ABOUT

Graphic Designer | Creative Enthusiast | Efficiency Maven

Howdy! I'm Kristin Young, a passionate graphic designer with a flair for transforming ideas into visually stunning realities. Specializing in social media design, logo design, and packaging design, I thrive on bringing brands and concepts to life through the power of visuals.

Areas of Expertise:

・Social Media Design: Crafting engaging and shareable content tailored for digital platforms.

・Logo Design: Distilling brand essence into impactful and memorable logos.

・Packaging Design: Merging aesthetics with functionality to create eye-catching packaging solutions.

・Production and Fabrication Design: Translating concepts into tangible, real-world products with a keen eye for detail.

Technical Skills:

・Proficient in industry-standard design tools and techniques, I leverage my expertise to deliver top-notch results. From concept ideation to the final product, I ensure a seamless design process.

Key Achievements:

・Known for my efficiency, I take pride in consistently delivering projects ahead of time. I believe in not just meeting expectations but exceeding them, providing clients with exceptional design solutions that stand out in the crowded digital landscape.

Personal Projects:

・Outside the design realm, you'll find me immersed in a world of creativity during my free time. Whether it's reading, embroidering, drawing, baking, or experimenting with my laser cutter, I am always exploring new avenues for self-expression.

Why Work With Me:

・I bring not just creativity but a strategic mindset to every project. My goal is not just to design but to elevate brands and experiences. Let's collaborate and turn your vision into a visual masterpiece!

Work Experience

Graphic Designer/Sales, Wakefield Sign Service, College Station, TX, Nov 2023-Jan 2025

• Specialize in designing a diverse range of sign types, including pylon, illuminated, cabinet, and reverse lit signs, showcasing versatility and a deep understanding of various visual communication methods.

• Produce visually appealing mock-ups for clients, effectively communicating design concepts and ensuring alignment with customer expectations.

• Established direct and effective communication channels with customers, ensuring timely and clear interactions throughout the entire sign project lifecycle.

• Generate meticulous technical production files for fabrication, contributing to the seamless execution of sign projects and maintaining precision throughout the production process

• Spearhead the design and sales efforts for sign projects, successfully translating client needs into visually compelling solutions.Collaborate with the vinyl production department, demonstrating flexibility and contributing to the seamless execution of projects.

• Play a key role in streamlining company workflows by working closely with fellow artists and the Production Manager to efficiently process the workload.

• Provided valuable support to the Marketing Department as required, showcasing adaptability and a commitment to overall team success.
  
  

Freelance Design, Sep 2022-Present

• Freelance design of logos, branding, business card, marketing, and social media templates.
  
  

Social Media Director, 40 Days for Life, Nov 2021-Sep 2022

• Orchestrated the development and execution of a comprehensive content marketing and pacing calendar, overseeing daily content posts across multiple platforms, including Instagram, Facebook, Twitter, and more.

• Achieved a remarkable 643% increase in Instagram follower count, showcasing a proven ability to drive substantial audience growth.

• Produced engaging graphic designs, videos, and reels tailored for social media, enhancing the organization's visual storytelling and brand presence.

• Crafted timely and captivating content by actively monitoring relevant news, entertainment, and pro-life channels, ensuring a dynamic and engaging online presence.

• Fostered audience interaction and participation by proactively engaging in conversations, while also expanding reach and engagement through strategic influencer outreach and partnerships.

• Cultivated relationships with influencers, leveraging comments and posts to amplify the organization's messaging and broaden its impact.

• Monitored, analyzed, and reported on audience data and performance analytics, resulting in a notable 158% increase in gained media on Instagram, and continuously improved social media strategy.

• Stayed at the forefront of emerging practices and social media trends, providing valuable insights and recommending innovative growth strategies.

• Responded promptly and effectively to direct messages across all social media platforms, contributing to a positive and responsive online community.

• Actively participated in trade shows and conferences, representing the organization and providing real-time coverage of major pro-life events worldwide, fostering a sense of community among followers.
  
  

Graphic Artist, CC Creations USA, Bryan, TX, Apr 2021-Nov 2021

• Innovatively crafted and optimized custom product and apparel art, aligning designs with client specifications to consistently deliver high-quality results within specified timelines and budget constraints.

• Acted as a pivotal liaison between clients and the creative process, skillfully interpreting customer requests to ensure satisfaction and fostering strong relationships through regular phone and email communications.

• Implemented a streamlined system for the organization of art files and approval correspondence, enhancing efficiency in retrieval and review processes.

