Aaron Shimer

EPIC (Engaging Philanthropy Inspiring Creatives) pairs select teams of creative professionals with select nonprofit clients whose missions focus on education, children and families. I helped host an EPIC team of eleven professionals from different offices and specialties. Together we worked for the American Nutrition Association (ANA) and helped them form a brand strategy, identity guidelines and collateral materials within an eight week timeframe.

Work: implemented design process and contributed to branding strategy; directed design team, photographer and copywriters; designed collateral materials and identity system

At Firebelly, I helped transform a small one-man shop into an award-winning, internationally-recognized design studio with a reputation for socially-conscious design. From directing and mentoring a young design team to working closely with clients and managing multiple projects to contributing to the development of their innovative design grant — my work at Firebelly was extensive and effective.

Work: established and implemented design process and design research methods, co-wrote marketing briefs and proposals, brand strategy, naming and standards manuals; designed corporate identities, websites, advertising campaigns, collateral materials, books and environmental graphics; illustration, copy writing, public speaking within the design community

Clients: LaSalle Bank, Anheuser-Busch, The University of Chicago Law School, Chicago Foundation for Women, JDL Development Corp., Howard Brown Health Center, Tony Fitzpatrick

While working at the Newberry, I closely collaborated with the Marketing Director, Vice President of Development, Library President and department leaders to create and implement institution-wide branding for this world-class research library and cultural institution. My work at the Newberry helped inspire a renewed passion for the Library’s mission and programming.

Work: designed annual reports, advertisements, collateral materials and publications, collaborated with Exhibit Designers; photography and illustration; worked with historical artifacts, contributed to strategic planning, volunteered and assisted with event organizing

Work: illustration, branding, designed identities, websites, publications, collateral materials and advertisements

Clients: Another Chicago Magazine (ACM), Txtful, Flow Pilates & Yoga, Illinois Institute of Art, Chicago Printers’ Ball, Top Notch Builders, Lisa Foote Photography

Upon graduation I was asked to teach a weekly marker rendering workshop for undergraduate students of different majors at my alma mater.

Work: created a workshop schedule and course curriculum, demonstrated the basics of rendering with markers, guided and evaluated the work of each student

I serviced Leo Burnett by working with Production Designers, Art Directors and a team of Production Assistants to create presentations, comps, print-ready artwork and just about anything else imaginable with an Xacto knife and some spray mount, all while tracking labor and materials in a fast-paced, high-pressure environment.

Clients: Kellogg’s, Walt Disney, Marlboro, Heinz, Fila, Hallmark, The New York Stock Exchange

Received a full scholarship. Graduated with honors, awarded best portfolio by instructors.