Hi there. I'm Vicki, a Cleveland-based art director, multidisciplinary graphic designer, & illustrator.

Before I spent my days designing, I spent them figure skating. Skating taught me that great work doesn't just happen because you're talented. It takes discipline, practice, attention to detail, and the willingness to keep improving until you get it right. That's the mindset I bring to every project.

My interest in design started in middle school during a trip to a used bookstore with my mom. I came across a few books about Andy Warhol and was fascinated by how he used color and shape. Learning that he started as a commercial illustrator was the first time I realized creativity could be a real career. I still find myself drawn to bold color and graphic shapes today.

Over the past eight years, I've had the opportunity to work across branding, campaigns, packaging, illustration, digital design, print, presentations, and trade show design for clients ranging from local businesses to global brands.

My process usually includes research, sketching, exploring different directions, and refining ideas until they feel right. I also use AI as part of my workflow to brainstorm and explore possibilities but every final decision is intentional and guided by my own perspective.

I'm currently a contract remote Art Director at Marlin Connections, where I collaborate on campaigns for national and global food and beverage brands. Outside of work, I'm earning my MFA in Graphic Design at Academy of Art University because I enjoy learning and growing as both a designer and an artist.

My work has been recognized by the American Advertising Awards, AIGA, Adobe Create, and Graphic Design USA, where I was honored to be named a 2025 Student to Watch.

When I'm not designing for clients, I enjoy acrylic painting, Procreate drawing, and learning new things. Right now, I'm teaching myself Blender and After Effects.

Thanks so much for stopping by! Feel free to reach out at vickivdesign@gmail.com.

Recognition

American Advertising Awards

AIGA

Adobe Create

GDUSA

Education

Academy of Art University
MFA Graphic Design
In Progress, Expected 2027

Cleveland State University
BA Graphic Design
Cum Laude, 2018

Cuyahoga Community College
Associate of Arts
Magna Cum Laude, 2015

Experience

Freelance
2016-Present

Marlin Connections
Contract Art Director 2026–Present

Full Time Art Director 2023–2026

Paradowski Creative
Art Director 2022–2023

Twist Creative
Graphic Designer 2019–2022
Design Intern 2018

Little Jacket
Design Intern 2018

Recess Creative
Design Intern 2018

Core Skills

Creative Strategy, Concepting

Brand Identity Systems

Integrated Campaigns

Art Direction, Photo Direction

Packaging Design

Web Design

Typography, Layout

Illustration

Storyboarding

Simple Animation

Presentation Design

Team Collaboration, Mentorship

Tools and Platforms

Adobe Creative Suite (Photoshop, Illustrator, Indesign, After Effects, Firefly)

Figma

Midjourney, Claude, ChatGPT

PowerPoint, Keynote, Ludus

Creatopy, Hubspot