Ela is a designer located in Chicago, Illinois. In 2023, she graduated with degrees in Visual Communication and Psychology from Loyola University Chicago. Ela is passionate about brand design, digital illustration, packaging design, and human-computer interaction. Her background in psychology provides valuable insight into user interface design and research.
SKILLS
Expert in Adobe Photoshop, Adobe Illustrator, Adobe InDesign, Figma, Adobe XD
Proficient in Adobe AfterEffects, Adobe Premiere Pro, Squarespace, WordPress, Midjourney, DALLE, IBM SPSS Statistics, Qualtrics
Working knowledge of Sketch, JavaScript (p5.js)
EDUCATION
Loyola University Chicago, Chicago, IL
Major: Visual Communication (B.A.) and Psychology (B.S.)
Graduation Date: May 2023
WORK EXPERIENCE
Graphic Designer
Respiratory Health Association - Chicago, IL
April 2024 – present
◊ Develops new visual identities for two major fundraising events yearly, working within existing brand guidelines while ensuring each year’s design is visually interesting, distinct, and memorable
◊ Designs event t-shirt, medal, postcard, flyers, digital ads, social media graphics, and directional signage for all fundraising events and conferences, using Adobe Creative Suite
◊ Designs editorial materials including informational pamphlets, brochures, and reports to be distributed to students, respiratory patients, and caretakers throughout Illinois, in order to educate the public about respiratory health
◊ Re-designed company website using Figma, to enhance visual appeal, usability, and reflect the authority and reliability of RHA
◊ Manages status of all graphic design projects using Microsoft Planner and determines project timeline after interpreting design requests from internal departments
◊ Coordinates with print vendors to ensure print production is accurate for all materials, including color and paper stock, and logistical requirements such as timeline and budget restrictions are met
Graphic Design Intern
Morning Walk: A Performance Branding Company - Chicago, IL
October 2023 – March 2024
◊ Created and updated assets to match new guidelines for company re-brand including Employee Handbook, social media graphics, PowerPoint templates, stationary, internal documents, business cards, and office design elements, using Adobe Creative Suite
◊ Designed logos, badges, and other vector graphics in Adobe Illustrator to be presented to clients for use in upcoming marketing campaigns
◊ Conceptualized design direction by creating photograph contact sheets and mood boards in Figma, Adobe XD, and Adobe Bridge
◊ Prepared files including business cards, stationary, stickers, and vinyl wall decals for print production and communicates with Production Team and outside vendors to ensure accuracy of all materials
◊ Collaborated with Junior Copywriters to create blog posts for Morning Walk website by formatting text, creating graphics, and selecting imagery on Squarespace platform
Graphic Design Intern
AIDS Foundation Chicago - Chicago, IL
November 2022 – April 2023
◊ Designed social media graphics, reports, greeting cards, informational one-pagers, and diagrams consistent with AFC brand guidelines, using Adobe Creative Suite
◊ Interpreted and translated design briefs into deliverables to be distributed to clients, donors, and legislators in order to promote increased funding and awareness of AFC’s mission and values
◊ Collaborated with lead designer and External Relations Team to align on deliverable quality, timeline, and brand messaging