I am a creator.

Whether it’s photos, graphics, large dinners, anything and everything that involves creativity and building.

I’m a Creative Director, a skilled and innovative multimedia designer, and social media manager based in Connecticut. I enjoy being out of my comfort zone as much as I enjoy the prospect of continuously learning and applying new skills. As a creative, I love collaborating and I’m always excited to figure out the next great idea. Let’s work together. 

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Professional Experience

Whelen Engineering - Creative Director
January 2020 - Present

  • Work closely with the Marketing Director and strategists while developing creative ideas and marketing plans

  • Managed and collaborate with the creative team to produce all visual assets and ensure that all creative ideas are presented properly to the executive team

  • Mentor and encourage the creative team

  • Problem solve any issues that arise during any stage of the production funnel - from ideas to final approval

  • Recently rebranded the current company and defined our brand identity

Previous Positions

Social Media Manager & Webmaster
Whelen Engineering
2013-2019

  • Founded and lead the social media content creation for Whelen and Whelen Motorsports social media accounts

  • Responsible for the development of the organic social media strategy overall major platforms

  • Work closely with partners across the business to bring content and priority messages to life

  • Communicate with users via direct messaging and comments on all platforms

  • Develop visual assets and communicate with the creative team when needed for additional resources

  • Track analytics and produce reports on Whelen’s performance

  • Compare Whelen’s performance against market competitors

  • Maintain Whelen’s website and update content as needed using Wordpress

  • Planned, organized, and executed photo and video shoots

Videographer & Graphic Designer
Whelen Engineering
2009-2013

  • Produced videos for presentations and website

  • Worked with stakeholders to plan videos and digital media

  • Collaborated with Creative and Art Director to create branded content

  • Distributed collateral internally and externally

  • Created presentations and storyboards to pitch ideas

  • Produced branding animations for videos

  • Worked with graphic designers to match brand and art direction in print and digital media

Videographer
WFSB Channel 3 News
2008 - 2009

  • Filmed and edited video for a fast-paced breaking news network

  • Worked with reporters and live truck operators to broadcast live shoots

  • Collaborated with producers and graphics to create show timelines

Skills

  • Art & Creative Direction

    Art & Creative Direction

  • Adobe Creative Suite

    Adobe Creative Suite

  • Photography & Videography

    Photography & Videography

  • Social Media

    Social Media

  • Google

    Google Suite & Microsoft Office

  • Mac OSX & Windows

    Mac OSX & Windows

  • WordPress

    WordPress

  • Writing & Editing

    Writing & Editing

  • Proofreading

    Proofreading

  • Event Planning

    Event Planning

Interests & Hobbies

  • Chatham Light

    Discovering New England coastal towns

  • Hanging with my dog, Griffin

    Hanging with my dog, Griffin

  • Cooking and baking, from scratch of course

    Cooking and baking, from scratch of course

  • Drawing and graphic design

    Drawing and graphic design

  • Entertaining family, friends, & whoever would like to join

    Entertaining family, friends, & whoever would like to join

Education

Bachelor of Science in Biology
Central Connecticut State University, New Britain, CT (EST. 2024)

Bachelor of Arts in Communications, Minor in Art
Central Connecticut State University, New Britain, CT (2013)

Associates of Arts in Communications
Middlesex Community College, Middletown, CT (2008)

IG: @jcwatson