EXPERIENCE

Marketing Department | EFCO CORP. | Des Moines, IA

DIGITAL MEDIA DESIGNER | FEB. 2022 – PRESENT

In collaboration with the Marketing team, I transform concepts into fully executed designs by working closely with the project coordinator, videographer, print designer, and manager. My primary focus is to deliver clear, effective communication through design, ensuring that visuals align with our mission and brand. I excel at interpreting team input and creating visuals that resonate with both the project goals and user experience.

• Developed digital assets for websites, interactive communications, multimedia, email campaigns, social media, and various graphic design projects.
• Updated all email blasts to be accessible and responsive, ensuring optimal viewing across devices.
• Supported print media projects, including photography, content editing, posters, magazine layouts, surveys, and photo processing as needed.
• Established digital branding standards, coordinated social media strategies, and designed Pardot email templates for weekly newsletters and other communications.
• Led digital media campaigns for events, driving engagement and brand consistency.

Department of Cultural Affairs | STATE OF IOWA | Des Moines, IA

GRAPHIC DESIGN AND WEBSITE MANAGER | JAN 2020 – FEB 2022

Serves as department brand manager for all department marketing and communication vehicles – print and digital. Manages and creates artwork from concept to completion for all digital and print communications. Acts as a graphic design consultant by assisting and instructing employees, answering questions, providing insight and advice on effectiveness, limitations, and cost considerations of design techniques used in digital, print, and multi-media presentations.
Additional responsibilities include:

• Managed and created artwork from concept to completion for all digital and print projects.
• Upgraded the website to be more functional for users and ADA-compliant. Ensured all features fit within new accessibility standards for the government.
• Conducted internal surveys and compiled a discovery document, preliminary mockups, Gannt flow chart, website update overview, and timeline with the web development vendor.
• Updated the Iowa Culture app and created a scope of work to share with different vendors for obtaining bids.
• Created a series of training documents to guide content contributors in Drupal.

LocalIQ | USA TODAY NETWORK | Des Moines, IA

CREATIVE CONSULTANT | JUNE 2019 – JAN 2020

• Developed high-quality, results-driven creative solutions for all USA TODAY advertising platforms.
• Ensured a consistent look and message across all platforms by communicating with clients on all matters of ad production.
• Provided graphic designers with clear layouts and style examples, assembled needed materials, and promptly uploaded materials to DesignIQ following proper workflow procedures.

DesignIQ | USA TODAY NETWORK | Des Moines, IA

DIGITAL MEDIA DESIGNER | DEC. 2016 – JUNE 2019

Utilizing Adobe Creative Cloud – specifically Adobe Edge, Illustrator, Photoshop, and Animate, as well as, in-browser software – to build interactive, responsive, animated, static, and rich media desktop, mobile, email, and Facebook ads. Through the DesignIQ, I built ads for companies like Piggly Wiggly, Econofoods, Paul Gross Jewelers, Max Motors, Milwaukee Brewers, and the YMCA.
Responsibilities include:

• Built interactive, responsive, animated, static, and rich media desktop, mobile email, and Facebook ads utilizing Adobe Creative Cloud.
• Reviewed client submissions and developed mobile/desktop ads based on customer specifications.
• Prepared ads for automotive co-op approval, developed innovative ideas and creative concepts, and upheld and built brand identity while using animations to highlight promotions.
• Beta tested in-browser ad-building software, provided feedback for fixes, and developed SOP.

PRODUCTION COORDINATOR | APRIL 2010 – DEC. 2016

Communicated with Ad Traffickers, Representatives and Clients at the site to correct ads, images, and print pages with Adobe Creative Site so that they paginate accurately and meet their deadlines.
Responsibilities included:

• Ensured quality ads, images, and newspaper pages across the USA TODAY NETWORK by coordinating with various stakeholders.
• Assisted sites with deadlines, prioritized and managed workflow, and aided in the electronic output processing of ads.
• Led individuals to a higher level of quality and creativity, researched and tracked customer and artist errors, and reinforced SOP.
• Problem-solved and troubleshooted all types of print issues, and listened and responded promptly to customers’ needs via phone, messenger, and email.

Freelance Design Work | Des Moines, IA

Utilizing my laptop, 12×16 tablet, and Adobe Creative Cloud, I help my clients achieve their aesthetic vision.
Responsibilities include:

• Creating, maintaining and rehabilitating websites on WIX, WordPress, and Squarespace.
• SEO Optimization and Web Responsiveness for customers established sites.
• Logo designs for individuals, businesses, and non-profits.

EDUCATION & HONORS

Grand View University | Des Moines, Iowa
Bachelor of Arts Degrees

• Graphic Design | Adobe Creative Suite
• Visual Arts | Drawing and Painting
• Creative and Performing Arts | Theatrical Design

summa cum laude, 3.92 GPA

Presently utilizing lynda.com to expand my knowledge base in Web Design, Accessibility, and User Experience.

ACHIEVEMENTS

• Co-Founder of GD: Graphic DesignHers of Central Iowa Connecting and empowering female graphic designers.
• Kaneland School District Art Festival | Maple Park, IL. | Speaker/Demonstrator

PROGRAM PROFICIENCIES

LEARNING PATHS

• HTML
• CSS
• UX Theory
• Wireframing
• Prototyping
• Video

HARD
SKILLS

• Sketching
• Typography
• Layout Design
• Creativity
• Color Theory
• Illustration

SOFT
SKILLS

• Collaboration
• Organization
• Time Management
• Communications
• Flexibility and Adaptability
• Detail Oriented