recommendation, teresa St. Clare
packaging art prod Manager
Herbalife International
1. How long DID you work with Veronica?
I was her direct supervisor. Veronica was 1 year as a freelancer and over 5 years full-time permanent production artist.
2. Primary Responsibilities:
As a packaging production artist, Veronica was responsible for printed component changes as part of a global packaging redesign for 70 plus markets. Once permanent, Veronica leveraged her knowledge of printing processes and color to support current and redesign printed components. In addition to her production art responsibilities, she coordinated and documented all color and print vendor discussions, approvals, and project status tracking. Soon she owned the color and print process which included developing vendor on-boarding documentation and leading discussions, establishing the printed component reference room, as well as negotiating on quality issues, timing of color targets and press checks. She traveled for press checks. Veronica researched and purchased new fonts to support new languages or brand requirements.
3. Software Skills:
Veronica has an excellent eye for Design. Her production skills are excellent with Adobe InDesign, and Acrobat. We didn't do original work in Photoshop or illustrator, but Veronica was able to help the external design team with issues on setting up graphic files to improve print results.
4. Professional Skills:
Veronica is an excellent communicator, starting with listening, asking clarifying questions, and verification of information. She has excellent interpersonal skills able to make connections easily with coworkers and clients. She is organized and creates excellent documentation of processes.
5. How would you assess her performance in the job?
Veronica exceeded expectations. I went to Veronica when I needed something done right now, or unusual project that I needed to collaborate to develop the design for localization requirements or branding. The vendors loved working with Veronica as she is very knowledgeable as to what is feasible in print. Her coworkers loved working with her as she was happy to help out and they would seek her input on how to handle situations, or color issues.
6. Strengths:
Veronica is an excellent communicator both verbally and in writing. She is very personable and the vendors and her coworkers find her easy to approach. Veronica is an excellent mentor. She is also an excellent creative producer.
7. Opportunity for improvement:
When I started working with Veronica she expressed a desire to develop her corporate communication. She had been working at smaller agencies. I mentored her on Herbalife corporate culture and on tailoring her email communications based on level of the individual and their preferred communication style. She was open to the feedback and incorporated in future communications.
8. Management/Leadership skills if applicable:
Veronica became the go to person for the artists and other teams when I was unavailable. She mentored other artists on applications and processes.
9. How did she prioritize tasks?
Veronica always prioritized work based on company priority. She had juggled rush jobs, standard job deadlines, color and printing meetings, and travel. She did an excellent job of communicating any potential issues with deadlines before it became an issue.
10. Attendance & Punctuality?
Veronica was always very reliable and she proactively communicates if there is there is an issue.
11. How will you rate her interpersonal skills in interacting with peers, managers and clients?
Veronica has excellent interpersonal skills. She is a excellent listener, she asked good questions, and she has a warm and energetic presence.
12. Reasons for leaving?
Herbalife relocated the department to East Coast location. Every effort was made to find a position for her in the remaining art teams, but the timing didn’t work out.
13. Any other comments you think may be relevant?
Veronica left Herbalife in excellent standing. I would love to work with Veronica again if the opportunity presented itself.