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