HEllo there!
I'M COURTNEY SODEN.
RELEVANT DESIGN EXPERIENCE:
MJH LIFE SCIENCES PUBLICATION DESIGNER
2019 - Present • Publication Design • Adobe InDesign, Illustrator, Photoshop, Acrobat, Layout/Production
I am an Associate Art Director at MJH Life Sciences, a healthcare communications agency. I work on the publications for the brands Spectroscopy and LCGC (includes LCGC North America, LCGC Europe, and LCGC Asia Pacific). As the sole designer for these books, I manage the completion of the monthly publications. This process includes laying out articles, redrawing figures, checking and correcting ad materials for print, and working with several teams to ensure deadlines are met.
Daily, I collaborate with team members from editorial, sales, and print production to ensure the magazine deadlines are met ahead of schedule. With an attention for details, my books contain articles that are very graphic heavy, so I work on several figure redraws daily and lay out the articles using a combination of Adobe InDesign, Photoshop, and Illustrator.
Spectroscopy, LCGC (North America, Europe, Asia Pacific)
LCGC Europe/Asia Pacific Magazines
LCGC North America Magazines
*NOTABLE DESIGN HIGHLIGHTS*
2020 • Spectroscopy Publication Redesign • Adobe InDesign
This redesign included the logo, anniversary seal, and layout redesigns. I worked with the editorial team to modernize and refresh the magazine, making it more appealing to readers. Keeping in mind that the book was very text and figure heavy, I worked with new layouts that would allow for flexibility with this information. After several redesign presentations and meetings, the new look was prepared to run during Spectroscopy's anniversary year in 2020.
Before Redesign (2019)
2020 Redesign
2020 Redesign
2021 • LCGC North America Supplement Redesign • Adobe InDesign
This redesign included the layout designs for LCGC North America's supplements. The supplemental issues had not been updated since prior to the last redesign. I wanted to make them cohesive with the monthly issues, changing the fonts, and appearance to make it more intriguing to readers. This also included updating the primer terminology guide.
Old LCGC North America Supplement
New LCGC North America Supplement
Old (Top) and New (Bottom) Terminology Guide Supplement
2022 • LCGC Anniversary Seals, Analytically Speaking Podcast Logo • Adobe InDesign, Illustrator
For LCGC North America and LCGC Europe, it was an anniversary year. I worked on separate seals for each brand, according to editorial's specifications. These seals were displayed on all of the monthly magazines throughout 2022. I also worked with the Senior Technical Editor to design a new logo for the Analytically Speaking podcast that would be a branch between the Spectroscopy and LCGC brands. After several meetings and discussions, the final logo was decided upon and later used in several marketing materials.
2023 • LCGC Europe, Spectroscopy, LCGC North America Template Refresh • Adobe InDesign
For all of my publications I worked on several improvements to the overall templates. Looking at common struggle areas in the books, I addressed alternative ways to display information. Some of these changes included creating an infographic spread for the Spectroscopy Salary Survey review to condense the information and present it in a more appealing way for readers to enjoy. Other changes included adding in QR codes to limit the amount of long hyperlinks in the LCGC Europe books. These changes also included smaller details such as the overall look of biography boxes in Spectroscopy, and making the backgrounds for all author headshots cohesive. Redesigning templates is an ongoing attempt to explore more creative approaches that make it more enjoyable for readers.
TRAVEL Inspired Illustrations
2020-2022 • Illustration • Adobe Illustrator
During the pandemic I missed the outdoors, nature, and the ability to travel. The urge to be creative at an unsure time inspired me to start illustrating photos I had taken prior. In a way it was the perfect way to relive trip memories and look towards the future. Below are a few of the illustrations.
CHILDREN's BOOK ILLUSTRATIONS/LAYOUT DESIGN
2019 - 2021 • Layout Design, Illustrations • Adobe InDesign, Illustrator, Photoshop
I worked with up and coming author, Kimberly Daley, to illustrate "Meatloaf Beatloaf" and "Raise Your Voice For Courtney!". From the initial sketches to the finalized printed book, Kimberly wanted to incorporate her own memories into her stories. Each illustration was thoroughly thought out to include relatable humorous content for her readers. The characters were created using photographs of her son and main characters, considering all of the characters were based on real family members. These stories dive deep into the heart and imagination behind the world of Jeanie Bean Books LLC! I later replicated this feel of imagination into Jeanie Bean LLC's website. I also created a fun and games page that introduced the book characters and coloring book pages for download. Check out the link below to view more about the books.
SUSAN G. KOMEN CENTRAL AND SOUTH JERSEY
2018-2019 • Layout Design, Marketing Materials • Adobe Illustrator, Photoshop, InDesign
While working at Susan G. Komen Central and South Jersey, I worked on several promotional pieces for upcoming events. These included affiliate marketing materials such as banners, infographics, postcards, social media posts, and fliers. Several pieces revolved around the preparation and promotion of the November More Than Pink Walk. I also designed end of year deliverables for 2019. This included utilizing photos I had taken at the More Than Pink Walk in October, to create an informational guide showing how much money was raised throughout the year for sponsors. The team captain handbook was also created to highlight the top sponsors in prior years. The book showcased top ideas for fundraising and information to remember for walk day.
FIRST LOOKS ADVERTISING AGENCY
2018 • Marketing Materials • Adobe Illustrator, Photoshop, InDesign
While interning at First Looks Advertising Agency, I worked on several advertising pieces, brochures, and infographics for a variety of clients. Among the advertisers, included NJMLS, and the Plainfield Symphony. Each brand was different, and I studied prior pieces before designing the final collateral.
Thank you very much for taking the time to review my portfolio in consideration for the Print Production Artist position. I look forward to hearing from you.