CouncilMag.com, Alexandria, VA January 2009 - present

Creative Director (Founder and Owner)

• I launched a niche publication featuring articles on food, fashion, and cultural trends in Washington, D.C.

• Develop all aspects of brand, creative and digital strategies.

Jerald Council Photography LLC, Alexandria, VA July 2025 - present

Photographer

• Editorial • Commercial • Portrait • Travel and Fashion photography.

USA Today, Studio Gannett, McLean, VA May 2014 – January 2025

Creative Director

• Established and maintained high design standards, elevating visual storytelling across all editorial channels.

• Led and mentored award-winning in-house design staff.

• Oversaw creative workflows for each unique brand on both digital and print platforms.

• Collaborated closely with the director and brand marketing partners on strategic creative campaigns.

• Provided creative direction to elevate Studio Gannett's digital and print brand strategy.

• Contributed to the daily design process and provided constructive feedback.

• Responsible for designing all cover designs for USA Today’s national premium magazines.

• An active photographer delivering exceptional cover and feature images.

• Managed the design resources across social media platforms.

• Cultivated relationships with cross-functional leaders to align goals and objectives.

• Developed and implemented scalable solutions, such as design templates, to optimize efficiency.

• Hired, managed, and mentored interns, freelancers, contractors, and vendors.

Gannett Co. Inc., Gannett Custom Media (Marketing), McLean, VA July 2012 - May 2014

Art Director

• Led the creative direction for websites, magazines, brochures and advertisements.

• Support new business through concepting and deck building

• Created branded advertisements in partnership with clients such as JCPenney.

• Produced branded custom media across print and digital platforms.

Gannett Co. Inc., ContentOne, McLean, VA February 2009 - July 2012

Design Editor

• Led the creative design and ideation process of various products.

• Oversaw the creation and design of various custom media campaigns.

• Created mock website, magazine, brochure, postcard, and newsprint prototypes for clients.