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Experiential Graphic Designer (Wayfinding & EGD)

Location:
Highland Park, IL
Posted:
July 08, 2026

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Resume:

Erik Watson

Graphic Designer Greater Chicago Area Open to Remote, Hybrid, or On-Site

773-***-**** ****.*.*.******@*****.*** linkedin.com/in/erik-watson erikwatson.net PROFESSIONAL SUMMARY

Versatile experiential graphic designer with hands-on experience developing wayfinding systems, placemaking programs, and environmental graphics from concept through construction documentation. Skilled at collaborating with creative teams, fabricators, and clients to translate complex needs into clear, engaging, and buildable design solutions. Known for strong typography, attention to detail, and a positive, team-focused approach in both remote and in-person environments. SKILLS & PROFICIENCIES

Wayfinding & EGD: Concept development, schematic design, diagrams, elevations, renderings, branded environments Technical Documentation: Construction documents, production art, QA, and fabrication support Design Tools: Adobe Creative Suite (Illustrator, InDesign, Photoshop), CorelDRAW, Figma, Canva, Sketch Collaboration: Cross-functional teamwork, client communication, mentorship, project handoffs Process: Shop drawings, prototypes, color samples, site-specific placement, revision cycles Remote Work: Contributing to positive, open studio culture in distributed teams EXPERIENCE

Graphic Designer — C2 Technologies 2025–2026

• Delivered creative assets and campaign visuals across email, web, presentations, and digital ads for national educational initiatives.

• Collaborated closely with creative and project teams to align design with strategic goals and campaign objectives.

• Managed concurrent projects in a fast-paced environment, consistently meeting deadlines and production standards.

• Recognized by management for doubling sprint task completion rate, driving measurable improvement in overall team production throughput.

Graphic Designer — General Services Administration via The Salmon Group 2024–2025

• Key designer on the GSA’s 800-page “Big Book” catalog, a mission-critical publication requiring rigorous consistency across hundreds of pages and product categories.

• Created comprehensive signage and wayfinding solutions for government facilities, including environmental graphics.

• Developed and maintained digital brand systems, collaborating with product and engineering teams to ensure feasibility and consistency.

• Translated complex government and technical content into accessible, high-impact creative for digital, print, and presentation formats.

• Managed multiple concurrent projects across various production stages while maintaining quality throughout.

• Prepared production-ready artwork, coordinated with estimating and fabrication, and supported site-specific placement methodology.

Graphic Designer — Independent 2022–2024

• Designed branded environments, signage systems, and technical files for commercial and nonprofit clients.

• Managed the full design process end-to-end: client consultation, quoting, scheduling, design, and delivery.

• Managed the complete process from creative concept through fabrication-ready files and vendor handoff.

• Built long-term client relationships resulting in repeat business and expanded project scope. Senior Graphics Specialist & Department Manager — Shure Incorporated 2017–2022

• Led a team producing signage and branded installations for corporate, event, and trade show environments.

• Oversaw project mockups and technical file prep for fabrication and installation.

• Created and remediated complex interactive PDF forms in Adobe Acrobat, ensuring accessibility and usability for all users.

• Produced digital and print banners, newsletters, promotional materials, advertising, presentations, and corporate communications for recurring digital marketing in a global consumer product line.

• Supported marketing, sales, and executive teams with high-impact creative solutions and presentations.

• Worked closely with art directors, buiilding managers, and architects to shape building signage and wayfinding for corporate rebranding.

• Coordinated global production with print and fabrication vendors in over 30 countries.

• Introduced a Short-Run Printing program that reduced short-run print costs by over 40% in its first year. Graphics Specialist — Shure Incorporated 2014–2017

• Produced environmental graphics and wayfinding solutions; supported production and installation phases.

• Translated legacy paper forms and static PDFs into fully interactive, fillable, and accessible digital forms for enterprise and public sector clients.

• Created print, digital, and presentation materials in a high-volume, deadline-driven environment.

• Converted corporate forms base to pdf format.

• Oversaw design workflows and compliance for product labeling and supporting materials.

• Supported internal and client-facing communication through executive-ready presentations and web assets. EDUCATION

Bachelor of Fine Arts, Performance/Design — Millikin University, Decatur, Illinois Google UX Design Certificate — Coursera, 2021

Hello to the Lumina Advisors Hiring Team,

I am interested in the Experiential Graphic Designer position from Lumina Advisors. My background includes hands-on experience with wayfinding, placemaking, and environmental graphics, and I appreciate your commitment to a positive, collaborative studio culture.

In previous roles, I’ve contributed to the full project arc, from concept and schematic design through construction documentation and installation support. I am comfortable developing wayfinding diagrams, schematic options, elevations, and renderings, as well as detailed production art and shop drawings for fabrication. My approach is detail-oriented and team- focused, and I value open communication and a healthy work-life balance. I have a strong foundation in Adobe Creative Suite and CorelDRAW, and I’m always interested in learning new tools and workflows to support project success. I enjoy collaborating remotely with creative teams and clients, and I’m motivated by the opportunity to contribute to projects that enhance user experience and sense of place. I would welcome the chance to bring my experience and positive energy to the role, and to grow as part of your team. Best regards,

Erik Watson

erikwatson.net

Erik Watson

Graphic Designer

Highland Park, Illinois

773-***-****

****.*.*.******@*****.***

www.linkedin.com/in/erik-watson

www.erikwatson.net

Portfolio - www.erikwatson.net



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