A recognized leader for 15 + years, in the design industry. An early childhood obsession of looking through National Geographic photo books, various magazines and catalogs has turned it into a career that I’m extremely passionate about.
The creative lead on some of the largest redesign projects in recent years–successfully launching rebrands for Bon Appetit, Maxim and Consumer Reports.
A team player who is self-motivated and process driven. I’m a trusted and recognized contributor to my field, having received 100’s awards for my work. I most recently joined the faculty at my alma mater, School of Visual Arts, where I am teaching courses in Editorial Design and Typography.
EXPERIENCE
Matthew Lenning Design
2010- Present
Clients include: Apple, Kanye West, Indian Motorcycles, Hearst, Golf, GQ, Town & Country Travel, Men’s Journal
Adjunct Faculty, School of Visual Arts
September 2021-May 2024
• Instructor: Editorial Design, Typography
Creative Director, Consumer Reports
October 2016-April 2021
• Implemented a complete redesign of editorial products. Including: CR magazine, and Special Interest lifestyle Publications
• Managed a team of seven
• Created cross-platform content in social, online and print
• Organized and directed photo shoots
• Commission Illustration
Design Director, Maxim
May 2014-September 2015
• Oversaw complete redesign of magazine, including logo type
• Organized and directed photo shoots
Freelance Art Director, Vanity Fair
October 2013-May 2014
• Providing print and digital executions of VF content
Creative Director, Noise
February 2013-October 2013
• Leading and developing visual content for Intel and Amazon Fashion
• Organized and directed photo shoots as required
Consultant, Sotheby’s
September 2011 – August 2012
• Design exploration & development for multi-million dollar iPad app for the orld’s largest art auction house with global sales in 2012 totaling $6 billion
• Client engagement within the app 9 x higher than general website
• Created custom iPad design experience for Edvard Munch’s “The Scream” which sold in May 2012 for $120 million, becoming the most expensive artwork to ever sell at auction
• Managed digital design development & product launch for luxury art magazine, “Sotheby’s At Auction”
• Integral role in mobile design team structure & development, allocating daily production resources for digital production of more than 300 catalogs per year
Consultant, Flipboard Inc.
September 2011 – December 2011
• Led design & production for key client accounts: W, Gilt Taste, Cosmopolitan, bon appétit
• Developed custom template solutions resulting in year-over-year continued growth in user downloads, interaction and engagement across all platforms
Consultant, People
May 2011 – September 2011
• Created workflow for editorial to convert print, to highly-successful interactive experiences on iPad & Android
• Integral to expansion of user engagement with web & mobile devices, up 62% on same period for 2010
Design Director, bon appétit
April 2007 – September 2010
• Led implementation complete brand redesign from 2007 to 2009, resulting in a circulation increase of 300,000
• Created new product logo & ensured quality consistency across platforms
• Key driver in new ad partner relationships, securing increased interest in the reinvigorated brand
• Received 100+ awards for design, photography & illustration, including Magazine of the Year by SPD, General Excellence by ASME & Amazon’s Most Delicious Cover of 2009
• Organized and directed photo shoots and traveled to locations as required.
• Managed an internal staff of 10
Freelance Art Director, Esquire’s: The Big Black Book
June 2006 – August 2006
• Led & implemented design of the first issue of : The Big Black Book magazine
• Merit winner for Best Design of a Single Issue by SPD
COMMUNITY
Board Member Society of Publication Designers, 2009 – 2012; Regional National Magazine Judge, 1997- Present; SPD Photo Portfolio Reviewer, 2019
EDUCATION
BFA Advertising & Design, School of Visual Arts
ACKNOWLEDGED
20 Under 30: New Visual Artists, Print Magazine; ASME nominee for excellence in Design, Photography and General Excellence; Society of Publication Designers, Gold Medal recipient in Design, Photography and Illustration; Type Directors Club; American Illustration; American Photography; Gold medal recipient, Society of Illustrators, PDN.