Melanie Rienzi

Melanie Rienzi — Creative Director · CPG + Digital + UI

19+ years leading global creative, brand, packaging, and digital strategy — from concept through shelf.

Building scalable design systems and cohesive brand identity across U.S., European, and international markets for CPG, wellness, and lifestyle brands.

Email
melanielaurenphotography@gmail.com
Phone
631.662.0991
Portfolio
melanielaurencreates.com
LinkedIn
linkedin.com/in/melanierienzi
01 —

Experience

Melanie Lauren Photography + Design

12+ years

Owner — Freelance Creative Director & Photographer

South Setauket, NY · Mar 2012 – Present

  • Founded and manage a freelance practice delivering branding, photography, and digital design.
  • Art-directed product, lifestyle, and event shoots including Details magazine and Isopure content.
  • Manage end-to-end project workflows from concept through final delivery.

Glanbia Performance Nutrition

2006 – 2026 · Multiple brands & roles

Art Director, think!

Remote · May 2025 – Feb 2026

  • Oversaw creative to ensure brand guidelines, visual identity, and tone of voice remained consistent.
  • Mentored junior designers, fostering skill development and best practices in design execution.
  • Collaborated cross-functionally to develop cohesive visual strategies and marketing materials.

Art Director, SlimFast

Remote · Jan 2022 – Feb 2026

  • Led creative direction and a full brand refresh across SlimFast product lines.
  • Collaborated with cross-functional teams to align visual identity with brand strategy.
  • Mentored and led designers, enhancing team skill sets and project outcomes.
  • Developed comprehensive design guidelines ensuring consistency across all platforms.

Creative Director, The Isopure Company, LLC.

Hauppauge, NY & Remote · Sep 2006 – Feb 2022

  • Built branding, packaging, advertising, POS, and social media for U.S., EU, and international divisions.
  • Partnered with GQ, Men's Health, and Outside Magazine on advertorials, events, and product features.
  • Negotiated and managed all media buying and planning, maximizing campaign ROI.
  • Led creative strategy for product branding, marketing initiatives, and new SKU launches.
  • Managed vendor relationships for production design, packaging development, and print purchasing.
  • Oversaw website updates, digital assets, and retailer content across e-commerce platforms.
  • Led label inventory management and production forecasting at scale.
  • Managed trade show strategy and execution; led full product lifecycle from concept through launch.

Various Clients

~9 months

Freelance Designer

Tampa, FL · Dec 2005 – Sep 2006

  • Created press kits, advertisements, logos, and POS materials for multiple clients.

Manhattan Construction Company

1 year

Marketing Coordinator

Tampa, FL · Nov 2004 – Dec 2005

  • Compiled and produced proposal books, presentations, and RFQs; pursued marketing initiatives including client acquisition.

Harmon Tampa Public Relations

1 year

Communications Coordinator

Tampa, FL · Nov 2004 – Dec 2005

  • Assisted in press release production and distribution; maintained media lists and supported PR at client events.
02 —

Core Skills

  • Creative & art direction
  • Brand strategy & visual identity
  • Packaging architecture
  • EU & international adaptation
  • Integrated campaigns
  • Media buying & planning
  • Production & packaging design
  • UI design & e-commerce
  • Photography coordination
  • Cross-functional collaboration
  • Team leadership & mentorship
  • Copywriting & brand voice
03 —

Tools & Software

  • Figma
  • Photoshop
  • Illustrator
  • InDesign
  • Lightroom
  • Acrobat
  • Wrike
  • MS Office

Certifications

  • AI Literacy for Business Leaders
  • Advanced Design Patterns: Design Principles
  • Adobe Creative Suite — Photoshop, Illustrator, InDesign

Brands & Publications

Isopure · SlimFast · think! · GQ · Men's Health · Outside Magazine · Details Magazine

04 —

Education

NYIT — Old Westbury

Master of Science, Mass Communications

3.7 GPA · Cum Laude · May 2010

  • Excellence in Public Relations Award
  • Excellence in Community Service
  • Phi Eta Sigma National Honor Society

University of Tampa

B.A., Mass Communications / Advertising

3.7 GPA · Cum Laude · May 2004 · Completed in 3 years