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I am available for contract, hire, or collaboration.

Hi, I'mMartin Sawinski

Profile

I'm an Executive Creative Director and Digital Strategist. I aim to make a difference through my creative solutions, strategy, and visionary direction.

I've worked with project teams and assembled my own to create user-friendly and appealing application interfaces and websites for companies around the globe. I founded and ran a 12 person agency as an account manager, project manager, business analyst, and creative architect for every project we touched. I lead the creative strategy through the creation of concepts and the refinement of mock-ups on through development to launch. Each project was released in close adherence to the strategy, creative vision, and goals for the specific project.

Name : Martin Sawinski
LocationDuluth, MN
Email : yo@martinsawinski.com
Languages: English, Spanish, French
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Experience

Senior Digital Strategist @ BlueBolt

2018 - 2022

Lead digital and eCommerce strategist for key projects, new and existing business. Support sales team and assist technical team with project related activities. Assisted in the building of a team dedicated to Shopify platform. Aided sales efforts to bring in over $6M in business within 2 years and healthy pipeline of new and retained clients.

  • Business Analyst for new engagements, documenting requirements, defining scope of work, cost estimates, and implementation strategy.
  • Responsible for maintaining scope, strategic direction across all projects and engagements, quality assurance, training, research, and ongoing consulting post-launch.
  • Established new division within the company focusing on Shopify development to become 45% of annual billings (and still growing).
  • Facilitated the growth of the services team, processes for project management, project delivery, and ongoing support.

Executive Business Development @ Modern Tribe

2017 - 2018

Worked with the executive team to develop new lines of business and line up new projects for team of 100. Facilitated procurement of projects valued between $500K and $1.5M.

  • Augmented team of new business developers to maintain $4M+ sales channel.
  • Nurtured client relationships valued at $1.5M+.
  • Managed projects valued at $1M.
  • Collaborate with account teams to create and develop new business opportunities.

Creative Director, Account Mgr // Founder-CEO @ 3five

2024 - 2017

From freelancer to Chief Executive Officer, grew creative and entrepreneurial passion into company of $1M annual revenue serving clients worldwide. Carefully cultivated expert team providing exemplary services and support for enterprise, growing, and startup businesses.

  • Bootstrapped freelance effort and drove 12 years of consistent growth.
  • Recruited and retained a dozen industry experts.
  • Oversaw all aspects of operations, including creative direction, account management, project management, sales, finance, legal, and business administration.
  • Led every account and client relationship.
  • Served 135 clients in 26 states and 12 countries.
  • Launched websites and digital solutions for Fortune companies.
  • Developed enterprise websites with up to 500K viewership.
  • Produced marketing collateral for distribution to more than 500K viewership.
  • Designed marketing campaigns for readers up to 500K.
  • Inducted as one of 30 original Shopify Plus Partner agencies.

BRAND EXPERIENCE

Testimonials

Education

Graphic Design (BFA)@ Univ. of Minnesota

Sep 2000 - May 2003

Transferring back from Costa Rica, I jumped into the Art + Design degree path.

Fine Arts (BFA) @ Univ. of Minnesota

Jan 2002 - Jun 2004

Leveraging the Graphic Design studies I added an additional degree in Fine Arts with formal studies in art history, theory, and studio arts.

Spanish (Minor) @ Univ. of Minnesota

Sep 2000-Jun 2003

Starting studies in 7th grade, then living in Costa Rica while going to school in an all Spanish University cemented my fluency. I took this experience back with me and knocked out a few more classes– 1 class short of a major to be exact– to chalk up this minor.

Photography (Minor) @ Univ. of Minnesota

Jun 2002 - Jun 2004

I took my interest in photography through the paces of formal studies to learn the fundamentals of creative and formal applications. The emphasis was in both practical and darkroom processes. Digital photography was just emerging, however I was quick to adopt it and apply my knowledge.

Design & Advertising (AA) @ La U Latina - Costa Rica

Jul 1999-Jun 2000

Living abroad in a foreign culture has its appeal, but this year was about putting to practice my years of Spanish studies and to begin my design career.

SERVICES

Creative Strategy

A vision is half the battle. Taking that vision and fleshing it out from concept to delivery is my favorite part of my work.

Web Design

Whether its overall strategy or actual pixel pushing design, fear not for I've got it covered.

Graphic Design

Branding, print, packaging, digital, no worries. From one-off projects to multi-stage campaigns, I love it all.

Print Design

There's something visceral about the feeling of paper and the smell of fresh ink that makes print design rewarding. Oh, and seeing your creation in tangible form.

Marketing

A good design can only do so much. Comprehensive implementation across platforms and with SMART goals is how you win. I enjoy the process of concepting the campaign as well as implementation.

Photography

The scene through the viewfinder is a wonder. Capturing the shot is the challenge. It's magic when it all comes together. From the ground, in motion, or from the air, I can do it.