Communications designers are unicorns.

Curiosity. Communication. Innovation.

I'm a strategist, storyteller, and creative thinker who helps organizations turn complexity into clarity, and ideas into action.

My work lives at the intersection of design, innovation, and human-centered communication. I specialize in crafting narratives and experiences that not only inform, but inspire...blending visual design, content strategy, growth marketing, and emerging technologies like AI to create meaningful, forward-thinking solutions.

Across industries like healthcare, tech, and mission-driven brands, I focus on building trusted spaces for creativity, insight, and exploration. My background spans growth marketing strategy, healthcare communication, digital experience design, and AI-powered storytelling, all anchored in a systems-thinking approach that connects ideas, people, and opportunities.

At the core, my work is about turning ambiguity into understanding, and understanding into momentum.

If you’re navigating complex challenges and seeking clarity, connection, and possibility β€” let’s create something impactful together.

πŸ„ Fun fact: This is my handwriting.



Skills and Experience

AI tools and prompt writing

Art direction/Creative direction

Branding

Content strategy

Conversation design

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 + FigJam + Ditto
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 β€“ Content Strategy for Professionals: Managing Content
IDEO U β€“ 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).

Using Format