4/15 - PRESENT
Aaron Drown Design
PRINCIPAL

Aaron Drown Design brings to every project nearly thirty years of enthusiasm and experience helping organizations big and not-so-big tell their stories. From logos to layout, handbills to billboards, we contribute to the successful branding and messaging of a broad range of clients through smart, straight-forward, eye-catching design. Based in Memphis, we collaborate with groups across the country and even across the globe to provide reliable, seamless design support.

1/02 - 4/15
The University of Memphis
GRAPHIC DESIGNER

For thirteen years as lead designer for the University’s quarterly alumni magazine, my editorial illustration and layout skills helped tell stories of the remarkable work taking place on campus—research, business, engineering, the arts, and more. Additional responsibilities let me strengthen the marketing efforts of all areas at the University, for whom I created award-winning concepts ranging from logos to large-scale wall murals. My expertise in branding garnered me a place on the University’s Graphic Standards Committee, where I refined campus guidelines and became the go-to person for reviewing and approving all work from outside sources. As part of the marketing and communications team I provided graphics support for all web and video projects, oversaw photo shoots for major campaigns, and liaised with production vendors regarding file transfers and press checks. Along with fellow designers, I developed and sustained a departmental internship program through which we mentored graphic arts students and provided real-world work experience.

9/98 - 10/01
Sharpe Graphics/The Sharpe Group
ART DIRECTOR

At Sharpe Graphics, I provided design and layout services for national Sharpe Group clients and local commercial customers. Key accounts included National Geographic Society, Greenpeace USA, American Lung Association, World Wildlife Fund, and others. I configured and maintained the Mac network, overseeing software upgrades, troubleshooting, and file server back-up routines. I established internet connectivity to the file server to allow work on projects after-hours as needed. Other responsibilities included preflight and prepress for all incoming print jobs and assisting with operating the in-house Imagesetter for direct-to-film/direct-to-plate output. While there I developed Imagesetter workflow protocols for print shop employees, directed an in-house staff of five designers and typesetters, and also initiated a company internship program for design students.

AWARDS
PIAS Graphic Award of Excellence
TCPRA Gold Medal — multiple
TCPRA Silver Medal — multiple
TCPRA Special Judges Award for Overall Excellence
CASE Award of Excellence — multiple
CASE Special Merit Award