Gary Garbett CV
www.garygarbett.com | gary@garygarbett.com
Education
Master of Science Certificate expected Spring 2024
Media Communications Leadership
Virginia Commonwealth University
Master of Business, December 2013
Product Innovation
Virginia Commonwealth University
Summa Cum Laude, Phi Kappa Phi Honor Society 2010-2013
Master of Arts, December 2010
Photography and Fine Arts
Virginia Commonwealth University
Summa Cum Laude, Phi Kappa Phi Honor Society, University Honor Council 2008-2010
Bachelor of Interdisciplinary Studies, May 2008
Communication Arts and Media Studies
Virginia Commonwealth Universit
Cum Laude, Phi Theta Kappa International Honor Society, University Honor Council 2007-2008
Teaching and
Mentoring Experience
Adjunct Faculty
Creative Advertising, Fall 2013 - Spring 2016
Robertson School of Media and Culture, Virginia Commonwealth University
New Media Photojournalism, Spring 2016
VCU AltLab, Virginia Commonwealth University
Strategic Communication Department Manager
Student Internship Mentor, 2016 - 2023
VCU Technology Services, Virginia Commonwealth University
Mentor college students for creative advertising, marketing, and media careers with a concentration in creative, brand, and strategic development
Technical Skills
Adobe Creative Suite, Art Direction, Creative Advertising, Education Mentor, Fine Arts, Graphic Design, Photography
Creative Summary
As an award-winning creative communication professional, mixed-media artist, and photographer, I am a creative.
I'm enamored by creative packaging, think of singer-songwriters as poets, favor sans serif fonts over those curly ones, and believe the imperfections left behind by analog processes are beauty marks.
I'm an Americana pop culture, music, and film studies enthusiast. I believe in giving those discarded items found in thrift stores a second chance, fondly remember mix tapes as lost and forgotten sentimental love letters, and my absolute all-time favorite superheroes are my rescued pups.
I'm an optimist by heart, won second place in a national Cap'n Crunch cereal coloring contest when he was nine years old, and spend plenty of free time tinkering and polishing my 1966 four-door sedan. Details matter.
My mentoring ability is my singular constant thread as an educator, departmental communication manager, father, grandfather, life partner, and friend. As an award-winning creative communication professional, artist, photographer, and mentor, I am a creative.
I believe in the purpose of visual communication. As Senior Communications Lead for the University, I manage all communication projects, including creative outreach design for print collateral and digital assets, online content management, crisis management communications, copywriting, photography, and divisional presentations. As the division's art director and brand manager, I ensure that all design and branding are consistent across all platforms. Photography has equally played an important role throughout my position at the University. Positioning myself to capture events as a life documentarian is inspiring.
Organic design of curiosity with planned negative space has always mattered. As an award-winning communication professional and a nationally exhibiting artist, mentoring young artists and designers has become significantly inspirational in my professional journey, always driven by the spirit of the creative challenge. After a long and rewarding innovative career path, my ability to share and provide direction to others has been a natural progression. It's allowed me to expand my art prowess while equally growing as a mentor. I've welcomed this role as a professor, working with new design interns and hosting visiting international students. Being involved and giving back through each of these relationships is always rewarding and honest. I am a creative.
Honors and Awards
Fulbright Specialist Roster, 2023 - 2026
ACM SIGUCCS Communication Awards, 2015
Best of Category: Printed How-To Guides
Best of Category: Printed Quick Reference Guides
Best of Category: General Services Promotional Material
ACM SIGUCCS Communication Awards, 2014
Award of Excellence: Printed Quick Reference Guides
Phi Kappa Phi Honor Society, 2010 - 2013
VCU Venture Creation Competition, 2013
Finalist Award Winner - The VCU Venture Creation Competition Pitch Slam, hosted by the VCU da Vinci Center for Innovation
ACM SIGUCCS Communication Awards, 2012
Best Instructional Classroom Materials Award
Best Promotional Materials Award
United States White House Google+ Photowalk, 2012
Selected as one of twenty-seven photographers to participate in the first-ever Google-sponsored United States White House photography event.
Each photographer documented the intimate United States White House tour and shared it publically with a Google branding event.
ACM SIGUCCS Communication Awards, 2011
Best Printed How-to Guide Award
Best Printed Quick Reference Guide Award
General Service Promotional Materials, Award of Excellence
ACM SIGUCCS Communication Awards, 2010
Best Collegiate Campaign Award
Best Collegiate Faculty Guide Award
Visix Expressions Award, 2010
Best Digital Media Campaign Award
Visix Expressions Award, 2010
Best Digital Media Still Award
ACM SIGUCCS Communication Award, 2009
Best Collegiate Printed Guide Award
Visix Expressions Award, 2009
Best Digital Media Composite Award
University Honor Council, 2008 - 2010
Phi Theta Kappa International Honor Society, 2008
University Honor Council, 2007 - 2008
Fine Art Awards and Juried Exhibitions: From 1988 to 2004
Awarded numerous national and regional honors for his mixed-media fine art paintings and photography during his tenure as an exhibiting studio artist.
Professional Experience
Senior Communications Lead, 2022 - Present
Virginia Commonwealth University
Lead all aspects of divisional information technology communications.
Responsible for the art direction and development of original outreach content and ensuring all materials meet brand standards throughout the complete design and production process.
Manage alert notifications.
Fulfill project manager responsibilities for internal and external clients.
Communications Coordinator, 2014 - 2022
Virginia Commonwealth University
Develop and maintain strategic organizational communications through comprehensive digital and print design, including web content management, presentation deliverables, publications, public relations, and event coordination.
Communications Specialist, 2008 - 2014
Virginia Commonwealth University
Divisional brand management and art direction.
Studio Artist, 1988 - 2004
Exhibiting Fine Artist
From 1988 to 2004, Gary was awarded numerous national and regional honors for his mixed-media fine art paintings and photography. During his tenure as an exhibiting studio artist, Gary’s award-winning works were accepted in countless juried, gallery, and museum exhibitions throughout the United States, earning the artist an extensive list of private and corporate collectors and broad media attention.
Organizations
Fulbright Specialist Program
2023 - 2026
University & College Designers Association
2022 - present