GRAPHIC DESIGNER

Location: **** S Ocean Dr, Fort Lauderdale, FL Phone: +1-917-***-****

Email: ad2olf@r.postjobfree.com

Portfolio: catherinepolak.com

LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/catherinepolak

EDUCATION:

Tbilisi State Academy Of Fine Arts — Tbilisi, Georgia Bachelor Of Arts In Graphic Design And Visual Communications Graduating With Honors - June 2002

LANGUAGES: English (fluent) Russian (native), Georgian (native) PROFESSIONAL SUMMARY:

Accomplished Graphic Designer with a rich background in branding, Print design, editorial work, Typography motion graphics and illustration. Over two decades of experience collaborating on projects across various countries, including impactful work for non-profit organizations, news broadcasts, documentaries, TV productions, and magazines. My portfolio includes contributions to causes and initiatives that make a meaningful social impact. Equipped with technical prowess and extensive expertise, I offer innovative visual solutions and strategic creativity, delivering designs that resonate across diverse industries and contexts. My adaptability and commitment to impactful storytelling through visuals make me a valuable asset to any team seeking forward-thinking design solutions. SKILLS AND QUALIFICATIONS:

● Adobe Creative Suite Proficiency: Mastery in Photoshop, Illustrator, After Effects, Premier Pro, InDesign, and other essential design tools for versatile executions. Expert knowledge aligned with the latest software and design trends.

● Visual Communication Expertise: Strong command of typography, layout, and color theory to craft impactful designs. Demonstrated ability to employ sophisticated typography treatments and compelling layout composition, ensuring high-quality visual content.

● Multifaceted Design Experience: Extensive background across print, digital, and multimedia platforms, showcasing adaptability and proficiency. Over four years of professional graphic design experience, leveraging diverse design mediums effectively.

● Meticulous Attention to Detail: Ensuring precision and maintaining consistently high-quality standards in all design work. Expert understanding of design principles, color balance, and visual weight.

● Project Management and Client Interaction: Proficient in effective prioritization, deadline adherence, and client interaction, surpassing project expectations consistently. Clear understanding of brand standards and management, evolving brands in line with organizational goals.

● Print Production Knowledge: In-depth understanding of print processes and image editing techniques, ensuring optimal design quality. Experience with photography color correction and print production processes.

● Web and Social Media Design: Creating captivating visuals tailored for web and social media platforms, maximizing impact across diverse digital mediums. Knowledge of marketing strategies, including traditional and digital methods, along with market research proficiency.

● Creative Innovation and Adaptability: Proven track record of creative thinking, innovation, and adaptability to evolving design trends. Demonstrated ability to continuously innovate and apply creative solutions.

● Strong Communication Skills: Strong written and verbal communication skills, facilitating effective collaboration and presentation of design concepts. Ability to work both independently and as an effective team member in a collaborative environment.

● Deadline Management and Adaptability: Thriving under deadline pressure, delivering high-quality work within specified timelines. Exceptional attention to detail and commitment to excellence demonstrated through timely and quality outcomes.

● Interest in Social Causes: Committed to advocating for social causes and contributing to meaningful initiatives that address pressing societal issues. Passionate about leveraging design skills to support and amplify causes aimed at social justice, community welfare, and environmental sustainability.

Employment History:

(freelance Projects)

Tranquility Drive Documentary, Boca Raton, FL (May 2022 - Current) Tranquility Drive is a transformative multimedia initiative dedicated to shattering the stigma surrounding mental health. As a nonprofit endeavor, its mission centers on empowering individuals by inviting renowned personalities to share their challenging journeys toward healing. Through candid narratives, it seeks to inspire open conversations, fostering resilience and extending hope to those navigating mental health challenges.

● Visual Brand Development: Created art pieces and digital imagery aligned with the initiative's mission to destigmatize mental health.

● Print Design Collaboration: Designed diverse print materials, including brochures, banners, and signs, in close collaboration with technical teams.

● Social Media Content Creation: Developed all social media content, ensuring consistent and impactful messaging across digital platforms.

