ABOUT ME

Hi, I’m Julia! I’m a Chicago-based graphic designer and avid day dreamer.

I’m an emerging professional who is always hungry for new opportunities to help businesses stand out in today’s ever-changing digital era (and a good slice of garlic bread). I strive to make unique designs that live in people’s heads rent-free. I’m happiest when I’m making art or sitting in a warm sunbeam.

After graduating from Loyola University Chicago in 2020 with a Bachelor’s Degree in Advertising and Public Relations, I started my career working as a digital strategist with a focus in social media marketing and brand strategy. Over the course of the pandemic, however, I decided to tap back into my creative side and began teaching myself graphic design using Procreate and Adobe Creative Suite. This made me realize my true passion and lead me to pursue the Chicago Portfolio School’s graphic design program.

My previous experience working in strategy and extensive knowledge of market trends have been a catalyst in my ability to create effective designs. I believe my unique background has allowed me to adopt an artistic, yet calculated approach to graphic design and digital advertising. Call it a ‘best of both worlds’, if you will. 

In addition to my professional skillset, I also specialize in:

  • Making people laugh

  • Cooking without following a recipe in complete confidence

  • Showing up to things 15 minutes early

  • Writing world-class poetry in the notes app of my iPhone at 3 AM

  • Always having the perfect playlist for any occasion

To learn more about me, view my resume below:

Education

  • Chicago Portfolio School | March 2021 - May 2022

    Chicago, IL

    Graphic Design Program

  • Loyola University Chicago | August 2016 - May 2020

    Chicago, IL

    B.A. in Advertising and Public Relations

  • Loyola University Chicago John Felipe Rome Center | January 2018 - May 2018

    Rome, Italy

    Study abroad program

Professional Experience

  • Freelance Graphic Designer | January 2021 - Present

    Chicago, IL

    • Researched market and industry trends to guide creative direction of clients’ specific needs

    • Created a new brand identity, social media strategy, and customized digital content for brands in order to meet specific business objectives.

    • Improved web design for user accessibility and aesthetic appeal using website building platforms (Wix and Squarespace) for small businesses

    • Designed album covers and custom digital content for emerging musicians

  • Digital Strategist | Prolific Media | June 2020 - October 2020

    Chicago, IL

    • Increased client ROI and brand visibility through launching custom advertisements across Facebook and Instagram

    • Designed original creative content and wrote copy for social media advertisements and email marketing campaigns

    • Managed several client accounts and reported campaign outcomes on a weekly basis to ensure alignment with business objectives

  • Strategy Intern | IZEA, Inc. | January 2020 - May 2020

    Chicago, IL

    • ​Gathered consumer research to incorporate into new campaign pitches and ongoing campaigns

    • Helped create POV's and guides on industry trends and best practices to share with Client Development Team

    • Utilized a variety of SEO tools to support IZEA's custom content campaigns

  • Social Media Intern | Cadabra Marketing | June 2019 - August 2019

    Tel Aviv, Israel

    • Launched multiple social media campaigns across Facebook and Instagram for different clients

    • Used SEO tools, A/B testing, and email markerting to guide current and future campaigns

    • Created original graphic design, photo, video, and copywriting content to improve brand image

Awards & Certifications

  • Best of Design Award | Winter 2021

    Chicago Portfolio School

  • Facebook Blueprint Certification | October 2020

  • Google marketing platform certification | May 2020

  • Google ads display certification | May 2020

  • Project Manager | July 2019

    Cadabra Marketing

Skills

  • Creative

    • Adobe Suite (Photoshop, Indesign, Illustrator, XD,)

    • Procreate

    • Canva

    • Video editing (Final Cut Pro, iMovie, Pinnacle)

    • Sketch

    • Figma

  • Website Systems

    • Wix

    • Squarespace

    • Wordpress

  • Social Media

    • Facebook Analytics

    • Facebook Ads-Manager

    • Instagram Ads-Manager

  • Analytics

    • Google Analytics

    • Google Keyword Planner

    • Google Adwords

    • SEM Rush