Karen
Hi! I'm

"I just want you to know who I am"
-Goo Goo Dolls
Thanks for checking out my portfolio. I am a Dallas-based designer with twenty years of experience ready and willing to rock any project.
I started mostly in print but have expanded my scope to include much of the digital world – including email campaigns, social media outreach, digital publications, and educational videos.
I also have professional experience managing people. Leading a team of creatives is a rewarding challenge. I institute an environment that empowers designers to develop assets and take ownership of their projects. It is my job to provide appropriate direction and make sure that their work ladders up to the greater strategic goal.
I understand the importance of managing and maintaining a strong brand. I strive to adhere to established brand standards to communicate the appropriate tone or messaging of the organization. In fact, I have helped three large, Dallas-based companies in their rebranding efforts. It was crucial to ensure that the stakeholders understood that transition of their branding would help foster new clients and customers going forward. Respecting and valuing a brand is vital to most organizations.
I prepare for each project by researching business insights and industry trends. Then, I look for solutions that rely on creativity, interesting typography, and impactful imagery. It is exciting to help identify additional opportunities that could help the organization reach new or grow existing clients. And in everything, my goal is to use the given resources efficiently and complete projects in a respectful amount of time.
And I love playing Uno.
Skills & Achievements
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Adobe Creative Suite –
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InDesign
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Photoshop
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Illustrator
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Premiere Pro
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Lightroom
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Acrobat
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After Effects
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UX and UI Design
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Copy Writing and Editing (AP and MLA styles)
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Photo Editing
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Logo Creation
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Color Theory
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Typography
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Design Principles
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Brand Management
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Portfolio Management
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Marketing
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Social Media – Instagram, Facebook, Threads/X, TikTok
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Microsoft Office, Google Suite
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Zoom, Teams
Tangible Skills

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Creative Direction
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Communication
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Strategy
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Critical Thinking
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Problem-Solving
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Ensure Brand Consistency
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Leadership
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Teamwork and Collaboration
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Intellectual Curiosity
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Empathy
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Integrity
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Public Speaking and Presentations
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Teaching and Education
Intangible Skills

Nearly 5K subscribers on YouTube
Your Breast Care Educational Booklet
Winner of the Published Materials Award from the Institute for Healthcare Advancement, 2011
Published in (a sample): Washington Post, Newsweek, Time, Marie Claire, Real Simple, Self, Health, Martha Stewart Living, O Magazine,USA Today, Daily Candy, Consumer Reports Magazine, Good Housekeeping, Cooking Light, InStyle, Women’s Day, Ebony, Essence, Curve, More, Women’s Health, Reader’s Digest, Parents, People, Glam, Runner’s World, Women’s Running, Wedding Style Magazine, Spectacular Weddings, Golf Digest, Kentucky Oaks, American Medical Association, Natural Health, Health Charities.org, Healing Hands, American Way, Latitudes, Sky Magazine, Championship Bull Riding Program, Me in Focus, NOVA, Spaces Kansas City
Phi Sigma Pi, Gamma Phi Chapter, Chapter Service Key
Achievements

Education

Degrees
Master of Journalism, Integrated Communication
Mayborn School of Journalism, University of North Texas
Summa Cum Laude, Minors in Physiology and Economics
Bachelor of Arts, Journalism Advertising
Gaylord College of Journalism, University of Oklahoma
Dean's Award, Minor in Film & Video Studies

Professional Development
Adobe Max Creativity Conference
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Attendee, 2020 - 2023
Video Creators Summit
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Attendee, 2004
Adobe Summit, The Digital Experience Conference
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Attendee, 2021
Certified Google Analytics
Links

Projects
Real Math Solutions - YouTube
Irreverent Art Studio - Etsy
Print on Demand - TeePublic
Drawing
Lunchbox Doodles Season 2 - Shutterfly
Lunchbox Doodles Season 1 - Shutterfly
Sketchbook Project - Currently Relocating
Socials
LinkedIn
TikTok
Rockstar Karen - YouTube