● Focused Messaging through Design: Crafted visual elements to support candid narratives, fostering open conversations around mental health challenges. BETR Project, Boca Raton, FL (Jun 2022 - Sep 2022) The BETR Project is a non-profit organization focused on fostering a culture of giving and kindness by showcasing diverse and impactful ways to make a difference.

● Logo & Branding Creation: Developed the project's logo and comprehensive branding strategies.

● Print and Digital Design Leadership: Led design efforts for marketing and fundraising materials across various mediums.

● Design Collaboration: Worked closely with teams to ensure cohesive and impactful design outcomes.

● Maintained Brand Consistency: Upheld brand aesthetics and guidelines in all design deliverables.

Uzbek Forum For Human Rights, Berlin, Germany (Mar 2021 - Oct 2022) Uzbek Forum for Human Rights (UGF) is a German based NGO aimed at improving the human rights situation in Uzbekistan and strengthening and promoting civil society.

● Multimedia Design Creation: Developed creative designs, infographics, and animations to enhance reports, articles, videos, and podcasts, advancing human rights advocacy.

● Versatile Print Design Production: Produced digital image files using diverse design techniques, optimizing visuals for various printing methods to support advocacy efforts.

Trouble With The Truth Podcast, London, UK (Jan 2021 - Apr 2022) Trouble with the Truth, a podcast by Lana Estemirova in collaboration with the Justice for Journalists Foundation, amplifies the voices of courageous journalists worldwide who endure persecution for their work, shedding light on their untold stories.

● YouTube Podcast Animation: Produced a detailed and engaging animated intro for YouTube podcast episodes, enhancing the visual storytelling aspect.

● Multimedia Design Creation: Developed creative designs, infographics, and animations to enrich multimedia content, highlighting the untold stories of persecuted journalists worldwide.

EXILED Rohingya Documentary, London, UK (Jan 2019 - Sep 2019) Official Selection LAFA Los Angeles Film Awards 2019 (USA) Exiled: Unveiling the Rohingya Genocide exposes the harrowing social impact of Myanmar's violence against the Rohingya minority. Through powerful testimonies, it sheds light on the tragic plight of a marginalized community and aims to ignite global awareness and action against ongoing persecution.

● Visual Brand Creation: Crafted movie logos, Key Art, posters, and credit sequences, establishing a compelling visual identity for the documentary addressing the Rohingya genocide.

● Impactful Design Contribution: Designed visually striking opening titles and end credits, enhancing the documentary's presentation and recognition at esteemed film festivals.

Torah Day School of Phoenix, Phoenix, AZ (Jun 2023 - Nov 2023)

● Newsletter Design and Brand Consistency: Designed newsletters using Adobe InDesign, ensuring consistent branding throughout layouts.

● Engaging Visual Content Creation: Created captivating graphics and illustrations to enhance the newsletter's content and engagement.

Winist Restaurant & Wine Bar, Prague, Czech Republic (Jan 2021 - Apr 2021)

● Holistic Branding Creation: Developed comprehensive brand collateral, encompassing logos, uniform designs, menu layouts, and diverse visual assets for the restaurant and bar.

● Print Material Innovation: Crafted visually enticing and innovative designs for print materials, ensuring a consistent and captivating representation of the brand's essence.

Ron Bumblefoot Thal, New York, NY (EX- Guns’N’Rosesguitar player) (Dec 2015 - Jan 2020)

● Complex 3D CGI Animation Production: Conceptualized and crafted two intricate 3D CGI animated music videos, dedicating proceeds to nonprofit causes.

● Visual Innovation for Charitable Impact: Employed advanced 3D CGI techniques in producing visually captivating music videos, supporting charitable endeavors. RTVi Television Network, New York, NY (Apr 2015 - Jan 2017)

● Created Animated Intros: Designed complex animated intros for popular weekly TV shows aimed at global Russian-speaking audiences.

● Developed Various Designs: Created designs, infographics, animations, and digital images for both print and digital media.

BOSE Corporation, Tbilisi, Georgia (May 2013 - Oct 2014)

● Designed Various Materials: Created designs for company events, social media, website, brochures, banners, and signs as an authorized Bose® distributor in Georgia.

