ARDRA VANESSA SPECTOR
EDUCATOR / FINE ARTIST / GRAPHIC DESIGNER
avsspec@gmail.com
CAREER SUMMARY: Creative and motivated professional with a proven record in fine art and graphic design. Independently manages projects from concept to completion. Designs successful marketing materials for corporate and educational needs. Experienced public speaker and technical trainer. An adaptable, transformational teacher with leadership ability able to impact and inspire others. Effective presentation designer who establishes organizational goals resulting in increased sales. Able to maintain records for assessment and accountability. Forward-thinking with a strong skill set, seeking a working environment that appreciates the future of digital art and design.
Hard Skills: Adobe Creative Cloud (Acrobat, Animate, Dimension, Dreamweaver, Illustrator, InDesign, Muse, Photoshop, Premiere, Acrobat) Microsoft (FrontPage, Outlook, PowerPoint, Word) ActionScript, Blackboard, Datatel, HTML, Weebly, Wix, WordPress, Tinkercad, Drawing, Painting, Illustration
Soft Skills: Arts Arena Connections, Creative Thinker, Conflict Resolution, Excellent Work Ethic, Positive Attitude, Problem Solver, Public Speaking, Strategic Thinker and Team Player
EDUCATION & CERTIFICATION
2007 New Jersey Certified Art Teacher
5/2005 Master of Arts in Fine Art and Education,
Kean University, Union, New Jersey
10/2001 Bachelor of Arts in Visual Arts,
Rutgers University, Mason Gross, New Brunswick, New Jersey
5/1996 Associates Degree of Applied Science in Graphic Design,
County College of Morris, Randolph, New Jersey
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EXPERIENCE
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• 8/2019 - present
Graphic Design Faculty & Web Operations Specialist
Fairleigh Dickinson University, Madison, New Jersey
Working within the Fairleigh Dickinson Web Operations team to update and develop: fdu.edu Teaching introductory graphic design classes, beginner to advanced web development to undergraduate students.
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• 6/2018 - 10/2021
Graphic Design and Web Design
Rainbows of Denville, Denville, New Jersey
Voluntarily developed promotional materials for web and print. Created the Rainbows of Denville website.
• 8/2014 - 6/2018
Graphic Design Program Coordinator and Instructor
Passaic County Community College, Paterson, New Jersey
Created graphic design program transfer agreements with New Jersey colleges: Berkeley, Thomas Edison and William Paterson. Developed graphic design fundamentals certificate, class and program curriculum development and assessment. Interviewed prospective department employees. Assisted with internship program and academic advisement. Co-chaired Educational Technology Committee and advised the student Graphic Design and Fine Arts Club. Responsible for increasing graphic design program enrollment.
Classes taught: Introduction to Graphic Design, Digital Layout, Typography, Advanced Graphic Design, Portfolio Presentation and Capstone
• 1/2014 – 8/2014
Computers Applications Instructor (Adjunct)
Berkeley College, Woodland Park & Dover, New Jersey
Developed syllabi, course content and lecture materials.
Classes taught: Microsoft Programs
• 7/2010 – 4/2016
Visiting Professor 1
DeVry University, North Brunswick and Paramus, New Jersey
Educated students on design theory, project development and technical skills in graphic and website design courses. Taught the Adobe Creative Suite at two campus labs in both Paramus and North Brunswick, New Jersey. Developed curriculum, course and lecture materials. Taught basic and advanced courses using work-related experience to help students understand course material. Showed students how projects done in-class directly relate to possible career choices.
Classes taught: Introduction to Graphic Design, Website Development 1 and 2 (Adobe programs including Photoshop, Illustrator, Flash, and Dreamweaver) HTML and CSS.
• 1/2008 – 5/2014
Graphic Designer & Presentation Specialist (Full Time, Temporary Positions)
The Creative Group, Paramus and Woodbridge, New Jersey
Tribe Pictures: Animated PowerPoint Presentations, Graphic Design
Torre Lazur: Designed and animated PowerPoint Presentations, Graphic Design
Prudential: Designed PowerPoint Presentations, Graphic Design
The NBA: Designed and animated PowerPoint Presentations, Graphic Design
The ICC: Designed PowerPoint Presentations, Graphic Design
Maidenform: Directed Photography Shoot for company website, digital photo re-touching
• 3/2012 - 6/2013
Computers-Technology Teacher
Chancellor Academy, Pompton Plains, NJ
Ran the yearbook committee. Created year end video, designed and published printed materials for school events including the yearbook.
Classes taught: Introduction to Graphic Design, Advanced Computers (digital photography, website development, Adobe Creative Suite), Yearbook Elective, Videography, Personal Finance, Newsletter
• 1/2010 - 3/2012
Computer Arts and Jewelry Design Teacher
Piscataway Schools, Continuing Education Program, Piscataway NJ
Developed course and project materials
Classes taught: The Art of Jewelry Making and Computer Graphics
• 1/2010 - 12/2012
Adjunct Professor
County College of Morris, Randolph, NJ
Developed course and lecture materials plus student advisement
Classes taught: Introduction to Graphic Design and Electronic Prepress (Adobe Creative Suite)
• 3/2009 - 7/2009
Technical Instructor
Anthem Institute (Formerly Chubb), North Brunswick, NJ
Developed course and lecture materials plus student advisement
Classes taught: Adobe Flash, Flash Gaming, InDesign, Web Development, JavaScript and PHP
• 9/2006 - 3/2009
Technical Instructor
Computer Training Services, New Jersey
Edison High School, Edison NJ; Summit Library Program, Summit NJ; Greenbrook School, Madison NJ and Maplewood High School, Maplewood NJ
Classes taught: Introduction to Computers, Introduction to Microsoft Office, Microsoft Word, PowerPoint, Excel and Photoshop
• 9/2006 - 2/2009
Technical Instructor
Middlesex County College, Edison, New Jersey
Developed course and lecture materials
Classes taught: Web Design, Introduction to Graphic Design and Animation (Dreamweaver, Fireworks, Flash and FrontPage)
• 1/2006 - 5/2007
Adjunct Professor
Brookdale Community College, Lincroft, New Jersey
Developed course and lecture materials plus student advisement
Classes taught: Fine Art and 2D Design, Desktop Publishing (Illustrator)
• 8/2005 - 6/2006
Adjunct Professor
Kean University, Union, New Jersey
Developed course and lecture materials
Classes taught: Basic Animation (Flash) and Digital Prepress (QuarkXPress, InDesign), Introduction to Graphic Design (Illustrator, InDesign and Photoshop), Web Design (Dreamweaver)
• 9/2003 - 5/2005
Graphic Designer-Graduate Assistant
Kean University, Union, New Jersey
Awarded a full scholarship to Kean University, including a paid part-time position working for the Department of Continuing Education and the Director of the Kean Counseling Center as Graphic Designer for events and promotions.
• 9/2002 - 12/2004
Fine Arts Teacher
Highland Park Academy of Art, Highland Park, New Jersey
Developed course materials
Classes taught: Abstract Painting (acrylic painting), Drawing and Ink