NORTHERN VIRGINIA / DC BASED GRAPHIC DESIGNER

LAUREN

I DESIGN AND MAKE STUFF LOOK PRETTY

SISK

UPCOMING EVENTS

MAKE IT POP!

PORTFOLIO

ABOUT ME

Creative

Passionate

Bold

Hi there, my name is Lauren, I am a nerd +

illustrator + graphic designer based in the

Northern Virginia/ DC area.

Art has always been a big part of my life, if not the reason I was in constant trouble at school — the creative monkeys in my head could not be bothered with social studies.

I graduated with a Bachelor of Fine Arts in Graphic Design from Virginia Commonwealth University in 2014. Since then, I have built a successful career as a freelance graphic designer, collaborating with a diverse range of clients, including Netflix. For the past eight years, I have served as a full-time Lead Graphic Designer for two nonprofit organizations and worked as a contract graphic designer for two marketing firms. My experience includes collaborations with various government agencies over the past four years, such as NPIN, CDC, NIH, FEMA, the Department of Defense, and the Census Bureau.

My expertise spans a wide array of design disciplines, including animation, video editing, illustration, social media content, multi-page layouts, branding, logo design, web design, and app design.

Outside of my professional work, I enjoy reading novels by Neil Gaiman, watching cult classic B films, and spending time at the dog park with my two beloved dogs, Artemis and Georgie.

Please feel free to reach out to me at laurenashy89@gmail.com.

SKILLS & TOOLS

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Graphic Design
Branding & Visual Identity
Motion Graphics & Animation
Video Editing
UX/UI Design
Wireframing & Prototyping
Social Media Design
IllustratingWeb Design
Print & Digital Marketing Materials
Client Communication & Collaboration
Creative Direction & Concept Development
Project Management
Cross-functional Teamwork
Attention to Detail
Infograph's
Typography & Layout Design
Image Editing & Retouching
User Research & Usability Testing
Interactive Design
Client & Stakeholder Engagement

Design & Illustration

Adobe Creative Suite (Photoshop, Illustrator, InDesign, After Effects, Premiere Pro)
Sketch
Figma
Canva
CorelDRAW
Affinity Designer
Procreate

Video Editing & Animation

Adobe Premiere Pro
Adobe After Effects
Final Cut Pro

UX/UI Design & Prototyping

Figma
Adobe XD

Others

Microsoft Office Suite (Excel, Word)
Basecamp
Jira

Web & Social Media

WordPress / Webflow
Google Web Designer
Mailchimp / Constant Contact
Hootsuite / Buffer
Google Analytics (for measuring design impact)
Google Fonts / Adobe Fonts (for typography management)

Presentation & Proposal Design

Microsoft PowerPoint
Google Slides
Adobe Acrobat Pro

Project Management & Collaboration

Trello
Asana
Slack
Microsoft Teams
Google Drive / Dropbox (for file sharing and collaboration)

WORK EXPERIENCE

Sensis inc., Graphic Designer

September 2021 - July 2024

As a Graphic Designer at Sensis Inc., I was responsible for creating a diverse range of visual assets to support both internal and client-facing projects. My role was multifaceted, encompassing design, video editing, animation, and UX work to ensure that our materials were both visually engaging and functionally effective. Key responsibilities included:

Proposal and Presentation Design: Designed impactful PowerPoint presentations and PDF proposals for client pitches, internal meetings, and business development. I focused on creating visually compelling, easy-to-read layouts that conveyed complex ideas and data in a clear and engaging way while ensuring alignment with brand guidelines.
Animation and Video Editing: Produced and edited animation and video content for marketing, client presentations, and internal communications. I incorporated motion graphics and animation techniques to enhance presentations and videos, creating dynamic content that helped convey key messages and improve audience engagement.
UX Design: Worked on UX projects to improve the usability and functionality of digital products and services. This included designing wireframes, prototypes, and interfaces for web and mobile applications, ensuring an intuitive and user-centered design process. I collaborated with developers and product managers to create seamless and engaging user experiences.
Branding and Visual Communication: Ensured consistency in the company’s visual identity across all projects, including digital ads, marketing collateral, web design, and print materials. I worked closely with cross-functional teams to maintain brand standards while adapting designs to meet specific client needs and project goals.
Cross-Functional Collaboration: Partnered with marketing, sales, and product teams to conceptualize and execute design solutions across multiple channels, including presentations, website elements, infographics, and social media graphics. My role involved understanding both creative and business requirements to produce effective design assets that supported broader marketing and sales strategies.
Creative Concept Development: Led the design process from brainstorming concepts through to final execution, ensuring that all materials were aligned with project goals, client expectations, and deadlines. I managed client feedback and iterated on designs to deliver polished, high-quality results.

Throughout my time at Sensis Inc., I was able to merge creativity with technical skills, producing design work that not only aligned with the company’s brand but also effectively communicated our clients’ messages and engaged target audiences across digital and traditional media.

