FAN-FIRST STORYTELLER THROUGH CONTENT AND DESIGN.
Hello, my name is Carmen Dukes. I am an award-winning designer and strategist working at the intersection of fandom, content, and product. I am consultant helping organizations build vibrant communities through storytelling and marketing.
Before consulting, I worked at Spotify as Head of Podcast Editorial. At Spotify, I led Spotify’s podcast editorial and content strategy in the US. My team’s work focused on building communities of podcast listeners and creators, growing genre and podcast followers, and improving podcast discovery through storytelling and curation.
Before Spotify, I worked as Director, Creative Strategy for Activision Blizzard Esports. On the branded partnerships team, I led the creative development of branded content for Overwatch League and Call of Duty League.
Prior to Activision Blizzard, I worked for Electronic Arts (EA) as Editor in Chief. At EA, I led global editorial strategy and digital marketing execution for EA’s web and social channels for console games. I led a team of 35 writers, social media managers, and editorial staff in four countries (United States, Sweden, England, and Canada) covering 12 franchises.
Before joining EA, I worked at the National Football League where I conceptualized, developed, and produced custom content and experiences across television, mobile, and digital. I led a team of producers, editors, and writers in the creation of large cross-platform initiatives focused on attracting and retaining new and casual fans to drive the league's digital business.
Prior to the NFL I worked as Senior Manager, Digital Media at HiT Entertainment (Mattel) in New York City. At HiT Entertainment, I led cross-functional international teams to design, develop, and launch digital products for global kids brands. I also spearheaded the development of the team's global mobile strategy and roadmap for apps and mobile web.
In 2010, I co-founded Project: Interaction, an after-school design program for Brooklyn high school girls. I also taught Interaction Design at the Cooper-Hewitt, National Design Museum.
I love leading creative teams. I encourage my teams to pay attention to each other. I create opportunities for them to show their interests, their work, and their inspirations. I believe that building a happy, high-performing team starts with empathy, listening, and understanding.
I have a Bachelor’s degree in Film and Media Arts from Temple University (2003), a Graduate Certificate in Information Technologies from New York University (2009) and a Master of Fine Arts in Interaction Design from the School of Visual Arts (2011).
MY PURPOSE IS TO INSPIRE THROUGH CREATIVE WORK
Video Game Credits
- Anthem (2019)
- Apex Legends (2019)
- Battlefield V (2018)
- Star Wars: Battlefront II (2017)
Presentations
- NFL Creative Summit 2018: The Art of Storytelling
Atlanta, March 2018
Presentation: Images, Moments, and Stories
Watch Presentation
View Slides - EA UX Con
Vancouver, January 2017
Presentation: Content is Our Secret Sauce
View Slides - School of Visual Arts
New York City, May 2012
MFA Thesis: Springboard
Watch Presentation - International Conference on Interaction Design
Hong Kong, November 2011
Paper Presentation: New Methods: Framing an Interaction Design Class to Play a Complementary Role in Core Curriculum - Design in Action Conference
Philadelphia, October 2011
Panel: Emerging Design Collaborations - Columbia University, Teacher's College
New York City, February 2011
EdLab Seminar – Project: Interaction
Awards & Recognition
- 2015 Silver Clio
Digital/Social - NFL Up! - 2015 Webby Award Honoree
Online Film and Video (How-To & DIY) - NFL Up! - 2014 Webby Award Honoree
Online Film and Video (How-To & DIY) - NFL Up! - 2014 Emmy Winner - 35th Annual Sports Awards
Outstanding New Approaches - NFL Up! - 2014 Emmy Winner - 35th Annual Sports Awards
Outstanding New Approaches - JFK: The Untold NFL History of that Day in Dallas - 2013 Emmy Nominee - 34th Annual Sports Awards
Outstanding New Approaches - The NFL Season - 2011 Webby Award Honoree
Games (Handheld Devices) - Barney's Super Dee Duper Fun Day (iPhone App) - 2010 Parent's Choice Awards
Mobile Apps - Thomas & Friends Game Pack (iPhone App)
Press, Publications, Media Mentions & Featured Work
- Interactions Magazine
Article on design education - Urban Omnibus
Profile on Project: Interaction - Cooper-Hewitt
Featured Work: Project: Interaction - New York Daily News
Profile on Project: Interaction - Fast Company
Featured Work: Project: Interaction - School of Visual Arts Journal
Profile on Project: Interaction - USA Today
Featured Work: NFL Fan Pass - LA Daily News
Interview & Featured Work - New York Times
Featured Work: Angelina Ballerina app - Smashing Magazine
Featured Work: Barney & Friends website