Matthew Kern
Honor, MI | matthewkern.work | katthewmern@gmail.com | (231) 357-4987
Profile
Creative professional with 15+ years of experience in graphic design, photography, videography, and digital media. Passionate about conservation, sustainability, and community engagement, with a track record of leading cross-functional teams and delivering impactful creative projects. Adept at branding, media production, and digital strategy, with a commitment to mission-driven storytelling.
Key Skills & Technical Proficiencies
Graphic Design & Branding (Advanced)
Print and digital design: newsletters, reports, signage, educational materials
Expert in Photoshop, Illustrator, Lightroom; Proficient in InDesign and Canva
Brand identity development, accessibility compliance, layout design
GIS data integration into Illustrator & After Effects for custom mapping
Cartographic design for conservation mapping and public education
Videography, Photography & Motion Graphics (Advanced)
Video production, editing, and post-production for educational and promotional media
Expert in Premiere Pro, Final Cut Pro; Proficient in After Effects
FAA-Certified Drone Pilot; aerial photo, video, and surveying/mapping
Strong experience with cinema, mirrorless, and DSLR-style video/photo cameras
Computer, Web & Digital Media (Proficient – Advanced)
Proficient in WordPress content management, website updates, design
Proficient in SEO optimization, digital accessibility compliance
Social media graphics, digital engagement materials, basic HTML
Conservation & Land Stewardship (Advanced – Regional Knowledge)
Extensive knowledge of local flora, geography, and ecosystems of Leelanau County
Strong familiarity with Leelanau Conservancy natural areas and conservation goals
Documentation of restoration efforts, development of educational content
Creative Leadership & Project Management (Advanced)
Leadership in creative teams, volunteer coordination, stakeholder engagement
Strategic planning, grant writing, public engagement campaigns
Collaboration with local governments, nonprofits, and regional organizations
Experienced with Trello, Slack, Microsoft Planner, Outlook, and Google Workspace
General Skills
High-level proficiency in Mac and Windows environments, MS Office, and Google Docs
Strong writing and communication skills
Spanish (B2 to C1 Equivalent): strong conversational, reading, and writing skills, formerly fluent.
Professional Experience
Land Information Access Association (LIAA) Interim Director (2024 – Present)
Leading organizational strategy and operations during financial and personnel transitions.
Strengthening collaborations with local governments and community partners.
Overseeing and planning a digital migration project to transition 50+ client websites onto WordPress & Drupal.
Traverse Area Community Media (at LIAA) Station Manager (2017 – Present)
Led a full rebrand from UpNorth Media Center to Traverse Area Community Media, enhancing visibility.
Produced mini-documentaries and educational videos focusing on conservation and local ecology.
Improved public meeting accessibility through livestreaming solutions.
Managed technical operations, equipment upgrades, and staff training for enhanced media production.
Freelance Creative Specialist (2006 – 2017)
Provided graphic design, videography, and web services for clients including Time Magazine, Democracy Now!, Al Jazeera, and Traverse Magazine.
Created multimedia content for nonprofit and conservation organizations.
Designed print and digital marketing collateral for environmental and social impact campaigns.
People’s Television (peoples.tv) Director, Producer, Editor (2011 – 2013)
Produced short-form educational videos, focusing on visual storytelling and audience engagement.
Managed video production teams and post-production workflows.
Education
Savannah College of Art and Design | BFA (Cum laude) Film & Television (2010)
TBA ISD Career Tech Center | Graphic Arts (2002-2005)
Traverse City Central High School | Class of 2005