RICKEY STRONG
Palm Springs,CA
Summary
Experienced with customer service, sales techniques, and product knowledge. Utilizes persuasive communication to connect with customers and recommend products. Track record of maintaining organized inventory and supporting team goals.
Creative professional with extensive experience in fast-paced, collaborative environment, seeking transition into new field. Developed strong skills in visual communication and team leadership, consistently delivering high-quality design solutions. Eager to apply these transferrable skills to new challenges in dynamic and innovative setting.
Overview
18
18
years of professional experience
Work History
Art Director
DENIM TEARS
02.2021 - 08.2024
- Conceptualization and execution of art direction for various creative campaigns, ensuring it aligned with the brand's overarching narrative
- Collaborate with photographers, cinematographers, and other creatives to produce compelling visual content that embodies the brand's identity
- Coordinate production logistics (e.g., travel booking, talent acquisition, shoot scheduling) to ensure successful production of campaigns
- Oversee post-production processes, ensuring the final visuals meet the brand's quality standards and creative objectives Product Shoots
- Work closely with the Brand Director to align art direction strategies with the Creative Director's vision (e.g
- Decks creation/updates)
- Participate in regular feedback loops with the Brand Director, refining concepts and visuals based on input and ensuring a unified brand presentation (e.g
- Manage daily/weekly art direction meetings)
- Engage in brainstorming sessions and creative discussions, bringing fresh and innovative ideas to the table Team Management & Development
- Lead and guide junior art team members, fostering a culture of creativity, collaboration, and continuous learning
- Stay updated with the latest trends in art direction, design, and photography, ensuring the brand remains at the forefront of visual storytelling
- Manage external creative partners and agencies, ensuring clear communication and alignment with the brand's objectives (e.g
- Build talent catalog - models, photographers, videographers, glam, stylist)
Store Director/ Creative Director
UNION
08.2014 - 02.2020
- Generated sales reports, purchase orders, payroll, and staff schedules
- Utilized a proactive approach to business trends and needs
- Served as a positive role model to represent Union for store personnel and clientele
- Curated rotating art exhibitions and installations
- Continuously improved visual merchandising and buying objectives
- Minimized shrinkage by executing loss prevention policies
- Managed Social Media and Content Styled models for E-com to convey Union's vibe
- Mens head buyer with travels abroad to Paris, Tokyo, Milano, London, and Russia
- Worked on all collaborations with the owner and designer Chris Gibbs of Union
- Protected store from loss or theft by setting and enforcing clear security policies.
- Promoted team collaboration, performance, and efficiency by fostering healthy environments focused on mutual success.
- Addressed customer concerns promptly and effectively, resulting in increased loyalty and repeat business.
- Analyzed sales data to identify trends and opportunities for improvement, adjusting strategies accordingly.
- Organized special events within the store to drive foot traffic and increase overall revenue potential.
- Led a team of employees in daily tasks, providing ongoing training and mentoring for their professional growth.
- Increased store sales by implementing strategic marketing campaigns and promotional events.
Store Manager, Men’s Buyer, Sales Associate
COMME des GARCONS
02.2007 - 08.2014
- Open and close store, maintain the sales floor and staff, and conduct inventory control
- Men’s buyer for all in house collections and traveled abroad to Paris and Japan
- Maintain an extensive client book and have a proven record as a top sales performer
- Excellent problem solver with strong sales analysis and reporting skills
- Visual Merchandising
- Analyzed customer data to identify trends and anticipate customer needs.
- Exceeded sales targets consistently by employing strategic selling techniques and building long-lasting relationships with clients.
- Improved team collaboration by initiating regular coordination meetings.
- Facilitated training sessions for new employees, ensuring smooth onboarding process.
- Increased customer satisfaction with thorough product demonstrations and personalized advice.
Education
Associate of Arts - Fashion Design with an emphasis on trend Analysis
The Arts Institution
San Diego, CA12.1998
Skills
- MS Word
- Word Perfect
- Excel
- Shopify
- Retail Pro
- Shopify
- Google Docs
- Slack
- Excellent team player
- Artistic vision
- Photography direction
- Concept development
- Storyboarding
- Teamwork and collaboration
Timeline
Art Director
DENIM TEARS
02.2021 - 08.2024
Store Director/ Creative Director
UNION
08.2014 - 02.2020
Store Manager, Men’s Buyer, Sales Associate
COMME des GARCONS
02.2007 - 08.2014
Associate of Arts - Fashion Design with an emphasis on trend Analysis
The Arts Institution
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