I've always had an interest in the arts and being a part of meaningful work, whatever my role in that is. My career began in print production but has continued on as a designer, communications planner, and all-around doer. My interests include writing, illustration and photography. Of course being a part of a solid creative department produces the best work but I've taken pride in the fact, I can also be a one-person shop.
Besides my career and family, I enjoy watercolors, traveling, baseball and running. *It should also be noted that after marrying in 2014, I changed my name from Ortega to Cherrytree. |
WORK EXPERIENCE
Freelance Since moving to Oregon I've been the primary parent staying home with the kids. However I have occasionally taken on freelance design and illustration projects for clients including; United Methodist Women, Related Companies, Achievable and others. United Methodist Women New York, NY 02/15- 09/18 Operations Manager Worked in the national communications office for 400,000 member organization whose mission is to improve the lives of women, children and youth around the world. My focus was to consult on projects and manage work flow between a dozen staff, freelance and consultant assignments, project schedules and procurement for the department. Collaborating with communication staff and internal offices to develop communication tools, promotions and production of outreach material that support the organization's mission. Related Companies New York, NY 02/14- 09/14 Marketing Designer Creative designer for Hudson Yards department. New York City Department of Education New York, NY 06/12 - 02/14 Creative Director Communications designer for public relations department. Developed print, subway and radio campaigns for public school programs. Designed targeted outreach campaigns for: High School Choice, Kindergarten Connection, Pre-K Enrollment and Common Core Testing. Lower Manhattan Construction Command Center New York, NY 06/06-04/12 Website & Marketing Director Responsible for communications and website contract management for this joint New York City-State agency charged with coordinating construction and development projects in Lower Manhattan. Work with consultants and internal communications staff to maintain accurate information on LowerManhattan.info website and in related print material. Managed and designed “This is 2010” NY Public Library exhibit. Provide design and photography work as necessary. • Provide ongoing contract oversight. • Developed department business plan and five-year budget. • Maintain visual appeal of campaign website and oversee posting of time-sensitive information. |
National September 11 Memorial and Memorial Museum New York, NY 07/05-06/06 Communication Designer Developed brand identity for WTCMF, which would eventually become the NS11M. Incorporated brand across corporation, working with public relations and marketing departments to unify print, media, public awareness, and web communications. Worked within the department to develop content for campaign website. Negotiated and oversaw relationships with print and internet vendors. Photographed events. • Established in-house design department. • Worked with consultant on brand identity and collateral. • Collaborated on website design and architecture Lower Manhattan Development Corporation New York, NY 04/03-05/06 Communication Design Manager Launched in-house design department for this city-state government agency created to lead the rebuilding of World Trade Center site and Lower Manhattan after September 11, 2001. Oversaw and/or designed all visual content for the agency. Provided LMDC with design and consulting services for a wide range of projects, including website design, exhibit design, print design, and various Lower Manhattan outreach campaigns. Enforced branding standards of agency. Oversaw day-to-day operation of agency website (RenewNYC.com). Utilized illustration and photography skills to complete original design projects. Managed printing, website, and exhibit design contracts, including vendor selection process. • Designed campaign for WTC Memorial Competition. • Designed material for public outreach. • Managed vendor selection and provided contract oversight. • Started in-house design department. Chicago White Sox Chicago, IL 11/98-07/02 Manager of Design Services Created first-ever in-house design department for this national baseball organization. Managed department, provided creative direction, and produced designs for an assortment of publication material, including game programs, direct mail, marketing material, and stadium signage. Worked with multiple departments initiating projects and overseeing them from concept through printing. Wunderman Advertising New York, NY 07/96-06/98 Freelance Production Studio Worked for the in-house production department of this direct mail advertising agency as production artist and photo-retoucher. Assisted art directors in bringing projects from concept to prepress. As production artist, produced mechanicals and output film and prepared files for press. |
FREELANCE
Areas of focus include book covers, brochures, annual reports, illustration and photoshop. Please contact for details. EDUCATION Pratt Institute Masters of Science degree in Visual Communication Savannah College of Art & Design Bachelors of Fine Arts in Graphic Design JURIED SHOWS - EXHIBITED WORK 2013 Group Show, MAYA Play for Guatemala, Falmouth, MA Exhibited watercolors for pre-school fundraiser. 2012 Solo Show St. George Public Library, Staten Island, NY From A Certain Angle the Skyline Untangles, Watercolors from the Lower Manhattan and World Trade Center Rebuilding Years 2004 - 2012 2011 Salmagundi Club Annual Juried Painting and Sculpture Exhibition for Non-Members Philadelphia Water Color Society's 111th Anniversary internation Exhibition of Works on Paper 2010 Accepted Canadian International Watercolor Exhibit Upstream People Gallery 12th Annual Faces Juried Online Internation Art Exhibition 2009 Pratt Alumni Show Philadelphia Water Color Society's 109th Anniversary internation Exhibition of Works on Paper National Watercolor Society Members Show Salmugundi Photography and Graphics Exhibition Art Society of Houston Watercolor Exhibition 2008 National Watercolor Society Members Show California Watercolor Association National Exhibition |