Sommer B. Walton
With decades of experience under my belt, I excel in crafting captivating social media and marketing content, blogs, newsletters, press releases, and visual arts. This expertise is grounded in my profound passion as an artist. Alongside owning and operating an art studio for over 10 years, I've also thrived in the role of Marketing Director for a Commercial Real Estate Company. In these capacities, I've not only refined my artistic skills but have also served as a source of inspiration and guidance for numerous individuals.
Through the creation of artistic masterpieces and strategic marketing initiatives, I've instilled in others the transformative power of creativity and the profound impact we can have when we contribute to something greater than ourselves.
I believe in giving people the tools they need to be successful and then watching them grow! Relationships, businesses, friendships, careers, education, and self-contentment…all require the proper tools to be successful. Allow my creative mind and marketing knowledge to be the tools you need to make your business a success.
Personal
Hello, I'm Sommer Walton, but my favorite people affectionately call me Mom, Sommy, or simply B. I've been an artist at heart since childhood, deeply influenced by my father Dana's artistic pursuits. Growing up, I was captivated by the galleries we frequented and the art studios we explored together. His passion for creation ignited my own, leading me to delve into drawing, sculpting, painting, and continuous learning alongside him. Our shared journey in art has been a constant source of inspiration and growth.
Creativity flows through me effortlessly; even in moments of admiration for something beautiful, my mind races with thoughts of the paintbrush strokes I would use to capture its essence. My husband often teases me that I can't turn off my artistic vision, and I must admit, he's quite right!
Aside from my love for all things artsy, I harbor a strong passion for organization and analytics. I'm one of those rare individuals who engage both sides of their brain equally, always seeking to understand the "why" behind everything. As a child, I asked for an encyclopedia set for my 12th birthday, a thirst for knowledge that has evolved with the times and now finds me diving deep into the vast sea of information available through Google.
My strengths and weaknesses are intertwined, as my boundless passion for everything I do can be both a blessing and a challenge. I pour my heart and soul into every project, be it creative endeavors or meticulous planning, yet this intensity can sometimes lead to frustration and heartache. I'm constantly working on finding balance and embracing the journey of growth.
In my spare time, I find joy in renovating our home and acreage, indulging in painting sessions, immersing myself in books, exploring thrift stores for hidden treasures, savoring a cup of good coffee, embarking on road trips, engaging in lively board games, experimenting with vegetarian cooking, cherishing moments with my family and friends, and relishing in meaningful conversations over a great bottle of wine. These experiences fuel my creativity and enrich my life in profound ways, shaping the vibrant tapestry of who I am as an artist and as a person.
Career Summary
Marketing Director
Denny Elwell Company
October 2021-Present
Develop Marketing Strategies
Design and Maintain Company Websites
Creating and Implementing Social Media and Email Campaigns
Brand Management
Collaborating with Other Departments
Analyzing Data and Metrics
Staying Updated with Industry Trends
Building Relationships with Tenants and Community Leaders
Photography
Blog Writing
Digital Marketing Specialist
Huckleberry Promo
August 2020-Present
Design and implement content calendars and marketing strategies.
Create and manage company website, social media posts, and seasonal catalogs.
Graphics Customer Service &
Order Auditor
Vernon Graphics
July 2016-October 2018
Placed graphic orders and provided customer service support for customers
Worked as liaison between Account Executives and Graphic Artists to ensure consistent compliance with brand guidelines across all products
Strategic Communications Specialist
Vernon Promotions
October 2018-August 2020
Wrote blog and monthly newsletter
Designed and created social media content and graphics
Worked with IT to design and manage multiple company websites and intranet
Created internal and external company emails and press releases
Muralist
Murals by Sommer
May 2010-May 2016
Designed and created custom murals for schools, churches, and private properties
Artist | Owner| Instructor
Art Junkie Studio
May 2013-March 2021
Specialized in paintings, graphic design, content creation, photography
Provided art instruction to students of all ages
Property Manager & Bookkeeper
Gary Oeth Properties
December 2007-September 2010
• Managed over 200 rental houses in the Des Moines area for a local Investor.
• Worked with Des Moines Public Housing, bankers, and caseworkers on a daily basis and issued letters to tenants daily.
• Prepared income taxes annually and all court and legal documents.
Owner | Baker| Designer
Pretty Flours
January 2003-December 2008
• Designed and created (baked, decorated, etc.) specialties cookies and cakes.
• Catered weddings, graduations, parties.
Clerk
Rock Island County Courthouse
January 1998-June 1999
• Created and filed court cases (divorce, felony, etc.).
• Worked with the public as well as judges, police officers and attorneys on a daily basis.
• Created and organized many documents and handbooks for the Clerk’s office.
Corporate Lockbox Clerk
Norwest Bank
October 1994-January 1998
• Received and processed payments for large corporations.
• Deposited funds and generated reports daily
Skills & Attributes
Experienced in…
Adobe | Photoshop/InDesign/Illustrator
MS Office | PowerPoint/Word/Excel
HTML
Google Analytics
SEO
Web Design | WordPress/Squarespace
Canva
Attributes
Content Development
Public Relations
Social Media Implementation
Tactical Communications & Marketing Skills
Excellent Oral Communication Skills
Highly Creative & Artistic
Exceptional Writing, Designing, and Editing Skills
Volunteer/Non-Profit Involvement
PTA
President, Newton Council PTA
April 2013-2014
Treasurer, Newton Council PTA
July 2009-June 2011
President, Berg Elementary PTA
April 2011-April 2012)
President, Aurora Heights PTA
May 2014-May 2015
Iowa Arts Chair (Reflections), Iowa PTA May 2011-May 2013
Organized fundraisers and volunteers.
Organized and lead monthly meetings.
Kept records of all income and expenses of the organization.
Paid all bills and provided monthly reports to the board.
Organized taxes and audits on an annual basis.
Issued Grants on behalf of the organization.
Managed High School concession stand
Kept financial records.
Made sure the organization was in compliance with the bylaws.
Promoted the Arts in Iowa schools.
Organized annual art competitions.
Organized awards ceremonies and receptions for participants.
Worked with the National PTA to submit winning entries to the national level of judging.
Swim Team
Newton Penguins Swim Team Parent Representative April 2011-2014
Level I & II Swim Official, USA & YMCA Swimming November 2011-2018
Organized swim team registration forms.
Organized fundraisers.
Promoted the swim team and organized sponsorships
Acted as a source of information for parents.
Worked with the YMCA Aquatics Director and Swim Coaches in the best interest of the swimmers and their families.
Organized swim meets and volunteers.
Designed apparel, logos, etc.
Planned agendas for monthly meetings.
Acted as a liaison for the team with companies to fulfill the needs of the team (suits, signs, etc.)
Officiated at both home meets and away meets, as well as State and Regional swim meets.
Art Donations
Art Junkie Studio
May 2013-March 2020
Donated a percentage of annual Open House proceeds to charities: Urban Bicycle Food Ministries, Open Your Heart
Organized Valentine fundraiser to benefit Australia Wildfire Organization
Participated in Blank Park Zoo’s Art For The Wild anhnual Fundraiser
Donated artwork to local charities: Skiff Medial Center, Newton Christian School, United Way, Caring for (Jasper County) Conservation
Raised funds by selling Christas art to purchase food and toys for the Animal Rescue League of Jasper County and Toys for Tots