificate
January 1, 2023 - August 24, 2026
2024 Situational Leadership Course (SL11) Certificate
January 1, 2024 - August 24, 2026
Digital Marketing Institute Direct Marketing Certificate
January 11, 2030 - August 24, 2026
2024 Situational Leadership Course (SL11) Certificate
January 1, 2024 - August 24, 2026

Industry Experience

Media & Entertainment, Travel & Hospitality, Professional Services, Retail, Other, Education, Non-Profit Organization, Real Estate & Construction, Financial Services, Healthcare

Skills

Experience Level