Hi!
I’m Katie Hildreth. I’m a Graphic Designer.
I’ve been designing things for over 20 years. (yikes!)
For almost 10 of those years, I’ve specialized in CD & DVD packaging and promotional materials for the music business. Why? I absolutely love music so it just worked out that way! That said, I’ve also designed apparel, signs, websites, magazine ads, logos, billboards, truck graphics and boxes for things like olives! If you see it in print, on the web, or – yes – the side of a truck, I can design it for you. I am manager for award-winning guitarist, Ron LoCurto, and The Jony James Band and do a good deal of music promotion. I’m also the former President of The Buffalo Music Hall of Fame, an organization that recognizes the rich cultural heritage of the Buffalo Music Community.
Thanks for stopping by. Now…. How can I help you?

 

 

Experience

February 1987 – 2005 (part-time) 2006 – Present (full-time)
Freelance Graphic Designer

Design for various clients including web, print and packaging.

March 1999 – February 2006
Art Director – Department Manager
ESP, Inc., 37 John Glenn Drive, Amherst, NY

Management of graphic services department includes responsibility for design of packaging and related projects for multimedia manufacturer; hiring and development of staff; delegation of work; design and implementation of company-wide and department procedures to ensure quality, profitability and growth of the print and graphics division; job estimating, sales support and customer service; vendor relations including price negotiation and purchase of print products, packaging, software, equipment and supplies.

May 1989 – March 1999
Graphic Artist
Batavia Newspapers Corp., 2 Apollo Drive, Batavia, NY

Design, layout, typesetting and paste-up of advertisements and special promotions for publication in The Daily News, The Livingston County News and The Drummer Pennysaver. Also responsible for production management of the advertising and promotions in the Livingston County News.

November 1987 – May 1989
Graphic Artist
Rama Advertising/Metro Community News, 25 Boxwood Lane, Cheektowaga, NY

Design, layout, typesetting and paste-up of ads and promotions for weekly publication

June 1987 – November 1987
Assistant Manager
St. Clair Paint and Wallpaper

Part-time sales in Liverpool, NY store, promoted to Assistant Manager of Southgate Plaza store after relocation

April 1987 – August 1987
Graphic Artist
Syracuse Printing., 2136 W. Genesee, Syracuse, NY

Assisting clients with design and printing decisions, preparing estimates, paste-up, bindery operations and graphic design.

Skills

Advanced Mac Operating System Skills – Proficient on Windows System & Microsoft Office

Advanced Design Skills Using:
Adobe Creative Suite (Photoshop, InDesign, Illustrator, Acrobat), Quark XPress, Freehand, Suitcase Fusion

Hardware Knowledge:
Flatbed scanners, Epson, HP and Xerox laser and inkjet printers

Advanced Knowledge of Printing Processes:
Offset, Screenprinting, Flexographic, Thermographic, Digital and Conventional Prepress Processes

Management Skills:
Advanced customer service and communication skills; highly effective at managing multiple projects and deadlines with minimal or no supervision; easily prioritize and delegate work as necessary while meeting company goals for profitability and growth; ability to research vendors and supply sources for the best value, negotiate prices, estimate costs and effectively cultivate relationships with vendors, suppliers and clients for positive and profitable long-term relationships; highly motivated, detail-oriented individual with excellent creative problem-solving, organizational and teamwork skills.

Community Service

Sounds of Buffalo – Blues, Vol. 1 – Executive Producer
A recording of Buffalo music intended to be the first in a series to highlight local talent while raising funds for local charities.

The Buffalo Music Hall of Fame – Former President / Board of Trustees
Working towards increasing the Hall’s presence in the community, establishing a permanent museum, educating the public about the Hall of Fame’s goals and improving the way that we honor Buffalo’s diverse musical heritage.

Volunteer Freelance Work for The Blues Society of Western New York and other various fund raisers

Partial Client List

Joseph Wooten • Chas Sandford • Candyrat Records • Brooke Miller • Don Ross

CD Experts, Inc. • Mark Minelli • John Kolaga & Ernie Palmer • Earth and Creations

Soul Angel Management • Jony James Band • Mick Hayes • Jack Civiletto • JoyRyde

Nick Veltri and The NY Express • LeeRon Zydeco • Yvonne Schmidt • Terry Buchwald

Shawboy Records • Rafiq Shaw • Joe Gransden • Ryan Spendlove • A.D. Lewis • Jack Prybylski

Paul Safy • Klear • Jerry Meyers • John Culliton Mahoney • Stemm • Melissa Lussier

Pete Worden • Noa Bursie • Ron LoCurto • The Lafayette Tap Room • West Coast Products

The Blues Society of WNY • Denzell Ward • Buffalo Music Hall of Fame • Engage

107.7 FM • Sessions Studios  • Dakota Grill • Bass Reeves • Bitter Sweet Rose

Golden Ballroom • Fredi Restaurant • My Personal Chef • Hunt Real Estate Corporation

 

References and further information available upon request.