Hello! I'm Jennifer Grimes — a Learning Experience Designer, Graphic Designer, and Educator with 25+ years of experience in my field. You can call me Jen.
I help L&D professionals create transformational learning experiences that improve employee performance.
I use my extensive experience in graphic design, UI/UX design, and instructional design to create a wide variety of training support, including:
I use a learner-centric approach.
I believe in learner-focused course creation based on careful research and analysis. I value a collaborative approach to course creation — and an iterative approach to course improvement.
Based on a deep design background.
When developing a new learning experience I draw upon my extensive design background including graphic design, multimedia design, UX design, UI design, and instructional design.
With flexible and collaborative project management.
I partner with SMEs to discover the heart of the business problem that needs to be solved, then develop a plan to meet project goals. Depending on project needs, I may bring in targeted creative experts to help develop our shared vision — copywriters, voice-over artists, videographers, photographers, animators, and more.
Knowledgeable in industry software: Adobe Creative Suite — InDesign, Photoshop, Illustrator, Acrobat, Audition, Premiere Pro; Adobe Captivate; Articulate Storyline 360; Articulate RISE; Camtasia; Vyond; Twine; Miro; MS Office Suite; LMS systems – Wisetail, Jenzabar, Canvas
The backstory.
Prior to founding Nektar Design, I worked with the Arras Group (Cleveland, Ohio) as Senior Art Director for the Moen, Sealy and Simmons accounts. I also helped develop customer relationship marketing programs for Procter & Gamble. Previously, I held the position of Senior Designer at Washington Hospital Center (Washington, D.C.) in the Public Affairs and Marketing department. I've been part of creative teams in a variety of other design studios and in-house marketing departments including Murphy Design, Shriver Design, Myers Industries and NCR.
I am also an Adjunct Faculty Instructor at the Cleveland Institute of Art teaching Graphics for Design, a course designed to teach graphic design basics, help students develop personal branding, and learn how to create an effective professional presentation.
I am well-versed in creating engaging online learning courses for my clients. I am a certified Adobe Captivate Specialist and have my Graduate Certification in Instructional Design through Bowling Green State University's Instructional Design and Technology program. I enjoy developing my skill set in the e-learning / instructional design realm. I'm always on the lookout for new ways to make my next training program better than the last.
Instructional Design Graduate Certfication
Certified Adobe Captivate Specialist
Adjunct Faculty int he Graphic Design Department at the Cleveland Institute of Art
Running with the big dogs.
A few of the companies I've worked with over the years…
Tooting my own horn.
I've racked up some design and marketing awards over my career. My work has been cited for excellence by: Cleveland Business Marketing Association (gold, silver and bronze Tower Awards), the International Association of Business Communicators (Silver Inkwell Award), the Communicator Awards (Crystal Award of Distinction), Wasau Papers (Gold Excellence Award) and Creative POPAI (Silver Award).
School shenanigans.
As a somewhat nerdy type-A student, I double-majored in Graphic Design and Photography at Miami University where I graduated Summa Cum Laude. I went on to receive my Graduate Certification in Instructional Design through Bowling Green State University's Instructional Design and Technology program. I continue to keep abreast of industry trends and technology, and seriously enjoy honing my software skills. I can be a bit of a tech geek!
All work and no play makes me crabby.
I currently live in northeast Ohio with my two wonderful boys, Ben and Nate. I love chilling with my boys and our cats, Harvey and Zappa, practicing yoga, reading, and cooking in my free time.