• Executed a rigorous daily art schedule, orchestrating orders from initiation to finalization and press, consistently completing 10-15 hour art schedule days in just 4 hours with an impressive 98% success rate. This accomplishment demonstrates exceptional time management skills and a commitment to productivity.

Account Executive, Priority One Public Relations, Huntsville, TX @SHSU, Aug 2020 – Dec 2020

• Member of a 12-person student public relations service with responsibility for creation and presentation of communications plans for clients.

• Managed social media platforms for the group to inform and promote the greater area about our services.

• Created strategic communication plans for clients to guide them in reaching their social media goals and ambitions in the promotion of their company including graphic design services, videography services, and more.

Graphic Designer, Student Money Management Center @SHSU, Huntsville, TX, Sep 2019 – Dec 2020

• Collaborated as an integral part of the program team, contributing to the creation of compelling digital and print designs to promote Student Money Management Center events, resources, workshops, and informational handouts.

• Took on Student Admin responsibilities in the fall of 2020, demonstrating versatility by excelling in social media content creation, posting, and tracking. Additionally, fulfilled general secretarial duties, showcasing a proactive and adaptable approach to administrative tasks.

• Utilized social media planning tools such as CoSchedule and Hootsuite to streamline content scheduling, optimize posting times, and enhance overall social media management efficiency.

• Orchestrated engaging giveaways on various social media channels, effectively boosting online presence, interaction, and audience engagement.

Designer, Big Ass Balloons, Houston, TX, Jul 2018 - Aug 2020 

• Applied creative judgment to strategically determine optimal placement, designs, color schemes, and execution for custom balloon installations, aligning closely with client specifications to achieve visually stunning results.

• Demonstrated effective cross-functional communication by engaging with client coordinators, clients, and management, ensuring seamless collaboration and proactively confirming details to deliver exceptional client service.

• Upheld punctual service standards and adeptly addressed unforeseen issues during deliveries, showcasing strong problem-solving skills and a commitment to ensuring a smooth and successful execution.

Marketing Assistant, Minuteman Press Northwest, Houston, TX, Aug 2017 – Jan 2018

• Collaborated directly with customers, ensuring accurate and timely project fulfillment, encompassing graphic design work and proof management.

• Spearheaded the upkeep of printers, maintained office organization, and efficiently managed day-to-day printer operations to uphold optimal functionality.

• Demonstrated proficiency with a diverse range of printers and machines, including but not limited to HP Designjet T2300, OKI pro900DP, Xerox Color 1000, HP Latex 360, HP FB 550/750, manual Apparel Screen Printer, Wide Format Low Temperature Cold Press Laminator, Mimaki cg-130fx, Industrial Paper Cutters, and Xerox® D95A/D110/D125 Copier/Printer and D110/D125 Printer.

Smallcakes Cupcakery, Houston, TX, Sep 2015 – Sep 2018

• Head Cashier - Mar 2016 - Sep 2018

  • Led and supervised a team of five to six cashier employees, overseeing shift scheduling, daily responsibilities, training initiatives, and ensuring the proper execution of job responsibilities.

  • Spearheaded the development and implementation of innovative inventory organization practices, significantly enhancing efficiency and maintaining optimal stock levels.

  • Successfully managed a demanding schedule, averaging 25 hours per week, while concurrently attending school and working up to two jobs at once, showcasing strong time management and multitasking abilities.

• Cashier - Sep 2015 - Mar 2016

  • Delivered exceptional customer service at Smallcakes, focusing on promoting individual cupcakes and full-order cakes to patrons.

  • Upheld high standards of shop cleanliness and meticulously organized front-of-house inventory and displays, contributing to a welcoming and visually appealing environment.

  • Assisted with the baking and decoration of products, ensuring the high-quality standards of Smallcakes.

Education

• Sam Houston State University, Huntsville, TX, Bachelor of Arts in Mass Communications with a concentration in Public Relations and Advertising, Graduated Dec 2020

• Lone Star College, Houston, TX, Associate of Arts Degree received June 2018

Volunteerism & Other Activities

Christ the Redeemer Church, Houston, TX, 2009 – Present

• Acted as social media manager and photographer for Christ the Redeemer Youth Ministry.

• Consulted on social media technology and strategy to curate content and increase program reach.

• Assist on videography projects to share the mission of the parish and its ministries

Commissioned Artist, Houston Livestock Show & Rodeo, Houston, TX, March 2019

• Completed commissioned illustration on 3D fiberglass sculpture as part of the Boot Row art installation for the Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo in 2019.