AYA AKAR
**** ********* ***. ***#, ******** of Columbia, 20007
aya.akar.19.95@gmailcom www.behance.net/AyahAkar +1-443-***-**** Overview
Seeking a graphic designer job where I can explore new creative techniques and fulfill my potential and incorporate my skills. I am open to coaching and learning new things. Experience
Co.gent E-commerce, Beirut, Lebanon * 2018 2019
• Created social media marketing plans for Fashionistas. Clients included: The Sisters, Sarsh Bags, and Brate Omnichannel retail marketing company located in beirut
• Created Social Media cycles and campaigns for clients including Maliks Bookstore, Mamas and Papas, The Gym Club, 180 Fitness Gym, Yaki Niku Restaurant, Coconoix Bakery Lebanon, The Food Factory, and Mystic Asian Spa
• Created Logo Designs (for start-up companies such as financial businesses and Design industries) and designs for Dine-in and Takeaway menus for Sakamati Restaurant and BBQ Burger Resto
• Launched campaigns for dermatology clinic based in downtown Beirut Dr Ismail Maatouk
• Edited and re-sized photos for web and print publishing
• Grew social media presence by 15% by creating new online marketing strategies for Samakati Restaurant and Toys Store
Freelance Graphic Designer / Web App Designer * 2019 2021
• Fashioned a logo for a Dermatology Doctor in Baltimore, MD
• Created Instagram content for social media influencer, @Sarahsbag, located in Beirut o @Sarahsbag is a Lebanese social enterprise creating elevated handcrafted fashion pieces to empower both the women who make them and those who wear them o The content is available to 120K Instagram followers
• Created Instagram content for social media influencer, @jessicakofficial, located in Beirut o Responsible for the marketing plan for weekly posts and photography session ideas o Edited photos and created marketing strategies for the fashion wear brand o The content is available to 29.8K followers
• Developed a Brand Guideline Identity Manual for a financial start-up business
• Highlights of Client-Based Strategy:
o One of my clients was very indecisive about choosing a logo for the start-up company
(Finance), so I took the following steps:
1. Made sure to understand how best to represent the company, 2. Explained the reason and strategy behind choosing logos and brand Identities, 3. Provided three alternatives and,
4. Successfully convinced the client of the logo that best fitted the company Volunteer experience
University of Maryland Medical Center 2021
o Responsible for Data for Lung transplant patients on Epic o Shadowing A research coordinator for consenting patients for clinical Trials and BART studies
Education
• Ras Beirut International School, Lebanese Baccalaureate Diploma, Beirut, Lebanon (2014)
• Lebanese American University (US accredited), BA in Graphic Design, Minor in Visual Arts Beirut Lebanon (2019)
o Emphasis on Digital Design with a minor in Visual Arts o Focused on print media: branding, publication, illustration, and digital design o Web design, application design, UX and UI
o Earned recognition for illustration work: October June May 18 /2018 Dancing Ballerina Project 2nd term
o Received recognition for excellent presentation skills using Adobe Illustrator for my Senior project:
Created an Application Design which included a user face interface UX UI planning easy to navigate + Book Design + Posters
The project aims at providing a coping mechanism for the target audience
(children) to help them handle/manage anxiety
The application asks the audience daily questions over a one-week period
Each question is tailored to the child’s preferences, hobbies, interests so the child can build a panic book by the end of the week
The book groups the results of the child’s answers
The book is interactive and is based on what relaxes the child
The book can be customized so that it deals with each case individually
The information gathered from child and parents is uploaded in a panic-book Software
• Adobe Suits Photoshop, Illustrator, InDesign, and After Effects
• Microsoft Outlook, Word, Excel, and PowerPoint
• Proficient in file sharing platforms; Egnyte a plus
• 3D Max
• Adobe XD, Adobe Premium
• Teams
• Adobe Illustrator Draw
• Autodesk Maya
• SharePoint
• M365
Skills
• Photo-retouching
• Knowledge of royalty free images
• Copywriting/editing/proofreading
• Fluent in English and Arabic (native)