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About Me
I’m a Graphic Designer, Art Director, Web Designer—whatever the title, I’m a Creative Problem Solver at my core. Over the last seven years, I’ve worked closely with clients to tackle their creative challenges. My approach to design is rooted in empathy: I believe that understanding and prioritizing the customer’s needs is the key to any successful project.
My Experience
Senior Art Director, Cross Street
March 2023 - Present
As Cross Street’s senior art director, I’m the creative lead behind 18+ multifamily brands—shaping everything from logos and visual identity to the way they show up on signage, merchandise, digital campaigns, and print pieces. I’ve launched 21 responsive apartment websites and led the complete redesign of our corporate site after a major rebrand. I helped open a new revenue stream by packaging creative as a service for our developer partners, bringing in over $200K in contracts. I mentor junior designers, collaborate with writers and brokers, and make sure every story we tell—whether online, in print, or in person—feels consistent, compelling, and unmistakably Cross Street.
Art Director, Impact Networking
May 2021 - March 2023
As Art Director at Impact Networking, I led creative work for 8+ clients, managing everything from brand identities and social media content to photo shoots, trade show booths, and websites. I brought a strategic lens to every project, using market research and audience insights to shape creative that resonated. Partnering with the new business team, I designed pitch decks and contributed to research that helped close over $1M in contracts.
Freelance Designer, Self-Employed
April 2017 - May 2021
As a freelance designer, I partnered directly with clients in consumer goods and creative services to create brand identities and promotional collateral that stood out. I designed merchandise, packaging, and event signage for public activations, ensuring every detail reflected the brand’s story. Managing projects from concept to delivery, I delivered strategic, polished work with a personal touch.
Junior Graphic Designer, Arch Apparel
June 2019 - March 2020
As a Junior Designer at Arch Apparel, I researched trends and created original streetwear designs that connected with the brand’s clientele. I had the opportunity to collaborate with local businesses to produce limited-edition retail apparel and campaigns.
My Education & Certifications
BFA - Graphic Design
Maryville University, 2021
AIGA, 2024
Credential ID 1307375
Top Skills
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Brand Creation
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Brand Management
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Graphic Design
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Art Direction
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Web Design
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CMS Web Development
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Client Relations
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Brand Strategy & Pitch Support
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Print Production
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Design Team Leadership
Software
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Illustrator
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Photoshop
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InDesign
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After Effects
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Lightroom
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Canva
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Figma
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Sketch
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Wix
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Squarespace
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RentCafe
AI Tools:
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ChatGPT
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Midjourney
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Adobe Firefly
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Krea
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Copy.ai
My Lore
Now, let’s take a trip back to when I was 13. My mom had started selling diabetic-friendly cookies at local markets, and soon, a local grocery store chain picked them up for their shelves. She decided to name the business after me: “Grace’s Gourmet Goodies” (I had zero say in that name). To help launch the brand, I hired a designer on Fiverr to create a logo. When I opened the email with the subject line “Logo Delivered,” I was... disappointed. So, I decided to take matters into my own hands.
I fired up Microsoft Word (yes, you read that right) and designed my own logo. It was awful. But at the time, I was incredibly proud of it.
My first logo
That moment sparked a passion for design that would take another six years to turn into a career. I went from selling custom stickers on my college campus to landing a Junior Designer role before I had my diploma. Today, I have the privilege of leading design for one of Chicago's fastest-growing real estate companies.
Every project I take on is a reminder of how far I've come—and how much I love what I do.