Graphic Designer, Project Management, Illustrator

Cody Pajkos

Elmhurst, IL · 312-***-**** · **********@*****.*** · codypajkos.com · linkedin.com/in/cody-pajkos Professional Summary

Seasoned graphic designer and 2D illustrator with expertise in B2B and B2C freelancing. Three years experience in brand identity with Amazon, and five years in scaling a local advertising startup. Supplementary group presentation and project management skills via customer service and logistics. Technical Skills

Adobe Creative Suite, Photoshop, Illustrator, InDesign, Acrobat, Canva, Social Media, Hootsuite, MacOS, Windows, Drawing Tablets, Microsoft Office, Google Docs, ChatGPT, Generative AI, UX Design (Studying) Work Experience

Employee Trainer / Graphic Designer - Amazon Logistics - Downers Grove, IL (Oct 2021 - Present)

● Onboards, coaches and evaluates dozens of diverse new hires using clear visual presentations and communication, leading to three being promoted to fellow trainers.

● Collaborates with management since 2023 to design exclusive Amazon-branded apparel for training staff, using effective color theory and typography.

● Design efforts led to a 50% increase in employee trainer recruitment in Fall 2024. Book Cover Designer - Self-Employed - Elmhurst, IL (May 2012 - Present)

● Custom-designed vector and hand-drawn art to develop book covers and interior illustrations for self-published authors on Amazon Kindle Direct Publishing.

● Established nine-year working relationship with KDP author Josie Garrett. Customer Service Associate - Target Corporation - Warrenville, IL (Jul 2011 - Dec 2020)

● Used creative problem solving to manage inventory, place orders, and handle customer inquiries in electronics, grocery, produce, frozen, bakery, front end, bicycles, and backroom.

● Promoted to employee trainer in 2013, offering guidance and evaluation for new trainees.

● Achieved fifth highest ranking among all company locations for bicycle assembly and sales in 2015.

Graphic Designer - Directories of Professional Artists & Entertainers - Naperville, IL (Jul 2007 - Apr 2012)

● Created over 1,000 advertisements for a diverse range of performing artists with great attention to detail and flexible artistic styles.

● Managed progress for up to three publications simultaneously using Microsoft Excel.

● Assisted with pre-flight and proofing using knowledge of four-color and duplex printing processes to ensure high-quality, printed catalogs.

● Helped scale business from a Chicago startup to serving nineteen metropolitan areas across the continental United States.

Certifications

● Social Media Management - Coursera, Meta (Sept 2025)

● Foundations of User Experience (UX) Design - Coursera (May 2025)

● Adobe Acrobat Basics - LinkedIn (Jan 2025)

● InDesign 2024 Essential Training - LinkedIn (Dec 2024)

● After Effects 2021 Essential Training - LinkedIn (Oct 2024)

● Canva Essential Training - LinkedIn (Sept 2024)

● Illustrator 2024 Essential Training - LinkedIn (Sept 2024) Education

Lewis University · Romeoville, IL · Bachelor of Arts, Theatre · Minor, Fine Arts

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