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 grow global brands, communities, subscriptions, and services through content and storytelling. Currently, I work at Spotify as Head of Podcast Editorial.
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