JUSTIN KUSSMAN – RESUME / CV

EDUCATION

Master of Arts in Media Communications
– Webster University

Bachelor of Arts in Interactive Digital Media
– Webster University

Associate of Applied Science in Multimedia Design/Illustration
– East Central College

EXPERTISE

Adobe Creative Suite

  • Photoshop: Advanced photo editing, compositing, and digital painting
  • Illustrator: Vector graphics, logo design, and illustration
  • InDesign: Layout design for print and digital publications
  • Premiere Pro: Video editing and storytelling
  • After Effects: Motion graphics, animations, and visual effects
  • Adobe XD: UX/UI design and prototyping
  • Audition: Audio editing and mixing for video projects
  • Lightroom: Professional photo enhancement and color correction
  • Acrobat Pro: PDF creation, editing, and optimization for print/digital
  • Dimension: Basic 3D design and rendering integration
  • Animate: 2D animation and interactive content creation

Design Skills

  • Branding and Identity Design
  • Graphic Design for Print and Digital Media
  • Motion Graphics and Video Effects
  • 3D Modeling and Animation
  • UX/UI Design and Prototyping
  • Web Design (WordPress, HTML, CSS)
  • Print Production and Layout Design
  • Logo Design and Visual Storytelling
  • Photography and Photo Editing
  • Digital Content Creation (AI-Driven Solutions)
  • Marketing Materials Design (Flyers, Brochures, Business Cards)
  • Typography and Layout Mastery

Technical Skills

  • Web Development: Proficient in HTML, CSS, and WordPress design and customization
  • E-Commerce: WooCommerce setup and management
  • UX/UI Design: Wireframing, prototyping, and user experience optimization
  • 3D Design and Animation: Modeling, texturing, and rendering for 3D projects
  • 3D Printing: Design and preparation of models for additive manufacturing
  • Search Engine Optimization (SEO): On-page optimization and content strategy
  • Social Media Optimization (SMO): Campaign design and content alignment for platforms like Meta and Google Ads
  • Motion Graphics: Advanced keyframing, parallax effects, and animation
  • Video Production: Editing, compositing, and color grading
  • Graphic Design: Expert in layout, branding, and print-ready designs
  • Photography: Composition, lighting, and professional editing
  • Content Management Systems (CMS): Advanced knowledge of WordPress and basic CMS customization
  • AI Tools: Integration of AI for content generation and creative projects
  • Typography: Mastery of font selection, kerning, and hierarchy for impactful design

Work Experience

LINDENWOOD UNIVERSITY
Interactive Media/Web Design Instructor

Adjunct: August 2022 – Present
Full-Time: July 2014 – August 2022

  • Created and implemented a comprehensive Web Design/User Experience curriculum for the Bachelor of Arts program, including five core courses.
  • Designed engaging course materials such as instructional videos, interactive assignments, quizzes, and group projects to enhance student learning outcomes.
  • Delivered instruction through flexible formats, including 16-week on-ground courses and accelerated 8-week hybrid sessions.
  • Developed and integrated HTML-enhanced Canvas modules to improve accessibility and provide a seamless digital learning experience.
  • Consistently aligned course objectives with industry standards to prepare students for real-world design challenges.
  • Mentored students in applying design principles, problem-solving, and creative thinking in projects reflective of client-based scenarios.
  • Collaborated with faculty and administration to adapt courses to evolving technological trends and student needs.
  • Provided personalized feedback and support, fostering professional growth and encouraging high-quality student output.

MOTO MARKETING GROUP
Head Creative Media Designer

March 2012 – Present

  • Delivered full-spectrum design solutions for both local St. Louis/St. Charles and national clients, including websites, videos, logos, brochures, and 3D-printed products.
  • Conceptualized and produced compelling video content, leveraging advanced technologies such as drones and 360-degree cameras to meet diverse client needs.
  • Managed client projects from concept to completion, ensuring on-time delivery and high-quality results.
  • Maintained long-term client relationships by providing ongoing creative support and evolving design solutions tailored to their businesses.
  • Designed and implemented branding strategies to help clients establish and maintain a cohesive and impactful market presence.
  • Collaborated with marketing and technical teams to ensure design consistency across all platforms and materials.
  • Expanded technical capabilities by offering cutting-edge services such as 3D modeling, animation, and prototyping.

THE ART INSTITUTE – ST. LOUIS
Graphic and Web Design Adjunct Instructor

December 2012 – July 2015

  • Developed and delivered comprehensive curriculum for corporate branding, web design, and graphic design courses, ensuring alignment with industry trends and best practices.
  • Created engaging, project-based learning opportunities that enabled students to develop practical skills in web design, graphic design, and branding through real-world assignments.
  • Fostered an interactive classroom environment that encouraged creativity, innovation, and critical thinking, helping students explore and execute unique design solutions.
  • Integrated industry-standard software (Adobe Creative Suite, WordPress, HTML, CSS) into course content, ensuring students gained hands-on experience with tools and technologies used in professional design settings.
  • Guided students through the entire design process, from initial concept development to final implementation, enhancing their understanding of client needs, branding strategies, and effective design solutions.
  • Conducted regular assessments, including projects, quizzes, and group discussions, to measure student progress, foster peer collaboration, and reinforce learning objectives.
  • Provided individual mentorship and constructive feedback to students, supporting their professional growth and helping them refine their portfolios for post-graduation success.
  • Encouraged the exploration of emerging design trends, technologies, and methodologies, helping students stay up-to-date and prepared for future career opportunities in the fast-evolving design landscape.
  • Coordinated and collaborated with faculty members to ensure curriculum consistency across courses and across semesters, contributing to a cohesive learning experience for students.
  • Facilitated guest speaker sessions and industry panel discussions, bringing real-world insights into the classroom and connecting students with professionals in the field.

