Russell Koza

About Russell Koza

I am a highly driven and dedicated creative with 20+ years experience pioneering visually…

Experience

1. Senior Art Director

   John Paul Mitchell Systems

   Jan 2013 — Present · Los Angeles, CA, US

   Spearhead creative art direction and guide original, engaging design strategies across web, print, social, and retail for top-selling hair color brands at leading hair care manufacturer, John Paul Mitchell Systems• Mentor and art direct team of designers and junior art directors, working directly with brand managers, copywriters, and designers to solve design challenges and marketing initiatives and produce refined, cohesive materials across all platforms • Develop and launch new hair color lines, driving the creation and execution of on-trend packaging, images, and graphics that attract younger consumers while staying true to Paul Mitchell brand • Manage budgets up to $450K, negotiating unprecedented cost-savings up to 20% without sacrificing quality through expert vendor negotiations• Track projects through each stage of execution, fulfilling targeted objectives and strict timelines • Integrate Paul Mitchell environmental initiatives and values into key campaigns, recently partnering with ReforestAction to develop eco-friendly packaging and materials for 2017 holiday cross-promotion STANDOUT CAMPAIGNTHE DEMI – Collaborated closely with brand manager and marketing to apply research-driven strategy for launching new demi-permanent hair color line with modern aesthetic, transforming entire brand category

Education

• Santa Monica College

  Associate of Arts (A.A.), Graphic Design

  1987 — 1989

• California State University, Fullerton

  Bachelor of Fine Arts (B.F.A.), Graphic Design

  1991 — 1994

Skills

• Consumer Goods
• Project Management
• Web Design
• Image Manipulation
• Photo Shoots
• Retail Packaging
• Strategic Planning
• Adobe Creative Suite
• Corporate Branding
• Packaging Design
• Art Direction
• Illustrator
• Multi-Media Marketing Campaigns
• Brand Strategy
• Business Strategy
• Advertising
• Creative Direction
• Vendor Management
• Cosmetics
• Brand Management
• Cross-Functional Team Leadership
• Packaging
• High-End Retouching
• Corporate Identity
• Typography
• Consumer Marketing
• Client Relations
• Graphic Design
• Product Launch
• Branding & Identity
• Team Management
• Brand Development
• Third Party Vendors
• Integrated Marketing
• Team Leadership
• Producers
• Indesign
• Logo Design
• Posters
• Creative Strategy