Hi, I’m Sam

(Samantha Anne Mancini)

I’m a Chicago-based art director, typeface nerd, problem solver, pixel pusher.

PDF Resume

Education

Full Sail University

Winter Park, FL

Graduating September 2021

M.F.A. in Media Design – Salutatorian

Eastern Illinois University

Charleston, IL

2009-2012

B.F.A. in Graphic Design –
Graduated Cum Laude

Iowa State University

Ames, IA

2008-2009

Core Design Program

Work Experience

Epsilon

Art Director

Chicago, IL

2022-present

Own creative direction and delivery for a range of clients, partnering across creative, account, and production teams

Collaborate with sales teams to bring in new business and grow existing clients through elevated creative and data-backed strategic recommendations
Led internal brand development projects used across verticalized sales materials
Grew a demanding, fast-moving client relationship (The Fresh Market) through data-backed creative recommendations and strategic partnerships

The Tradeshow Network Marketing Group

Graphic Designer

St. Charles, IL

2012-2022

Owned creative direction from concept to production, across web, branding, motion, and large-format exhibit design, with full creative authority as the agency’s sole designer

Earned expanded creative scope from several trade show clients over time, growing relationships from exhibit design into full brand identity, web, and collateral work

ASA Chicago

Graphic Designer/Intern

Des Plaines, IL

2011-2012

Promoted to full-time after internship; produced print and web graphics for ASA events and communications.

EIU University Board

Marketing Coordinator

Charleston, IL

2010-2012

Planned and executed marketing collateral for university events. Worked with event coordinators on nine different committes under a budget allocated by the university.

Accomplishments

Accomplishments include:

2017 Exhibited poster design in the AIGA Chicago’s Sight Six Exhibition
2012 EIU’s Paul Rand Award
2012 EIU’s Chairman’s Award
2010, 2011, 2012 Undergraduate All-Student Jurried Art Show (several works displayed)
2011 Susan Stevens Memorial Award (selected by EIU faculty)
2011 Merit Award in Graphic Design – Animation & Motion Graphics Category (selected by jury)