Target

Full-time or contract position with an event planning firm

Profile

Using the coordination, production and management skills I have developed over the last 15 years as a freelance production coordinator and photo stylist, I wish to build upon my experience working with a corporate event-planning firm and expand my career as an event coordinator. My creativity, sense of style, enthusiasm and highly developed problem-solving skills, along with my poise, professionalism and personal work ethic, uniquely qualify me to work for a company that caters to large groups, high-profile patrons and a diverse range of clients.

Work Experience

Freelance Production Coordinator & Photo Stylist
Production Coordinator (San Francisco, 1992-Present)
For 15 years, I have owned and operated a thriving freelance production coordination and photo styling business, playing an integral role in the success of numerous film, video and print projects. As a coordinator, I meet the logistical needs of each project, ensuring the project flows smoothly from inception to completion. As a prop, photo and wardrobe stylist, I execute my clients' vision with elegance and flair. To satisfy my varied clientele, which includes widely recognized names in the catalog, editorial and advertising industries, I have developed the following "toolbox" of event and project management skills:

• Production: The key to managing a successful project or event is developing a solid set of production skills, which include resourcefulness, intelligence, problem-solving abilities and a talent for honing in on details. Without punctuality, reliability and integrity, I could not have stayed in business for 15 years. I work long hours, often in tense, high-stress situations, on location and often in extreme conditions.

• Esthetics: Photo styling requires a great sense of personal esthetics: I rely on my own respected and established style, adapting it to execute the vision of each individual client. My background in photography and design helped me develop a great eye for composition, color, décor and graphics.

• Relationship Management: Managing a crew and working with several tiers of clients requires tact: I have excellent relationship-building skills, including active-listening skills, the ability to negotiate positive outcomes and a knack for working well with diverse people. I excel at thinking on my feet and making quick, executive decisions that ensure all parties are satisfied.

• Business, Marketing & Sales: The ability to generate new business is critical to a successful freelancer: I have collaborated on my own website, promo pieces, logo and portfolio designs, and I regularly make cold calls to promote my business, meet with new clients and follow up in a professional, organized manner. I have managed large sums of money, worked within a budget and kept track of expenses and petty cash; invoicing, bookkeeping and computer skills have also been key to running my own business.

• Clients: Bio Bottoms, Child Craft, Discovery Toys, Illuminations, Magellan's, Restoration Hardware, The Territory Ahead, Travelsmith, Wine Designs, Willis & Geiger, House and Garden, Mervyn's, Sunset Publishing, Target, Cal Fed Bank, Calistoga Mineral Water, Cost Plus World Market, Diet Coke, Ford, Fox Sports Television, Kendall Jackson Winery, Providian Financial Corp, Reebok, Sprint PCS

Williams-Sonoma, Inc.
Photo Coordinator (1999-present)
As a freelance coordinator for this celebrated catalog company (Pottery Barn, Hold Everything, PB Kids, PB Bed & Bath, Chambers, Gardener's Eden), I coordinate merchandise and crew to ensure the efficiency of complicated, large-scale, fast-moving photo shoots with multiple products and team members.

Logistics Corporate Meeting Planners
Contractor (1999-present)
As a regular contractor for this successful event-management team, I assist with the planning and management of annual sales meetings for international high-tech companies, working with and coordinating food and beverage staff, audio-visual personnel, travel department, ground transportation, security and labor. My most successful project was overseeing the planning and execution of a one-day seminar in ten domestic and international cites; I was responsible for site research and negotiation, menu selection, registration and travel coordination, shipping and receiving materials between destinations and the on-site management of the entire event program.

May Company, Inc.
In-House Photo Stylist
(Los Angeles, 1989-1991)
In this high-pressure corporate atmosphere, I worked successfully and creatively on a shoestring budget to meet constant deadlines with time to spare. I worked with a photo team to produce all direct mail, newspaper and catalog photography in the advertising department of this large national department store.

Bill Hendricks Photography
Studio Manager & Production Coordinator
(Ventura, 1987-1989)
In this busy studio, I worked closely with clients through the entire project cycle, from pre-production meetings to invoicing, juggling several large projects simultaneously. My duties included location scouting, hiring and scheduling crew, setting up shooting schedules, working with caterers and casting and scheduling talent. I worked within large production budgets, keeping meticulous track of receipts and petty cash, and learned to become an effective buffer for many different kinds of personalities, including corporate and creative types.

Baron Wolman Photography/Squarebooks Publishing
Studio Manager, Photo Editor & Project Coordinator
(Mill Valley, 1986-1987)
I managed the studio of this extremely busy photographer, who also owned a small publishing business. Because Mr. Wolman traveled extensively, I worked without supervision most of the time, developing the self-motivational and operational skills necessary to maintain focus and exceed expectations. I managed sales and operations for the publishing company, managing vendor relationships, coordinating shipping, editing photography, working with editors and writers, meeting printing deadlines, solving problems and seeing projects through from conception to fruition.

Other Skills & Experience

• Set Design: Set dressing and decorating, prop research and procurement, still photography, deep knowledge of current décor and wardrobe trends
• Computer: Familiar with Mac, PC and Internet platforms, Microsoft Word, Excel and Quicken
• Food Service: Twelve years of restaurant experience (1975-1988), including bartending, waitressing, hostessing and restaurant management

Volunteer Experience

• Habitat for Humanity, SF (1997-present): Volunteer and chairperson of the family selection committee
• Book Pals (2001-present): Read to children in homeless shelters
• San Francisco Film Festival (1999-Present): Volunteer coordinator

Education

1983-1986 Bachelor of Arts, Industrial Photography: Brooks Institute of Photography (Santa Barbara, CA)

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