Communications designers are unicorns.
As a senior communications designer, I focus on communication and storytelling through visual and written methods to convey the meaning, impact and value of solutions created for associates (internally-facing work) and consumers (externally-facing work). From strategy to execution, and often through a human-centered design lens, my portfolio includes (but is not limited to) presentations, intranet content and design, print design, copywriting, infographics, video voiceovers, animations, and design research.
As a strategic design partner, cross-functional collaborations include stakeholders and colleagues from product, UX, research, service design, design systems, copywriting, marketing, sales and revenue cycle.
In past lives, I was a senior communications designer in the wireless industry where I brought my visual communications skills to internal & executive comms and learning and development initiatives. I was the marketing director for two fashion retailers where the convergence of marketing, design and creative reinforced brand loyalty and great customer experiences. As an agency art director with clients in healthcare, technology and non-profit industries, I brought award-winning work and creative leadership to the table. And for a creative outlet, I collaborated with my partner to make art and do glassblowing, which led to something a little bigger than we expected...press, gallery shows, and lots of sales. My career began in New York City where I built my own design studio helping clients in sports and entertainment tell their stories in a changing media and technology landscape.
Design is my calling. What I love most about my work is that I get to partner with intelligent, empathetic and creative people who care deeply about honing their craft in order to serve others. There's so much to learn...and I never want to stop learning.
🍄 Fun fact: This is my handwriting.
Skills and Experience
Art direction/Creative direction
Branding
Content strategy
Copywriting/editing
Creative team leadership
Digital design & Accessibility
Email campaigns
Graphic design
Marketing
Photo shoots
Press release writing
Print design & production
Project management
Storytelling
User research
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Software/Technical:
Adobe Creative Cloud (Photoshop, InDesign, Illustrator, Acrobat)
Microsoft Office, Microsoft Teams
Figma
Insta360 OneX camera; Insta360 Studio (software for editing 360 footage)
CMS (LumApps)
Confluence/Jira
HTML
Education.
College
Columbia College Chicago: Bachelor's Degree, Graphic Design
Certifications
Nielsen Norman Group – UX Certification: User Research Specialty
Northwestern University – Content Strategy for Professionals: Engaging Audiences
Northwestern University – Content Strategy for Professionals: Managing Content
IDEO U – Storytelling for Influence
Additional Courses
General Assembly – Intro to User Research
General Assembly – User Research Methods
AIGA – Facilitation by Design
Ox-Bow School of Art – Printmaking
Awards.
2016 Design Annual, Graphis Magazine, August 2015
Project: World Relief's 70-year Anniversary Book.
This 100-page book is a singular, concise history of World Relief – the first of its kind in their 70-year history. Intended to be given as a gift to major donors, the book shows how financial contributions and direct involvement can impact the lives of many through programs that promote transformational development. This book is part of a larger effort to rebrand the organization and solidify their position as a relevant force in global humanitarian efforts.
Art Director: Marilyn Frank
Designer: Natalia Bulsza-Gottschalk
Copywriter: Dan Gutnecht
Additional awards:
Creativity International
Graphic Design USA
American Graphic Design Awards
Recognition:
Under Consideration
Mohawk Felt & Wire
2014 Design Award: 70th Anniversary logo for World Relief, Graphic Design USA, November 2014
Logo Design.
Juried competition.
Creative Director: Shannon Lee
Art Director/Designer: Marilyn Frank
2014 Design Award: StudioNorth Poster Series, Graphic Design USA, November 2014
Series of three posters for in-house agency use.
Creative Director: Shannon Lee
Art Director/Designer: Marilyn Frank
Modern+Design+Function: Chicago Furniture Now, Design Within Reach, October 2006
F2 was recognized for "Chemistry Set, " a blown glass, hand-etched series of 30 chemistry-style vessels. "Chemistry Set" combines the form and function of a traditional chemistry flask with the etchings of humorous (and sometimes dada-esque) text in place of numerical markings.
Juried show for product and furniture design.
Young Guns #3, Art Director's Club NY, April 2001
52mm was recognized for motion graphics work (Daily Dose of Truth PSAs).
Juried design show.
Agency: Crispin Porter Bogusky
Creative Direction: Marilyn (Devedjiev) Frank
Design: Katie Marsh
VH1 "Behind the Music," PromaxBDA, August 2000
Silver Award for VH1 "Behind the Music" redesign (intro & interstitials).
Creative Director/Motion graphics designer: Marilyn (Devedjiev) Frank
Editor: Damion Clayton
Producer: Bret Havey
Young Guns #1, Art Director's Club NY, April 1996
52mm was recognized for motion graphics work (short film).
Juried design show.
Creative Director/Motion graphics designer: Marilyn (Devedjiev) Frank
Editor: Damion Clayton
This project was also featured in ResFest and premiered at The Kitchen in NYC (1996).