BRIAN GAINES
Anderson, SC • (619) 240-6322 • bgaines133@gmail.com • LinkedIn
SUMMARY
Experienced creative professional with a strong background in graphic design, user experience (UX) design and research, and web design. Demonstrated success in enhancing brand identity, improving user experiences, and driving online sales through comprehensive design strategies. Proficient in Adobe Creative Suite, Figma, and traditional creative tools. Skilled in conducting user research, analyzing data, and implementing SEO strategies. Adept at collaborating with cross-functional teams and senior leadership to achieve organizational goals, complemented by extensive teaching experience in user experience, graphic design, and digital media.
KEY SKILLS
GRAPHIC DESIGN: Adobe Creative Suite (Illustrator, InDesign, Photoshop), Visual Storytelling, Typography,
Layouts, Visual Branding, Color Theory/Management, Logo Design, Design Thinking, Canva
USER EXPERIENCE: UX Design, UX Research, UX Writing, Personas, Figma, Adobe XD, Prototyping, Usability Testing, Information Architecture
OTHER KEY SKILLS: Copywriting, Social Media Marketing, SEO, Marketing Strategy, Data Analysis/Reporting, Video Editing, Adobe Premiere Pro, HTML 5, CSS, JavaScript, P5.JS, Processing, Strategic Partnership Development, Cross-Functional Teambuilding/Management
EXPERIENCE
08/2023 – 04/2024 ALLYSON BROOKE, INC ANTREVILLE, SC
GRAPHIC DESIGNER/DIRECTOR OF E-COMMERCE
Enhanced company brand recognition and customer engagement by revamping visual assets, optimizing SEO, and refining UX design, resulting in a 30% increase in website traffic and a 25% growth in online sales
Spearheaded redesign of company logos, typography, and color palette, resulting in a modern and cohesive brand identity that resonates with the target audience and enhances brand perception
Analyzed user research data to identify customer preferences and behaviors, informing product development decisions and resulting in a 15% increase in customer satisfaction and retention.
Implemented and managed SEO strategies to enhance website visibility and ranking, resulting in a 40% increase in organic search traffic and improved online presence
Delivered regular reports on UX metrics, online sales performance, and SEO effectiveness, providing actionable insights to senior leadership for informed decision-making and strategic planning
05/2022 – 07/2023 ISPOR LAWRENCEVILLE, NJ
UX DIGITAL STRATEGIST
Pioneered the role of UX Digital Strategist, setting UX strategy and roadmap, and collaborating with cross-functional teams to enhance user experience, resulting in a 20% increase in user engagement and satisfaction
Fostered strategic partnerships with external vendors and internal stakeholders to launch innovative online learning platforms, expanding educational resources and enhancing user experience
Revamped the Value in Health Regional Issues Editors’ Picks interface, improving navigation and adherence to visual guidelines, resulting in a 25% increase in user interaction and engagement
Developed and implemented comprehensive SEO strategy, resulting in a 15-point increase in overall SEO health and a 30% boost in search engine visibility
Developed and implemented SEO strategy which resulted in a 14-point increase in overall SEO health and identified 12,708 SEO issues within the ispor.org interface
09/2019 – 05/2022 VIRGINIA TECH BLACKSBURG, VA
VISITING ASSISTANT PROFESSOR OF RHETORIC
Conducted scholarly research and taught courses in User Experience, Graphic Design, Digital Media, Content Creation, Technical Writing, guiding over 500 students in developing effective communication skills and critical thinking abilities.
Presented scholarly research on digital surveillance and UX at international conferences, contributing to academic discourse and advancing understanding of emerging digital trends
09/2012 – 05/2019 CLEMSON UNIVERSITY CLEMSON, SC
GRADUATE TEACHER OF RECORD 2015 – 2019
RESEARCH ASSISTANT 2012 – 2015
Managed the College of Arts, Architecture, and Humanities Content Management System (CMS), responsible for content and maintenance of over 11,000 pages
Managed the Multimedia Authoring Teaching and Research Facility (MATRF), overseeing video and DSLR camera inventory, software updates, and troubleshooting
Conducted workshops on Adobe Illustrator, InDesign, and Photoshop teaching fundamentals and advanced techniques to 500+ students
Conducted usability testing (eye tracking, A/B testing, card sorting, etc.) for the Usability Testing Facility for university and private sector clients
03/2005 – 03/2011 UNITED STATES NAVY SAN DIEGO, CA
MASS COMMUNICATION SPECIALIST
Provided comprehensive multimedia support for Navy operations, producing engaging visual and written content for internal and external communication channels, ensuring effective communication of mission objectives and achievements
Delivered photography, video, and written content for the rescue of Captain Richard Phillips from Somali pirates, providing information to the Department of Justice and the Executive Office of the President, and capturing the heroic efforts of naval personnel and contributing to the narrative of the successful mission
Honorable discharge at the rank of Second-Class Petty Officer, demonstrating commitment to duty, exemplary service, and adherence to the highest standards of professionalism and integrity
Awarded the Navy/Marine Corps Achievement Medal, Meritorious Service Medal, and Meritorious Unit Commendation for individual and team efforts in both combat and humanitarian relief missions
EDUCATION
CLEMSON UNIVERSITY CLEMSON, SC
PhD, RHETORICS, COMMUNICATION, AND INFORMATION DESIGN
MA, PROFESSIONAL COMMUNICATION
ANDERSON UNIVERSITY ANDERSON, SC
BA, ART, CONCENTRATION IN GRAPHIC DESIGN