Experience

• Sole retoucher entrusted to problem-solve sensitive projects for high-end clients between 2016-2018, including Estée Lauder (Aerin, Darphin, etc.), L’Oréal (Redken, Pureology, Mizani, Essie, etc.), NARS, Zico Coconut Water
• DAM; Proactively expanded and organized digital archive of raster and vector art resources for shootdigital retouching
• Conceived and produced retouching reference document/guide with step-by-step instructions for retouching procedure, and detailed overview of the company’s digital infrastructure for new hires and freelancers
• Collaborated with Senior Retouching Account Manager on job assessment, timeline, and expectation management, as well as written correspondence to clients for accounts totaling $500-700K in annual departmental billing

 

shootdigital            November 2012-September 2015            New York, NY

Senior Digital Retoucher

• One of two retouchers selected for retention during acquisition of shootdigital by HudsonYards Studios in Fall 2015; partnered with outgoing and incoming team members and managerial staff to facilitate a seamless transition
• Built PSD/PSB files with layer structure designed to allow for maximum flexibility for lossless future revision
• Managed quality control (400+ hours); reviewed, evaluated, and corrected files prior to submission to clients

 

Bloomingdale’s, Inc.            January 2010-October 2012            New York, NY

Digital Retoucher

• Consistently exceeded daily on-figure PDP ready-to-wear retail imagery target by 60% (peak performance exceeded target by 150%) utilizing automation such as actions, batch processes, and custom hotkeys
• Engaged in group discussions and brainstormed with peers and senior management to develop new ideas for future website features; researched and designed proposals with customized presentation formatted to prioritize target recipients’ experience and clarity of salient information using prepared composited mock-ups
• Designated as exclusive retoucher and sole manager for the Home Division image assets
• Chosen to mentor junior retouchers and assist in on-boarding new hires

 

Freelance Experience            March 2008-Present            New York, NY

Retoucher, Photographer, and Graphic Designer

• Customized retouching approach as Junior Digital Retoucher at Catchlight Digital for each client to provide ideal results for varied target demographics, such as those of evening wear designers JLM Couture and Lazaro, celebrity publications People Magazine and OK Magazine, and men’s interest Smooth Magazine
• Leapt into action on short notice as Junior Digital Retoucher, providing superior Photoshop retouching and support both remotely and on-site for CarrieNYC, maintaining high standards under tight deadlines for high-end clients such as Aquage Haircare, Avon, Deva Haircare, Queen Latifah
• Assessed client needs as Freelance Digital Retoucher using active listening and strategic planning; provided guidance and expectation management to clients to balance project needs with their budgets
• Provided graphic design and photography services for small business; created custom vector logo, business cards, built and managed HTML website, photographed and retouched environmental portraits, coordinated unified online presence across social media, and designed marketing materials, resulting in a 50% increase in business

 

Exceptional Photoshop Retouching

• Precise skin cleanup without removing natural and essential textures
• Skilled reshaping of figures and features to achieve maximum aesthetic effect while preserving believability
• Comprehensive understanding of advanced selection techniques and modifiers
• Expertise in color theory and color correction, matching to prints, products, reference files, and swatches; RGB and CMYK profiles (GRACol, FOGRA, SWOP)
• Masterful selection and application of blending modes to groups, layers, and tools
• Advanced compositing of complex elements, including figures, objects, and environments
• Efficiently handle multiple projects per day, maintaining focus and continuity

 

• Founded NYC Professional Digital Retouchers in 2012 and stayed on as organizer/leader until group disbanded in August 2018. This group met monthly and helped 60+ members advance through their careers by passing on expert knowledge and encouraging networking with others in their field.
• Entrusted with assessing retouching employment tests to screen potential employees at shootdigital.
• Lectured at Adorama on high-end beauty retouching in August 2015.
• Lectured at SVA on retouching as part of their i3 Lecture Series featuring presentations by leading industry experts in February 2018.

 

Clients

 

Education

BFA Photography, Art History Minor          Pratt Institute          Summa Cum Laude, Fall 2007