whoIam

1. A person who passionately encourages all
people to participate in sports and fitness
activities.
I’m a finicky director. Profitability
is my landmark.
Encourages team-oriented environment
in which everyone is engaged and lends
a hand when needed.
I keep customers intrigued and expectant
for new possibilities.
j3kolstad@yahoo.com
I am committed to and have
demonstrated inspiring, creative, and
measurable results as an art director.
Foster team spirit with a combination
of strict procedural processes and
spur-of-the-moment work.
I’ve fallen , tumbled, crashed and burned.
I am resilient with a tolerance for hot
saunas. I love fresh air. I’ve got SISU!
I bake desserts, teach bread making
and share.
I inspire by setting a notable example. This photo was taken on a ten day Lake Superior sea kayak
expedition. This trip was one step when linked together with twenty three others completed a
circumnavigation of the world’s largest fresh water lake. Roughly 2700 miles give or take a couple feet.
All photography property James R. Kolstad.

2. EXPERIENCE
James R. Kolstad
highlights 1121 NE 2nd Street
©Kolstad
Hopkins, MN 55343
sthgilhgih
218-310-1935
j3kolstad@yahoo.com
Previous experience
includes art direction 12 October 2009
of active women’s
Factory Design Labs
targeted products. Krista Molloy
Sea kayaking, 158 Fillmore Street
camping, skiing and Denver, CO
snow boarding. phone / 303.573.9100
Dear Krista,
Art direction of
women’s apparel I am a hands-on artist who seeks challenge. I strive to actualize my abilities in greater artistic
and accessories at heights and deeper meanings and purposes. There is no greater achievement for me than
transforming ethereal concepts into concrete presentations that capture the understanding and
three different retail
imagination of every audience, from the common to the erudite.
companies.
I am committed to and have demonstrated inspiring, creative, and measurable results as a creative
director. I keep customer’s intrigued and expectant for new possibilities.
Produced from
concept to Surprise, innovation, and pushing the limits are what you can expect from me. The spark of
completion over creativity combines with the power of intellect to evolve into satisfaction for the whole person.
15,000 catalog
pages, covers and I am looking for a supportive culture and a list of challenging projects into which I can sink my
collateral. creative teeth.
I am a seasoned Art Director/Designer who wants to put my depth of experience to work for an
20 years outstanding company. “Top-notch thinker,” “Valuable mentor,” “Exceptional design talent;” these
phrases have described my work.
hands-on experience
creating, directing I have excelled in direct marketing programs including catalogs, retail and promotional pieces,
and producing interactive and direct mail. I crave tackling anything new with vigor and passion. My specialty is
communication for the ability to conceptualize the optimum visual style resulting in powerful marketing solutions for
multi-channel retail the consumer market. I have a genius for turning great ideas into appealing, successful pieces. As
environment. you will see, should we continue this process, my portfolio speaks for itself.
I am a low-maintenance team player, able to handle tight schedules and high demands. If you think
Lifelong passion “this is he!” for every line above, then I want Title Nine’s job.
for the pursuit of
And just to help you put it all into perspective, you should know, I deliver. My management style
physical activity as is hands-on. If Factory Design Labs’s culture is one of participation and openness, then you’ll find
an expression of yourself at home with me.
freedom.
I am available if you are interested in me. Please call or email today.
I look forward to the possibility of meeting you soon.
I posses a strong
deeply connected Sincerely,
relationship with our James R. Kolstad
planet earth and
it’s preservation for
future generations. p.s. Resume is attached.
Creative portfolio book
available at your request.
JAMES R. KOLSTAD 1121 NE 2nd Street, Hopkins, MN 55343 218-310-1935 j3kolstad@yahoo.com
All photography property James R. Kolstad. No animals were harmed in the reproduction of this presentation although two cats ate very well and I saw a spider.

3. Grand Teton, at 13,775 feet
James R. Kolstad
1121 NE 2ND STREET
Hopkins, MN 55343
j3kolstad@yahoo.com
Gander Direct Marketing, Greenville, NC, May 2009 to present.
Art director and creative department creative operations management.
• Branding, and Identity design of GanderMTN catalog and interactive communications.
• Oversee quality control for printed materials, specifically catalog pages and interactive communications.
• Supervision and management of the design team.
• Supervision and personal involvement in the layout, design and image processing.
• Production scheduling and deadline adherence.
• Recruitment and Maintenance of department personnel.
KOLSTAD design, Britt, MN, January 2005 to present.
Freelance creative director and communication consultant.
• Crafted market-focused graphic content for diverse clients.
• Developed brand-expansion themes for clients seeking to expand their position in the outdoor and
sportsman market. Clients included Under Armour, W.L. Gore, and Wear Guard.
• Updated artistic and creative content for local small businesses including Middleburg Thoroughbred
Training Center and Sadie’s Gourmet Deli and Café.
• Designed 3D environments and thematic multi dimensional communications
Cabela’s Inc., Sidney, NE, October 2001-January 2005.
Senior Art Director
• Primary creative and production responsibility for the presentation of outerwear products across all Cabela’s sales
channels. Worked across organizational boundaries to deliver a focused, consistent, on-budget marketing message,
leveraging input from supplier teams and internal business teams. Results included a 31% increase in product line
sales following rollout of my first major catalog revision.
• Worked with President of Merchandising to develop creative content supporting Cabela’s house brand. Composed
original brand messages to enhance the brand’s traditional discount focus with performance and style messages.
Analyzed competitive brands at retail, web, and catalog outlets to build a unique Cabela’s image.
• Named Cabela’s Corporate Art Director of the Year in 2003, 2004, and 2005.
Waters of Superior LLC, Grand Marais, MN, 1997 – 2001.
Creative Director and Principal Partner
• Participated in startup catalog business for the luxury home and gift market focusing on original artists with
literal or aesthetic connections to the Lake Superior region. Provided creative vision across all business
areas: procurement, logos/iconography, photography, catalog design, and production. Built and directed a
multidisciplinary creative team comprised of art directors, designers, information architects, and copywriters.
Participated fully in the core business management and development activities:
• Developed supplier relationships and negotiated terms of supply agreements.
• Performed market analysis and market development using paid studies, mailing lists, catalog performance
metrics, and design/publication of print advertising.
• Developed and monitored logistics and customer service systems.
• Secured investors and partners including partnerships with local businesses and agencies.
Education
Minneapolis College of Art & Design
Technical Skills
Expert desktop editing and photography skills using Adobe CS4 (InDesign, Illustrator, Photoshop), Quark Xpress.
Intermediate-level video skills: production, directing, editing, web casting, and Final Cut Pro.
Professional original art production including graphic arts, architectural rendering, modeling, and photography.
Community Service
National Ski Patrol (OEC certified), 1995-present.
Ducks Unlimited member, volunteer, and donor, 1983-present.
Arrowhead Regional Arts Association (Minnesota), member, 1985-present
Personal
Artist focusing on drawing and sculpture that reflects my interpretation of the natural world.
Lifelong outdoor enthusiast, expert backcountry telemark skier, sea kayaker, and canoeist
JAMES R. KOLSTAD 1121 NE 2nd Street, Hopkins, MN 55343 218-310-1935 j3kolstad@yahoo.com
All photography property James R. Kolstad.