May 2019 - September 2020

Earth Day Network, Lead Graphic Designer

As the Lead Graphic Designer at Earth Day Network, I played a pivotal role in shaping the visual identity and creative direction for the organization's projects during the landmark 50th Anniversary of Earth Day. I led design efforts for both internal and external campaigns, ensuring all visual content was cohesive, impactful, and aligned with Earth Day’s mission to promote environmental awareness and action. My responsibilities spanned across multiple creative disciplines, including graphic design, animation, video editing, and UX design.

Key Responsibilities:

1. Creative Direction for Earth Day 50th Anniversary:

Campaign Design: Led the design of marketing materials, digital assets, and event collateral for the 50th Anniversary of Earth Day, creating a unified visual theme that resonated globally. Designed posters, social media graphics, event banners, and email templates, all aimed at increasing visibility and engagement with Earth Day’s messaging.
Branding and Identity: Reinforced Earth Day Network’s brand identity while developing new creative assets for the 50th anniversary. Ensured that the visuals effectively conveyed both the historical significance of the milestone and the urgency of the ongoing environmental movement.

2. Animation & Video Editing:

Video Production: Produced and edited engaging video content for Earth Day 50th anniversary events, social media campaigns, and internal communications. I worked with archival footage, animations, and custom visuals to create impactful videos that communicated the importance of the milestone and motivated people to take action.
Motion Graphics & Animation: Created motion graphics and animated sequences for videos, web content, and digital ads. I used animation to bring Earth Day’s message to life in creative ways, including infographics, statistics, and storytelling elements that captivated audiences across platforms.

3. UX Design & Digital Projects:

UX/UI Design: Contributed to the user experience (UX) and user interface (UI) design for the Earth Day Network website and digital initiatives. Designed wireframes, prototypes, and interactive elements to enhance the site’s accessibility and usability, ensuring that visitors could easily navigate and engage with content related to Earth Day campaigns and events.
Interactive Campaigns: Developed interactive graphics and experiences for Earth Day’s digital campaigns, including online toolkits and educational resources. I worked to ensure the user experience was intuitive, with a focus on encouraging participation and awareness.

4. Event & Social Media Design:

Event Materials: Designed materials for Earth Day events, both virtual and in-person, including event signage, programs, and promotional banners. I ensured that event branding was consistent across all platforms, creating an immersive visual experience for participants.
Social Media Content: Produced high-quality social media graphics and digital assets for Earth Day's global campaigns. Focused on creating shareable, eye-catching visuals that sparked conversations and mobilized individuals and communities around environmental action.

5. Collaboration & Project Management:

Cross-Functional Collaboration: Worked closely with the communications, marketing, and outreach teams to align design assets with overarching campaign strategies. I ensured that all visual materials supported Earth Day’s messaging and mission, and worked closely with external partners and vendors to produce high-quality collateral.
Client and Stakeholder Engagement: Collaborated with Earth Day’s global network of partners, sponsors, and collaborators to create customized design solutions that supported their involvement in the 50th anniversary events. Managed feedback, revisions, and approval processes to ensure design deliverables met expectations and were delivered on time.

6. Mentorship & Leadership:

Team Leadership: Led and mentored junior designers, providing guidance and feedback on design projects and ensuring all deliverables met Earth Day’s high standards. Fostered a collaborative and creative environment that encouraged innovation and supported professional development.

September 2020 - September 2021

Montage Marketing Group, LLC, Graphic Designer | Video Editor & Animator

As a Graphic Designer, Video Editor, and Animator at Montage Marketing Company, I was responsible for creating visually engaging and dynamic content to support client marketing and branding needs across a variety of platforms. I worked closely with the creative and marketing teams to deliver high-quality design and multimedia solutions that aligned with clients' objectives. My primary responsibilities included:

Graphic Design: Designed a broad range of visual materials, including digital ads, social media graphics, promotional videos, brochures, banners, and email templates. I ensured brand consistency and attention to detail while tailoring each design to meet the unique needs of clients in diverse industries.
Video Editing & Animation: Produced, edited, and animated video content for client campaigns, including promotional videos, social media clips, explainer videos, and event footage. I applied motion graphics, special effects, and animation techniques to create compelling, dynamic visuals that enhanced client messaging and engagement.
Creative Direction: Collaborated with clients and internal teams to understand project objectives, brainstorm creative concepts, and develop multimedia content that effectively communicated key messages and brand stories.
Client Collaboration: Managed client communications throughout the creative process, from initial concept discussions to revisions and final delivery. I ensured that all visual assets—whether static or animated—met client expectations and deadlines.
Multimedia Integration: Integrated animated elements and video content into broader marketing campaigns, including digital marketing (social media ads, websites), email newsletters, and live events. Ensured smooth coordination between design, animation, and video assets for cohesive, cross-channel marketing.
Project Management: Managed multiple projects simultaneously, balancing competing deadlines while maintaining high-quality standards for both design and video production. Used project management tools to track progress and communicate effectively with team members and clients.
File Preparation & Output: Prepared all final files for production, including video renders and animations in various formats for web, social media, and print. Ensured files were optimized for different platforms and technical specifications.

