RAFAEL CUELLO
Ventura,CA
Summary
Dynamic and innovative creative professional with over 24 years of experience in shaping powerful communications and digital design strategies. Passionate about bringing digital art concepts to life, specializes in crafting cohesive branded experiences that span across print, web, social media, and impactful marketing campaigns.
Expertise shines in developing and leading successful LGBTQIA+ public health campaigns, community outreach initiatives, and city art enrichment projects. With a robust art network and a proven track record in fundraising and event production, a tireless advocate for addressing the intersection of mental health, HIV/AIDS, and the LGBTQIA+ homelessness crisis through compelling communication and the transformative power of the arts.
Overview
25
25
years of professional experience
Work History
Creative & Communications Director
OUT Agency
01.2020 - Current
- Develop and manage a dynamic online presence and digital campaigns to market LGBTQIA+ programs, services, and initiatives through social media, websites, email, SMS, digital advertising, and blogs.
- Collaborate with staff, volunteers, community leaders, and partner organizations to create impactful campaigns and content that align with organizational goals.
- Direct the design team of 5 to ensure the high-quality production of creative assets for marketing campaigns.
- Create comprehensive campaign strategies, track performance, and analyze key metrics across digital channels to optimize outcomes.
- Produce branded multimedia content and animated video presentations to enhance campaign visibility and engagement.
- Design community mobilization efforts and special events that foster meaningful connections and participation.
- Oversee website content and social media platforms, ensuring consistent and engaging communication.
- Work with cross-functional teams to craft cohesive messaging for product launches and organizational announcements.
Freelance Graphic Design
WWW.RCUELLO.COM
01.2012 - 01.2020
- Develop, design, and present creative visual design concepts including but not limited to online graphics, print collateral, annual reports, publications, brochures, advertising, logos, catalogues, illustrations, email campaigns, flyers, billboards, newsletters, events, presentation boards, signage, stationary, apparel, announcements, posters, promotional material, and trade show visuals
- Manage online presence, including social media and website presence
- Multimedia presentations, designs in both English and Spanish
- Administrative/Technical support: assistance with writing correspondence, media/press releases, advertisements, email content, website and social media content
- Manage vendor relations as needed per project
- Photography and custom photo library maintenance
- Manage vendor relations
- Planning and executing internal and external events
- Pre-press production and printing services.
- Developed custom illustrations and graphics tailored to client specifications, ensuring their satisfaction and repeat business.
- Utilized advanced software tools such as Adobe Creative Suite to produce cutting-edge graphic designs for clients in various sectors.
Executive Administrator /Graphic Design
North Jersey Community Research Initiative
01.2015 - 01.2020
- Designed impactful concepts and presentations for community outreach and HIV public health initiatives, driving awareness and engagement.
- Led graphic design efforts for marketing campaigns, calls to action, and community events, ensuring cohesive brand messaging.
- Developed and maintained an extensive in-house photo library, streamlining access to visual assets.
- Provided photography support for internal teams, enhancing the quality of visual content across projects.
- Created engaging social media content and managed website design and updates to maintain a dynamic online presence.
- Spearheaded fundraising and development efforts for the New AIDS Walk on both local and statewide levels, boosting contributions and participation.
- Planned and executed a wide range of internal and external community events, from concept to completion, ensuring seamless execution and impactful outcomes.
- Delivered administrative and technical support to executive teams, optimizing operations.
- Enhanced organizational efficiency by regularly reviewing and refining administrative policies and procedures.
Graphic Designer
Narragansett Bay Commission
01.2000 - 01.2013
- Developed concepts and designs for a wide range of marketing materials, including advertisements, logos, stationery, publication layouts, posters, flyers, brochures, packaging, brand identities, illustrations, t-shirts, and online graphics, from conception to completion.
- Provided administrative assistance to executives, including coordinating meetings, scheduling, and preparing presentations.
- Handled photography, photo editing, restoration, and image correction to enhance visual assets.
- Designed multimedia presentations for water conservation initiatives, effectively conveying key messages.