● Collaborated for Project Completion: Worked with technical teams to ensure successful project execution.

FULL-TIME EMPLOYMENT:

Visual Designer

GBP The Georgian Public Broadcasting - Tbilisi, Georgia (March 2015 - January 201) Georgian Public Broadcaster is the national public broadcaster of Georgia.

● Design Creation: Produced creative designs for print materials, brochures, banners, signs, websites, and mobile applications, adhering to brand guidelines.

● Digital & Print Graphics: Developed digital image files for both traditional and digital printing methods, ensuring high-quality visuals.

● Deadline-Oriented Design: Conceptualized and delivered compelling designs under tight deadlines, including daily news graphics.

● Team Leadership & Collaboration: Managed and collaborated with a design team, ensuring timely and top-quality deliverables for complex projects.

● UI Design and Asset Creation: Created user interface components and visual assets for web and mobile applications.

● Trend Analysis & Adaptation: Researched industry trends to inform and enhance visual designs for modern applications.

Graphic Designer

Kanal PIK TV - Tbilisi, Georgia ( January 2010 - November 2012) Kanal PIK TV was an informational, educational, and entertainment TV channel broadcasting in Russian from Tbilisi, Georgia.

● Design Creation: Developed creative designs for print materials, including brochures, banners, signs, and motion graphics for the Russian-language TV channel.

● Digital Image & Motion Graphics Production: Created digital image files suitable for both digital and traditional printing methods, alongside motion graphics for multimedia use.

● Team Leadership & Collaboration: Managed and collaborated with a design team, ensuring timely and top-quality deliverables for complex projects. Graphic Designer

City Magazine Georgia -Tbilisi, Georgia ( May 2010 - August 2013) City Magazine Georgia is a monthly tabloid magazine of popular culture, fashion, and current affairs.

● Template Management: Created and managed magazine templates, style sheets, and critical design assets for consistent publication.

● Print Design: Developed creative designs for various print materials within the monthly tabloid magazine.

● Layout Design Expertise: Designed magazine page layouts, incorporating charts, infographics, and tables for visual enhancement.

● Consistency Maintenance: Ensured consistent stylistic coherence throughout the magazine on a monthly and page-by-page basis.

● Digital Image Production: Created digital image files suitable for both digital and traditional printing methods.

● Final Project Touches: Completed final adjustments, including image sizing and font selection for print materials.

● Collaborative Editorial Work: Collaborated closely with editorial and production teams to conceptualize the overall appearance of the magazine. Graphic Designer

IMEDI Media Holding - Tbilisi, Georgia ( September 2006 - January 2010) MEDI Media Holding is a Private Television And Radio company in Tbilisi, Georgia. Key Responsibilities:

● Daily News Graphics: Constructed and integrated daily news graphics within the graphics layout system for television and radio.

● Print Design: Developed creative designs for print materials like brochures, banners, and signs.

● Digital Image Production: Created digital image files suitable for both digital and traditional printing methods.

● Style Guideline Adherence: Studied and maintained style guidelines while innovatively creating animations.

● Design Collaboration: Created designs and collaborated with technical teams for project completion.

Senior Graphic Designer

McCann - Tbilisi, Georgia (June 2003 - September 2006) McCann, formerly McCann Erickson, is an American global advertising agency network with offices in 120 countries. McCann Tbilisi has been operating in Georgia since 1998. Offering clients a full range of integrated marketing communications services to create marketing solutions that transform brands and grow business.

● Idea Development & Campaign Execution: Generated and executed compelling ideas/campaigns from inception to completion.

● Team Collaboration: Worked collaboratively with cross-functional teams, including designers, strategists, and client services, to execute projects.

● Print & Digital Design: Developed creative designs for various print materials, brochures, banners, signs, and digital image files for diverse printing methods.

● Client Interaction: Met with clients to showcase mockups, gathered feedback, and implemented adjustments based on their requirements.

● Project Collaboration: Collaborated with technical teams to complete projects, ensuring seamless design integration.

● Creative Branding: Built corporate brand identities by creating cohesive looks across elements like logos and letterheads.

References available upon request.

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