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About

Chicago-Area Marketing + Communications Consultant

Chicago-area marketing and communications consultant Cara Schillinger understands organizations that have big dreams and limited resources, and she knows how to help bridge the gaps while maximizing impact. Since early 2018, she has:

• advised on strategic planning,
• eased leadership transitions,
• helped pivot in-person galas to digital events during the COVID-19 crisis,
• designed publications,
• created websites,
• and much more.

Cara maintains a network of colleagues whom she partners with for added expertise and services. She would be honored to work with you.

Why Marketing + Communications Consulting?

CARA SCHILLINGER
Principal / Owner
Marketing + Communications Consultant

About Cara

I am a unique mix of creative and strategic—of right brain and left brain. And that’s why I love marketing and communications and, in particular, creating strong brands as a business owner, employee, or consultant.

My passions have always been art and design, but I also love the power that strategy plays in fostering the meaning that really drives connections.

I take great pride in thoughtful execution and believe that every touch is an opportunity to reinforce an organization’s brand and create compelling customer experiences.

Why Cara?

For more than 20 years, Cara has enjoyed an eclectic professional background suited to her desire for continuous learning, creative growth, and pushing her limits. She excels when working with small, nimble teams powered by enthusiasm and results and thrives in high-pressure, rapidly evolving environments.

Generalist—It Isn’t a Dirty Word?

Cara’s specialty is that she is a true marketing and communications generalist. She is knowledgeable and has hands-on experience across a vast spectrum of marketing and communications skillsets. She considers this a gift and continues to explore and learn every day.

What Else?

During Cara’s free time, you can find her volunteering at the Art Institute of Chicago, finding inspiration in her niece and nephew, reading, traveling, and working on her arts and culture blog.

Life Before Cara Schillinger Creative

Born and raised in a small town in central Illinois, Cara always felt a little restless. Fortunate to be exposed to the arts and culture through early travel opportunities, her appreciation for them became a dominant theme in her life. She was obsessed with Andy Warhol, New York City, and alternative rock that the local radio station played for only three hours a week on Sunday afternoons.

She took every art class she could and eventually moved to Michigan to complete high school at Interlochen Arts Academy. She majored in graphic design and painting, and minored in art history, at Bradley University where her senior art show featuring large-scale nude paintings caused a bit of stir during a VIP visit to campus.

Post-College and Graduate School

Cara began her career as a graphic designer before a detour into luxury retail where worked as a visual merchandiser; jewelry and cosmetics assistant manager; customer service manager; and service, selling, and training manager.

Redirecting back to the arts, Cara pursued a master’s degree in arts management at Columbia College Chicago, during which time she gleefully worked during the reign of the King Tut exhibition at The Field Museum. From there, Cara put her design, arts, and retail background to use working in the secondary arts and antique markets at Leslie Hindman Auctioneers where she sometimes paid to work while building her art collection.

Raising the Profile of Small Nonprofits

After graduate school, Cara honed her ability to raise the profiles of small, resource-strapped organizations through cost-effective, strategic marketing and communications that complemented organizational goals. She rejoined her manager and some of her peers from The Field Museum at the Pulmonary Fibrosis Foundation (PFF), where she realized the joys of working towards a health-driven mission. At PFF, she oversaw the rebranding of the organization that helped it evolve from a family foundation into the top nonprofit working towards curing pulmonary fibrosis. Additionally, she oversaw the marketing and logistical planning of PFF’s biennial conference and created a successful global awareness campaign for the disease.

After PFF, Cara continued her nonprofit work at the American Association of Law Libraries, where she was charged with implementing a comprehensive rebrand two weeks into her tenure. The 18-month project culminated in a new brand strategy, visual identity, tagline, and messaging that fostered communications, enabling the association and its members to get past stereotypes and talk about the value of legal information professionals.

Education

Master of Arts Management
Visual Arts Management
Columbia College Chicago
Chicago, Illinois

Bachelor of Fine Arts
Major: Graphic Design and Painting
Minor: Art History
Bradley University
Peoria, Illinois

CERTIFICATIONS

•  AMA Professional Certified Marketer®

AFFILIATIONS

•  American Alliance of Museums – Current Member
•  AIGA – Current Member
•  American Marketing Association – Current Member
•  ASAE (American Society of Association Executives) – Current Member

VOLUNTEER SERVICE

•  Art Institute of Chicago–Visitor Experience Volunteer
•  Chicago Architecture Center–Chicago Open House

TECHNICAL SKILLS

Proficient on both PCs and Macs and the following software: Microsoft Office, Adobe Creative Suite (InDesign, Illustrator, Photoshop, and Muse), iMIS, DonorPerfect, MatrixMaxx, and Raiser’s Edge. CMS experience includes Drupal, WordPress, ExpressionEngine, and SysCom. Knowledge of HTML and CSS.