Hi, I'm Matt Hartman, a passionate storyteller, team leader, and content creator based in Hickory, North Carolina. I specialize in leading creative projects from concept to completion, leveraging my extensive experience in photography, video production, and brand stewardship. Over the years, I've honed my skills managing creative teams, developing innovative marketing strategies, and delivering compelling content that resonates with audiences. Currently, I run Reflections Creative, a full-service freelance creative business I launched in 2022. Bringing a decade of in-house experience at major companies like La-Z-Boy and Lowe's, I thrive on driving brand consistency, improving workflows, and producing high-quality creative assets. I find joy in blending creativity with strategic planning to help brands tell their unique stories across multiple channels.

Matt Hartman

Hi, I'm Matt Hartman, a passionate storyteller, team leader, and content creator based in Hickory, North Carolina. I specialize in leading creative projects from concept to completion, leveraging my extensive experience in photography, video production, and brand stewardship. Over the years, I've honed my skills managing creative teams, developing innovative marketing strategies, and delivering compelling content that resonates with audiences. Currently, I run Reflections Creative, a full-service freelance creative business I launched in 2022. Bringing a decade of in-house experience at major companies like La-Z-Boy and Lowe's, I thrive on driving brand consistency, improving workflows, and producing high-quality creative assets. I find joy in blending creativity with strategic planning to help brands tell their unique stories across multiple channels.

Available to hire

Hi, I’m Matt Hartman, a passionate storyteller, team leader, and content creator based in Hickory, North Carolina. I specialize in leading creative projects from concept to completion, leveraging my extensive experience in photography, video production, and brand stewardship. Over the years, I’ve honed my skills managing creative teams, developing innovative marketing strategies, and delivering compelling content that resonates with audiences.

Currently, I run Reflections Creative, a full-service freelance creative business I launched in 2022. Bringing a decade of in-house experience at major companies like La-Z-Boy and Lowe’s, I thrive on driving brand consistency, improving workflows, and producing high-quality creative assets. I find joy in blending creativity with strategic planning to help brands tell their unique stories across multiple channels.

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Work Experience

Creative Director, Owner at Reflections Creative
September 1, 2022 - Present
Founded and launched a full-service freelance creative business in North Carolina. Established all branding, workflow processes, and guidelines for assignments. Led and managed the creative process including client presentations. Personally handled photography and video shooting, editing, and production for all projects.
Creative Director at La-Z-Boy Companies
May 1, 2022 - August 28, 2025
Established and led an in-house creative agency team of eight, driving workflow efficiencies and brand consistency. Managed creative assignments with project kickoff meetings, brainstorming, critiques, and executive presentations. Art directed photography, video, and animation in a high-volume, fast-paced environment. Directed social media strategy and creative execution including calendar management. Developed new seasonal marketing processes aligned to annual goals.
Creative Director at Lowe’s Companies, Inc.
May 1, 2012 - August 28, 2025
Directed strategic creative development for national consumer, promotional, seasonal, multicultural, and sports marketing campaigns. Managed a creative team of 20 designers and production artists mentoring and coaching staff. Established photography processes to improve quality and visual consistency. Led process improvement initiatives enhancing collaboration between creative, marketing, and merchandising teams. Played a key role in deploying an in-store digital signage pilot program.
Creative Director at Quebecor World
February 1, 2005 - August 28, 2025
Led conceptual design, strategy, and production efforts for clients. Managed a creative team including art directors, designers, copywriters, and photographers. Directed in-house photography studio shoots to push creative boundaries and deliver client presentations. Worked with clients such as Lowe’s, OfficeMax, and McGraw-Hill.
Art Director at CONT Marketplace Media Group
August 1, 2001 - August 28, 2025
Concepted and designed a variety of print, advertising, and packaging projects for clients including Sears, Roebuck and Co.
Creative Manager at Sears, Roebuck and Co.
April 1, 2001 - August 28, 2025
Integral in launching and developing NTB (National Tire and Battery). Created advertising, branding, direct mail, and promotional campaigns for Sears Auto Centers, DieHard Batteries, and NTB. Designed a traveling "Store on Wheels" experience showcased at racing events nationwide.
Senior Designer at J M Glass & Assoc.
April 1, 1996 - August 28, 2025
Designed logos, print, advertising, and packaging assignments including Cuddle Duds.
Graphic Designer at Kurtzman & Slavin Assoc.
February 1, 1995 - August 28, 2025
Completed all assignments from concept through completion. Assisted in rebranding and grand opening of The Buckingham, an upscale lakefront high-rise condominium in Chicago.

Education

Bachelor of Arts in Graphic Design at Columbia College Chicago
January 11, 2030 - August 28, 2025
Visual Communications (3 years) at Northern Illinois University
January 11, 2030 - August 28, 2025

Qualifications

Add your qualifications or awards here.

Industry Experience

Media & Entertainment, Retail, Consumer Goods, Professional Services