Hi, I’m Val.

InDesign
Illustrator
Photoshop
Microsoft Office
Mailchimp
Google Ads and Analytics
Agile and Jira
Project Management
Print Production (offset and digital)
WordPress experience
HTML and CSS experience

Kelley School of Business, Indiana University, Bloomington, IN (2017-Present)
Top-tier business school at a Big Ten university.

Marketing Designer
Designed cohesive print, experiential and digital graphics that adhered to brand guidelines for academic programs, Dean’s Office and Office of Development and Engagement. Managed a part-time designer, intern and freelancers while establishing content and photography needs for each design project.

• Collaborated with writers and photographers to design multiple print publications. Preflighted files for printing and created web accessible files for posting online.
  • Designed the first doctoral program viewbook, a 42-page publication. Art directed photoshoots for student and faculty spotlight subjects and cover.
  • Redesigned the full-time MBA and undergraduate viewbooks to align with the updated branding of Indiana University and Kelley School of Business. Visually addressed students’ hesitation and priorities for relocating to Indiana for a Full-Time MBA.
• Designed wall graphics from concept to installation for multiple student spaces.
  • Created five large-format wall graphics for the not-yet-built Conrad Prebys Career Center, including a graphic for a 37 foot folding wall. Collaborated with contractors and printers to determine final wall sizes and substrates while the building was under construction.
  • Designed 67 foot and 57 foot walls for the Jellison Living Learning Center within the two-month deadline for design through installation.
• Designed and preflighted print materials including ads, maps, signage, brochures, event logos, donor cards, postcards, mailing boxes and information sheets.
• Updated and created animated and static digital ads for web and social media.
• Hired a part-time designer and intern, demonstrating effective leadership by overseeing their onboarding and project assignments within a team of three.

Liska + Associates, Chicago, IL (2013-2016)
Leading design firm that specializes in developing branded communication for best-in-class companies and institutions.

Senior Graphic Designer
Created brand identities, responsive websites and marketing materials for various clients.

• Finished a former employee’s projects, including completing Last Is More: Mies, IBM, and the Transformation of Chicago, a 160 page book for Langham Hotels.
• Acted as lead designer for the Pritzker Architecture Prize.
  • Updated websites pritzkerprize.com and pritzkerprize.cn to announce the 2014, 2015 and 2016 laureates.
  • Designed engraved invitations for annual ceremony.
  • Designed the visual framework for current pritzkerprize.com launched in 2019.
  • Created and launched separate ceremony website for attendees to RSVP.
  • Designed press kits in English and Chinese, working with translators in Beijing to obtain translations and proof final materials.
• Worked as a team member to create graphics for the lobby and innovation center at ITW’s headquarters in Glenview, Illinois.
• Designed responsive websites, including active-us.com and the mobile version of oiselle.com. Established the grid system, created mark-up and worked with developers to launch the sites.
• Maintained the website for Equity Group Investments, a Chicago-based private investment firm founded by Sam Zell.

Chicago Children’s Museum, Chicago, IL (2005-2013)
A not-for-profit institution, one of Chicago’s top cultural attractions and the second most visited children’s museum in the country.

Graphic and Web Designer (2010-2013)
Graphic Designer (2005-2010)
Designed print, experiential and web graphics for marketing, education and exhibit departments. Met with internal clients, conceptualized designs, established timelines, contacted and worked with contractors, printers and web developers.

• Designed and preflighted the identity and invitation packages for several high-profile events, including the museum’s largest gala event that raises close to $1M annually.
• Designed and preflighted promotional materials, including research publications, annual reports, guides and ads. Worked with print vendors to produce and deliver the final pieces on time and within budget.
• Collaborated with the exhibit team and architects to create exhibit graphics from concept to completion. Designed exhibit identities, bilingual signage and wall graphics that meet ADA standards.
  • Acted as lead designer for the Ready, Pet, Go! exhibit. Designed the 35′ exhibit entrance graphic. Collaborated with painters, a muralist and exhibit preparators to execute the final design. Directed contractors in creating the signage system within the exhibit. Designed the exhibit logo to use for marketing materials and ads.
  • Worked as part of the museum’s design team to create exhibit identities, signage and wall graphics for the Forts, Circus Zirkus and Unboxed exhibits.
• Led the initiative to strengthen the museum’s online presence, acting as the project manager in developing a new website, establishing the site’s information architecture, working with SEO specialists to maximize organic searches, and creating Google Ads campaigns.
• Designed and programmed online communications, which grew from four quarterly e-newsletters to six monthly e-newsletters. Scheduled deliveries to targeted groups, some exceeding 20K constituents.
• Assisted in creating and implementing a new style guide for the museum. Ensured that all graphics reflected proper branding and messaging.

BFA, Graphic Design, Bradley University, Peoria, IL

American InterContinental University, London, UK
Study Abroad Program in Visual Communications Studies, January-June 2004

Graphic Design Portfolio Strategies for Print and Digital Media, Prentice Hall, 2009, Pages 26, 52, 55.

Design for Kids, Images Publishing Dist A/C, 2007, Pages 102-107.

AIGA Member, Chicago Chapter (2003-Present)

Programming Co-Chair (2010-2013)

• Oversaw and directed the annual programming for AIGA Chicago’s 1,600+ diverse membership, in accordance with the mission. Led teams of volunteers to create events, achieving objectives without losing sight of the chapter and event vision.
• Managed budgets of up to $26K. Special projects included: Annual Meeting, Designer as Author Series, Small Talk Series, Chicago Design Week.

Event Co-Chair for Chicago Design Week (2010)

• Oversaw the planning and budget for three events during AIGA Chicago’s first Design Week, including Peer Proof, Annual Meeting and a co-sponsored event with the Post Family.

Event Chair for the Business of Design Series (2009-2010)

• Oversaw the planning and budget for the Business of Design Series, coordinating with venues, caterers and speakers.