Through my role at Montage Marketing Company, I gained extensive experience in blending graphic design, video editing, and animation to create innovative marketing materials that resonated with clients' audiences and contributed to their business success. This role enhanced my ability to work across diverse media, adapt to client needs, and deliver results-driven creative content.

American Registry for Internet Numbers (ARIN), Lead Graphic Designer

February 2016 - January 2019

As the Lead Graphic Designer at American Registry for Internet Numbers (ARIN), I was responsible for overseeing and executing the visual design strategy for the organization, ensuring consistency and alignment with ARIN’s mission, brand, and goals. I played a key role in creating design solutions for a wide range of communication materials, both internal and external, including digital, print, and event-related assets. My core responsibilities included:

Brand Identity and Design Leadership: Led the development and maintenance of ARIN’s visual identity, ensuring a consistent and professional brand image across all platforms. Managed the design direction for marketing, communications, and educational materials, while collaborating closely with key stakeholders to align design with organizational objectives.
Project Management: Managed multiple design projects simultaneously, from concept through final production. Prioritized tasks and collaborated with teams to ensure timely delivery of materials, including print collateral, web graphics, presentations, and event materials.
Creative Direction and Strategy: Worked closely with internal teams (marketing, communications, events, and leadership) to understand project goals and audience needs. Provided creative input on marketing campaigns, events, and initiatives, guiding the design team (if applicable) to create effective and visually compelling solutions.
Visual Content for Digital and Print: Designed a variety of materials, including annual reports, brochures, web banners, social media graphics, newsletters, presentations, and conference materials. Ensured that all designs were visually consistent and aligned with ARIN’s brand guidelines.
Collaboration with Cross-Functional Teams: Partnered with subject matter experts, web developers, and communications teams to create engaging, user-friendly content, including website visuals, email templates, and online resources. Developed creative solutions to meet the needs of both ARIN's internal team and its external audience.
Event Branding and Design: Led the creative process for events and conferences hosted by ARIN, designing event signage, programs, promotional materials, and displays. Worked to ensure that event materials matched the professional and authoritative nature of ARIN’s brand while enhancing the attendee experience.
Design Systems and Templates: Created and maintained reusable design templates, ensuring brand consistency across presentations, reports, and marketing collateral. Developed design systems that streamlined workflows and helped the team produce high-quality materials more efficiently.
Mentorship and Training: Provided mentorship to junior designers (if applicable), offering guidance and feedback on design work. Ensured the team maintained a high level of design quality and adhered to ARIN’s branding standards.

During my tenure at ARIN, I helped shape the visual identity of the organization to reflect its role as a trusted authority in the internet infrastructure space, contributing to the clarity and effectiveness of its communications with stakeholders across the globe.

Lauren Ash, Owner, Freelance Design

September 2012 - Present

As the Owner and Lead Graphic Designer of my freelance design company, I was responsible for overseeing all aspects of project management, client relations, and business operations. My role involved both creative and administrative duties, ensuring that every project met the client's needs while maintaining a profitable and efficient business model. Key responsibilities included:

1. Project Coordination & Client Relations:

Project Management: Coordinated graphic design projects from initial client discussions through to completion, ensuring that all milestones, deadlines, and project requirements were met.
Client Communication: Acted as the primary point of contact for clients, gathering detailed project requirements, clarifying scope, and managing expectations throughout the design process.
Scope & Budgeting: Defined project scope, established realistic budgets, and created detailed schedules to ensure successful project delivery while maintaining profitability.
Collaborative Design: Worked either autonomously or in collaboration with a team of freelance designers, illustrators, and animators to deliver high-quality design solutions on time and within budget.

2. Business Operations & Financial Management:

Daily Operations: Managed all daily business operations, including overseeing client contracts, invoicing, and financial transactions (Accounts Receivable/Accounts Payable).
Marketing & Advertising: Created and executed advertising/marketing strategies to promote the business, including digital marketing, social media management, and content creation to increase brand awareness and attract new clients.
Financial Management: Handled all aspects of business finances, including billing, payments, and budgeting, ensuring efficient cash flow and timely payments for services rendered.

3. Sales & Networking:

Convention Sales: Represented the business at animation and comic conventions, selling freelance illustrations, prints, and custom designs to a diverse audience. Networked with potential clients, collaborators, and industry professionals to expand business opportunities.
Client Acquisition & Retention: Developed a strong portfolio and sales pitch to secure new clients and retain existing relationships, consistently delivering quality design services that met or exceeded client expectations.

4. Problem Resolution & Client Support:

Problem Solving: Acted as the primary point of contact for resolving any client concerns or issues, ensuring prompt and effective solutions to maintain client satisfaction.
Customer Service: Provided exceptional customer support by maintaining regular communication with clients, addressing concerns, and offering design solutions that aligned with their vision and business goals.