NICOLE SALOW
experienced graphic designer
ABOUT ME
I am forever optimistic, open-minded, and love new adventures. Design is my passion, and so are photography, live music, and sustainability! My curiosity leads me to learn skills to achieve my professional goals—I recently earned a certificate in UX Design, as well as a master’s degree in Web Development. I have a wide array of professional and life experiences that have shaped the person I am today: adaptable, patient, creative, energetic, and ready to jump in with both feet.
EDUCATION
B.A. Graphic Design
Drake University
B.A. Journalism & Mass Communication (Magazine Journalism)
Drake University
Master of Applied Computer Science (Web Development)
Saint Xavier University
WORK EXPERIENCE
August 2019 - Present
February 2016 - July 2019
October 2015 - December 2016
May 2011 - July 2015
GRAPHIC DESIGNER
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Produce and oversee digital and print creative solutions by organizing, designing, developing, evolving and enforcing the university’s visual brand identity.
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Conceptualize and apply visual design principles including typography, composition, color theory and hierarchy to 35+ creative branded assets per month.
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Translate strategies and written requests into a variety of design solutions that are appropriately branded and support project goals.
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Execute all creative design stages from concept to final hand-off to production
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Maintain strong, proactive relationships with cross-functional teams.
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Provide flawless press-ready files to printers, approve proofs, perform press checks and show to ensure accuracy in quality, quantity and cost.
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Designed an onboarding program to train and manage design student workers.
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Identified bottlenecks in proofing processes and implemented new software and strategies to overcome them, saving thousands of dollars and cutting creative proofing time by 50%.
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Co-chair of Sustainability: plan and carry-out sustainability awareness events, oversee social media accounts and manage sustainability student worker.
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Chair of ASC Communications: voted by peers in Administrative & Staff Council. Encourage employee communication and coordinate quarterly newsletter.
GRAPHIC DESIGNER II
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Simultaneously managed fast-paced design work across multiple campaign deadlines with efficiency and attention to detail.
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Designed 50+ print and digital advertising, billboards, direct mail pieces, social media and marquee images using Adobe Creative Suite software.
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Collaborated with copywriters and design managers to maintain both individual casino and Boyd Gaming brand standards on all creative marketing campaigns.
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Contributed to the development of templates, style guides, pattern libraries and design specs for marketing materials and applications.
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Created an onboarding program for new hires, frequently managed new employee training, and offered continuous guidance and mentorship to trainees.
PRODUCTION MANAGER
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Retouched family and senior portraits from RAW files, designed custom albums and wall art and created social media content. A
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Assisted photographer during in-studio and on-location photo shoots.
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Photographed youth sports portraits and events.
ENGLISH TEACHER
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Created engaging PowerPoint presentations and materials to enhance students’ learning experiences.
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Designed and implemented a 10-week English course for Korean military students, including supplemental PowerPoints and creative worksheets.