Matt Donovan

Skills Summary

Over the past several years I've produced independent documentaries, shot wedding photos, written marketing copy, designed websites, and architected large corporate intranets. At heart, my work has always been driven by an insatiable appetite for clear and compelling communication.

Looking ahead, I want to work with people who empower others. I want to contribute to a product or service that solves a significant problem and cultivate a brand that inspires and facilitates joy.

Specialties

User Research, Graphic Design, Interaction Design, Information Architecture, Branding, Creative Strategy, Copywriting, Photography, and Baking.

Employment History

• EMC | Dallas, TX | User Experience Designer | 07/07 - present

  I assess large-scale websites and online services and design solutions to make them better. I perform in an advisory or leadership capacity on most projects.

• Level Ten Design | Dallas, TX | Production Manager, Interface Designer | 03/06 - 07/07

  I produced graphics, designed interface layouts, and wrote copy and code for a variety of websites. My projects ranged from eCommerce stores to political campaigns to web applications.

  Prior to becoming an interface designer at Level Ten, I lead a team of 5 - 8 production staff on a myriad of online projects. Responsible for resource management and project management.

• Love A Child, Inc. | Dallas, TX | Graphic Designer | 09/05 - 10/06

  Designed annual reports, fund raising event invitations, and marketing materials. Developed new brand directions and created an alpha version redesign of the website.

• Starbucks Corporation | Austin + Dallas, TX | Barista | 11/04 - 05/06
• Mesaba Aviation | Minneapolis, MN | Luggage + Ramp Agent | 06/01 - 10/04
• IFP Minneapolis/St. Paul (internship) | Minneapolis, MN | Executive Assistant | 08/03 - 12/03

Freelance Experience

• Empowered To Connect | Website Design
• The Greenbelt of McKinney Housing Development | Website Design
• The DFW Alliance of Orphan Care Ministries | Website Design
• Tapestry at Irving Bible Church | Website Design
• The Faith Connection | Website Design
• Austin Stone Community Church | Graphic Design, Video Editing
• JB Herrmann | Editorial Photography
• Law Offices of Raul Garcia & Associates | Copy Editing/Graphic Design
• Handbook Magazine | Editorial Photography
• CNS, Inc. | Copywriting / Graphic Design / Consulting
• S.A.Y. YES! Center | Documentary Production
• Bethlehem Baptist Church | Documentary Production, Media Ministry volunteer, Art Counsel member.

Education

• University of Minnesota - B.A. in Advertising & Creative Writing | December, 2003

  My degree was a self-designed B.A. The University of Minnesota had great instructors in my favorite disciplines, but no program precisely fitting my career interests. If you can convince the administration your individualized program is worthy of their support (and don't mind pounding some serious pavement), the school will let you pursue an individualized degree.

  My individualized degree consisted of three main disciplines: Advertising, Creative Writing, and Literature.