My name is Anna Catherine (Annie) Estes, and I am a Communications Graphic Designer with a background in Journalism and Studio Art. One of my favorite aspects of graphic design is the ability to combine my creativity with the requirements of a brand identity, methodically working out a solution like a puzzle.
My college experience allowed me to discover my passion for graphic design while I was well into my Journalism studies, so I decided to continue with my Journalism degree while working diligently to improve my design skills through coursework, a valuable mentorship, and professional work experience. My experience in writing and copy editing gives me an advantage in the world of design and marketing, as I am extremely attentive to detail and able to support my design skills with thorough and effective communication.
Education
Ithaca College
Ithaca, NY
- Bachelor of Arts in Journalism – Roy H. Park School of Communications (December 2018)
- Minor in Graphic Design
St. Mark’s High School
Wilmington, DE
- Vice-President of National Honor Society
- Art electives
- Art Editor of Markings publication
Experience
Graphic Designer
Drexel University, LeBow College of Business
Philadelphia, PA
November 2020 – Present
- Ensure consistent messaging and visual themes in alignment with Drexel University brand standards
- Support internal and external communications by conceiving, executing, and producing graphic assets. These assets include print and digital graphics; event invitations, programs, and signage; graphics for recruitment, fundraising, community-building
- Develop email marketing strategies and design email blasts
- Assist the Art Director in communicating with internal and external vendors for print, digital and outdoor advertising efforts to ensure that deadlines and expectations are consistently met
- Assist with photography and video shoots and asset management
Graphic Designer
Atlantic Tractor
Oxford, PA
March 2019 – November 2020
- Provide graphic assets for marketing campaigns while adhering to the style guidelines set by partner company John Deere
- Support internal and external communications by composing newsletters, providing location-specific graphic support, developing email marketing strategies and designing email blasts, and contributing to company culture initiatives
- Create video material for local TV commercials and social media content – including interviewing customers and company officials, recording interviews, and editing footage into final product
- Work with outside vendors to provide print-ready graphics for signage, apparel, and other marketing materials
Graphic Designer
Autumn Arch Beer Project
Newark, DE
December 2019 – Present
- Design craft brew can labels
- Provide graphic assets for social media and print advertisements
- Design and provide print-ready assets for apparel, including staff shirts and dog bandanas
Communications Manager
Positively Mystic
Ithaca, NY
September 2017 – December 2018
- Designed wholesale product catalog
- Developed logo and online identity
- Assisted with social media and promotion
Graphic Designer
Ithaca College Art Department
Ithaca, NY
September 2017 – October 2018
- Designed posters advertising visiting artists for the Art Department
- Created logo to use across social media platforms
- Strengthened Art Department visual identity by designing decals for front doors
Strategic Communications Intern
Polaris Alpha
Aberdeen, MD
May 2017 – January 2018
- Coordinated, collected sponsors, and organized TAPS Golf Outing
- Assisted with social media marketing and communications
- Designed graphics for email blasts and social media
Freelance Design, Social Media, Content Creation
December 2018 – Present
- University of Delaware (Newark, DE): poster design for Student Health Services
- Port House Grill (North East, MD): graphic design, social media management
- Visit North East, MD (North East, MD): graphic design, content creation, WordPress
- Fairwind Farms (North East, MD): graphic design, content creation
- ImageBuilders Web Design: graphic design, logo design
Core Skills
- Adobe Creative Suite – Photoshop, Illustrator, InDesign, Premiere Pro
- WordPress – content management and theme set-up
- HTML/CSS – working knowledge
- MailChimp, Active Campaign – designing and writing content for e-mail blasts
- Microsoft Office, Google Suite
- Video editing
- Social media analytics – Facebook Analytics, Hootsuite
- Mondays (and other project management tools)
- AP style
- Comic book illustration (and reading!)
- Barista
- Bagel Creator
- Previous Irish dancer with Do Cairde School of Irish Dance