Equilla McClain

About Equilla McClain

I build high-performing creative ecosystems that unite strategy, design, copy, UX/UI, production, and project management into a single, aligned, and scalable operation. My passion sits at the intersection of creativity, structure, and technology—where strong ideas meet strong systems, and where data, insight, and AI elevate what teams can achieve.I specialize in transforming creative organizations through workflow optimization, operational clarity, AI integration, and talent development. My leadership approach is grounded in excellence and empathy: developing clear processes that empower teams, strengthening cross-functional relationships, and ensuring that creativity is both inspired and accountable. I believe exceptional work emerges when teams have purpose, structure, and the freedom to innovate.Across my career, I’ve led multidisciplinary teams and enterprise creative functions, driving improvements in efficiency (+40–100%), engagement (+30–47%), and performance across digital, paid media, and multi-channel ecosystems. I design frameworks, creative playbooks, and testing strategies that make creative both scalable and impactful. I bring deep experience in resource planning, utilization modeling, QA governance, and creative/paid media alignment.I am committed to building cultures where collaboration thrives, emerging technology is embraced thoughtfully, and the work reflects both strategic intent and creative excellence. Lifelong learning—especially in AI, automation, and creative intelligence—is central to my evolution as a leader.If your organization is looking to elevate creative effectiveness, build future-ready creative operations, develop empowered teams, and align creative output with measurable business outcomes, I’d love to connect.

Experience

1. Fractional Creative Director

   Allisons Infant & Toddler Center, Inc

   Jun 2021 — Present · Chicago, IL, US

   Provide long-term creative direction, project management, community engagement strategy, and marketing operations for a rapidly expanding early childhood education organization—supporting growth from 5 to 8 centers.Key ContributionsModernized brand identity and communications supporting expansion from 5 → 8 centers.Directed end-to-end project management for creative, marketing, and community engagement initiatives.Developed multi-channel campaigns for enrollment, fundraising, and program visibility.Built scalable templates, workflows, and brand standards across all centers and staff.Authored and contributed to grant proposals, strengthening funding success.Led creative strategy for community engagement and partnership initiatives.Advised leadership on organizational storytelling and communication clarity. Measured ImpactSupported 60% organizational growth.Improved brand consistency by 35–40%.Increased parent/community engagement by 20%+.Reduced content development time by 25–30%.Reduced multi-center communication inconsistencies by 30%.

Education

• Linblom Technical High School

  Computer Graphics

• Chicago State University

  Bachelor of Applied Science - BASc, Graphic Design

• Robert Morris University - Illinois

  Associate of Science (A.S.), Web Page, Digital/Multimedia and Information Resources Design

• Valparaiso University

  Master of Science (M.S.), Digital Communication and Media/Multimedia

• Illinois State University

  Graphic Design

Skills

• Integrated Marketing
• Request for Proposals
• Strategic Planning
• Brand Management
• Cross-Functional Team Leadership
• Contractor Management
• Ms Office Suite
• Vendor Management
• Business Case Modelling
• Art Direction
• Budget Management
• Written/Oral Communication Skills
• Graphic Design
• Problem Solving
• Strategic Business Planning
• Creative Strategy
• Meeting Facilitation
• Contract Negotiation
• Creative Direction
• Recruiting
• Public Speaking
• Customer Relationship Management (Crm)
• Resource Allocation
• Marketing
• Project Management
• Continuous Process Improvement
• Brand Development
• Customer Relationship Management Software
• Adobe Creative Suite
• Customer Service
• Staff Management
• Team Management
• Business Branding
• Corporate Branding
• Project Management Software
• Forecasting
• Cost Reduction