- Coordinated events and private functions, ensuring smooth execution and successful outcomes.
Education
Associate in Fine Arts Degree -
Rhode Island College
Providence, RI05.2004
Associate in Computer Science Degree/ Multimedia Design Technology -
New England Institute of Technology
Warwick, RI05.2001
Graphic Arts -
William M. Davies Career and Technical High School
Lincoln, RI06.1999
Skills
- Highly proficient in Adobe Creative Suite, including Photoshop, Illustrator and InDesign
- Creation of authentic, effective, and innovative designs to convey desired idea
- Excellent web design skills
- Creating compelling multimedia presentations
- Thorough understanding of design and marketing strategies
- Experience in designing print media across varied disciplines of communication
- Excellent teamwork to engage productively with other teams, and collaborators
- Excellent Written and verbal communication
Websites
Accomplishments
• Co-Founder/Chief Curator: Artfront Galleries: New Jersey non-profit curating citywide pop up shows and community events. www.artfrontgalleries.com Curated, and managed the creation of over 80+ pop up gallery shows since 2015.
• WIX web design feature June 2022: “3 LGBTQIA+ websites growing the Pride Community Online.
• Out In Jersey Magazine Feature 2018: Artist highlight interview
• National Environmental Achievement Award recipient for Multimedia and publication design: Mr. Can Clean water campaign animation and activity book. Narragansett Bay Commission, Rhode Island. Received from The National Association of Clean Water Agencies (NACWA) - 2017
• North Jersey Community Research Initiative Award recipient: Prevention campaign “Break out of the Out Break” excellence in marketing 2017
• National Environmental Achievement Award recipient for Public information art exhibit: “World Toilet Day”. Received from The National Association of Clean Water Agencies (NACWA) - Dec, 2011
• Mural Artist: NeighborWorks BlackStone River Valley & HouseART– Community rehab art initiative painting murals with local teens on abandoned homes. Woonsocket, RI 2011 •
Awards and Credentials
- Co-Founder/Chief Curator, Artfront Galleries, New Jersey non-profit curating citywide pop up shows and community events. www.artfrontgalleries.com Curated, and managed the creation of over 80+ pop up gallery shows since 2015. Currently oversee (2) downtown Newark pop-up gallery locations as of 2021.
- WIX web design feature, 06/01/22, "3 LGBTQIA+ websites growing the Pride Community Online.
- Virtual NJ AIDS Walk, 01/01/20, event production
- Out In Jersey Magazine Feature, 01/01/18, Artist highlight interview
- National Environmental Achievement Award, 01/01/17, recipient for Multimedia and publication design: Mr. Can Clean water campaign animation and activity book. Narragansett Bay Commission, Rhode Island.
- North Jersey Community Research Initiative Award, 01/01/17, recipient: Prevention campaign "Break out of the Out Break" excellence in marketing
- National Environmental Achievement Award, 12/01/11, recipient for Public information art exhibit: "World Toilet Day".
- Mural Artist, NeighborWorks BlackStone River Valley & HouseART, 01/01/11, Community rehab art initiative painting murals with local teens on abandoned homes.
- Curator, NBC Young artist exhibits 2000-2011
- National Environmental Achievement Award, 07/01/09, recipient for publication design: Narragansett Bay Commission Combined Sewer Overflow project. Photo documentary of largest infrastructure project in RI.
Languages
Spanish
Native or Bilingual
English
Native or Bilingual
Timeline
Creative & Communications Director
OUT Agency
01.2020 - Current
Executive Administrator /Graphic Design
North Jersey Community Research Initiative
01.2015 - 01.2020
Freelance Graphic Design
WWW.RCUELLO.COM
01.2012 - 01.2020
Graphic Designer
Narragansett Bay Commission
01.2000 - 01.2013
Associate in Fine Arts Degree -
Rhode Island College
Associate in Computer Science Degree/ Multimedia Design Technology -
New England Institute of Technology
Graphic Arts -
William M. Davies Career and Technical High School
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