BACKGROUND
Contact: tim.parks42@gmail.com, 918-906-9627, @TimParks42
Education: Fort Hays State University, Hays, Kan., 1987-1992; AIM Institute, Omaha, Neb., Foundations of Web Design, 2018
Technical Skills: Adobe Creative Suite, Adobe Experience Management, Canva, Figma, HTML and CSS, K4, Unison, Microsoft 365, QuarkXPress
Experience
National Geographic, Washington, D.C.
Senior Designer (Nov. 2018-Sept. 2024)
Managed the production of longform feature articles from pitch to publication. Designed print and digital stories for the flagship magazine, experimenting with a variety of design and type treatments while collaborating with cross-functional teams to unlock the best solutions for each project. Oveersaw multiple projects and deadlines at once to meet audience and editorial goals, engaging stakeholders throughout the process.
Washington Post Express, Washington, D.C.
Designer (Sept. 2018-Nov. 2018)
Designed local, national, world, sports and features pages for the daily news magazine.
Omaha World-Herald, Omaha, Neb.
Creative director (Jan. 2017-Aug. 2018)
Managed a team of designers, artists and graphics editors. Oversaw the design and production of the daily print edition, Sunday edition and special sections. Collaborated with senior editors on high-level projects, implementing strategic project plans and cross-platform visual solutions to reach a diverse audience. Played a key role in the year-long transition from a 50-inch to a 44-inch web format. Contributed to the successful implementation of a new content management system.
Deputy Presentation and Planning Editor (July 2010-Jan. 2017)
Defined and implemented new standards for visuals, emphasizing the importance of talent acquisition and growth. The newspaper came to be known as a visual powerhouse during this time, winning 206 awards from the Society for News Design from 2012-2018. Made key adjustments to the newspaper’s design, including streamlining fonts and color palettes, which led to a more reader-friendly and visually appealing product.
Assistant Sports Editor/Presentation (April 2006-July 2010)
Oversaw the culture and product transformation of this department through design and process improvements. Key achievements include designing the World-Herald’s first SND silver medal-winning project (the 2008 college football preview) and the paper’s first published book, Rosenblatt Stadium: Omaha’s Diamond on the Hill.
For Sale by Owner Magazine, Overland Park, Kan.
Designer (Nov. 2005-April 2006)
Designed the monthly Pearson’s For Sale by Owner Magazine.
Conference Call Sports Magazine, Lee’s Summit, Mo.
Assistant Editor/Design (Jan. 2005-Oct. 2005)
Created and implemented a visual brand for a startup magazine. Established a consistent and visually appealing design language for the magazine, which ranged from 84 to 116 pages. Worked closely with the editor, publisher, photographers, magazine consultant and newsstand director to ensure that the design aligned with the magazine’s vision.
Tulsa World, Tulsa, Okla.
Sports Designer/Copy Editor (June 2002-Jan. 2005)
Designed special sections, projects, daily covers and inside pages, wrote headlines and edited copy. Managed Sports night desk 2-3 times per week.
The Oklahoman, Oklahoma City, Okla.
Sports Presentation Editor, Assistant Sports Editor and Designer/Copy Editor (Jan. 1998-June 2002)
Designed special sections and projects and oversaw daily planning as well as coverage of major events. Designed covers and inside pages, wrote headlines and edited copy. Led Sports night desk one to two times per week.
The Daily Ardmoreite, Ardmore, Okla.
Assistant Managing Editor, Sports Editor and Assistant Sports Editor (Aug. 1992-Dec. 1997)
Served in management, design, reporting and editing roles.
awards and achievements
Society of Publication Designers
Gold Medal in Web, Single Page Design, for 2021: Year in Pictures (2022)
Gold Medal in Design, Section, Not Feature, Single/Spread, Multiple issues “Proof” (2022)
Society for News Design Best of News Design competition
Gold Medal in News Design/Cover Story for Sam Foltz Memorial Section (2017)
1 full-panel Judges’ Special Recognition for teamwork (2017)
19 Silver Medals
More than 200 Awards of Excellence
Competition coordinator (2017)
Judge, news (2013) and long form (2016)
Society for News Design Digital competition
Bronze Medal in Features for 2021: Year in Pictures (2022)
Great Plains Journalism Awards
Five-time Designer of the Year (2014-18)
SportsDesigner.com
Sports Designer of the Year (2009)