ITT TECHNICAL INSTITUTE
Professor of Graphic Communications/Game Design

April 2006 – August 2015

  • Designed and developed comprehensive curriculum for both associate and bachelor-level courses in graphic communications, game design, and interactive media, tailored to industry standards and student needs.
  • Taught core subjects in 3D modeling, game engines, game design principles, interactive design, and Adobe Creative Suite, equipping students with a broad skill set for professional success.
  • Created hands-on assignments and projects, fostering a collaborative learning environment where students developed games, interactive media, and digital art pieces from concept to execution.
  • Integrated industry-standard tools and technologies (Unity, Unreal Engine, Blender, Maya) into course content, ensuring students were proficient in the tools most used in game and interactive design.
  • Led seminars and workshops for industry professionals and high school educators, offering training on 3D modeling, game engine development, and Adobe software, enhancing the broader community’s understanding of digital design practices.
  • Guided students through the process of creating interactive digital experiences, teaching the importance of storytelling, user engagement, and game mechanics in successful game design.
  • Conducted hands-on, project-based assessments that allowed students to apply theoretical knowledge in real-world scenarios, enhancing their portfolios with tangible design work.
  • Encouraged critical thinking and problem-solving skills by engaging students in brainstorming sessions, critiques, and collaborative projects, preparing them for complex design challenges in the industry.
  • Provided mentorship and individualized feedback to help students refine their design processes and creative thinking, ensuring they were prepared for the evolving landscape of digital design.
  • Stayed updated on trends and innovations in game design, interactive media, and emerging technologies, incorporating these insights into coursework to keep students ahead of the curve.
  • Worked closely with faculty to align course materials and objectives across multiple programs, contributing to a cohesive academic experience for students pursuing design careers.

FREELANCE DESIGN / CURRICULUM DEVELOPMENT / DESIGN CONSULTING
Print – Video – Interactive – Web – Curriculum Design

2001 – Present

  • Delivered custom print, video, and web design solutions for a diverse range of clients, including small businesses, startups, and large enterprises, tailoring each project to meet unique business goals and objectives.
  • Maintained long-term client relationships, offering ongoing design support and adapting to evolving branding, marketing, and digital strategy needs.
  • Created and structured comprehensive course materials for Bryan University’s UXI-135 Web Development for UX/UI, leveraging expertise in web design, user experience, and instructional design.
  • Designed weekly assignments, discussion boards, quizzes, and projects that promoted hands-on learning and practical skill development for students pursuing web development and UX/UI careers.
  • Produced high-quality instructional videos for each module, enabling students to learn at their own pace and providing flexible, accessible learning experiences.
  • Integrated Open Educational Resources (OER) to reduce student costs while enhancing course content with relevant and up-to-date materials.
  • Ensured alignment of course content with industry standards, equipping learners with real-world skills and knowledge for successful careers in UX/UI design and web development.
  • Designed and developed logos, brochures, business cards, and other branding materials that effectively communicated brand identity, helping businesses establish a strong market presence.
  • Produced high-impact promotional videos, including drone and 360-degree footage, to help clients elevate their visual content and expand their reach through engaging media.
  • Developed interactive web design elements and responsive websites using HTML, CSS, and WordPress, enhancing user engagement, functionality, and overall site performance.
  • Provided expert design consultation services, advising clients on digital marketing strategies, branding, and visual identity, helping businesses refine their online presence and effectively engage target audiences.
  • Offered on-demand creative services, including 3D modeling, animation, and print design, to support clients’ marketing, product design, and promotional needs across various industries.
  • Guided clients through the entire design process, from initial concept development to final execution, ensuring a seamless and cohesive experience that enhanced their brand’s presence and market impact.

PRINTING AUTOMATION
Graphic Design & Prepress Coordinator

May 2002 – June 2005

  • Led the design and prepress setup for high-quality promotional materials including business cards, flyers, brochures, and direct mail, ensuring design accuracy and print readiness for both litho and digital presses.
  • Managed prepress workflows and print production processes for large litho and digital printing presses, including file preparation, color correction, trapping, and imposition, to meet exacting client specifications and production timelines.
  • Collaborated closely with production teams to ensure smooth transitions from digital design to print production, providing technical expertise in prepress to guarantee optimal print quality.
  • Prepared press-ready files, ensuring they adhered to industry standards, including CMYK color separations, bleed, and resolution, to prevent issues during the print process.
  • Delivered tailored design solutions based on client needs, including custom branding materials, marketing collateral, and print advertisements, aligned with each client’s specific goals and target audiences.
  • Utilized Adobe Creative Suite (InDesign, Illustrator, Photoshop) and other print-production software to generate print-ready files for various media, ensuring consistency and high-quality output across all formats.
  • Coordinated with print vendors to optimize paper selection, print runs, and finishing techniques, while ensuring quality control at each stage of production.
  • Conducted prepress file checks, including reviewing color management, fonts, and image resolution, to minimize errors and ensure a smooth handoff to the print production team.
  • Provided ongoing support to sales teams, helping them offer customized print solutions based on client specifications and budget, further enhancing client satisfaction.
  • Managed multiple projects simultaneously, ensuring timely delivery of print materials while maintaining design integrity and high production standards.