Open to opportunities

Jess Smolinski

@jesssmolinski

Message

Multidisciplinary Designer and Art Director with 10+ years of experience.

United States

Message

What I'm looking for

Seeking a role that allows me to leverage my expertise in brand design and strategy to create meaningful connections, emphasizing empathy, integrity, and accessibility in a collaborative environment.

As a multidisciplinary designer and art director with over a decade of experience, I specialize in creating meaningful connections between brands and their audiences through empathetic and accessible design. My work spans various industries, where I've led teams and driven creative campaigns that resonate deeply with consumers.

My professional journey includes roles at prominent companies such as Zillow and Walmart eCommerce, where I've developed brand identities, led design teams, and executed innovative campaigns. I've also co-founded One Night Brands, a quick-turnaround brand service agency, showcasing my versatility and entrepreneurial spirit.

I am passionate about fostering collaboration and integrity in design, ensuring that each project reflects a brand's true essence while maintaining high creative standards. My approach is rooted in strategic thinking and a commitment to delivering impactful results that align with both client goals and audience needs.

Experience

Work history, roles, and key accomplishments

Current

Senior Designer/Art Director

Current

Self Employed

May 2022 - Present (3 years 2 months)

Provided customized design solutions to various clients, helping them achieve their creative goals. Worked with notable clients including Wikimedia Foundation and The Truth Collective.

Custom Solutions Client Management Brand Strategy Storyboarding Research Documentation Project Management Creative Direction Communication

Art Director

YR Media

Dec 2023 - Jun 2024 (6 months)

Led a team of designers and youth interns, providing art direction and strategic guidance on creative projects in brand marketing and social media. Enhanced collaboration processes and outlined a design education program for interns.

Art Direction Brand Design Social Media Team Leadership Collaboration Education Programs Digital Design Print Design Motion Graphics Illustration

Senior Brand Designer

Zillow

May 2020 - Apr 2021 (11 months)

Developed and executed creative campaigns, collaborating with various teams. Successfully launched Zillow on TikTok with the lowest CPM and shaped the new brand's visual identity.

Brand Identity Figma Illustrator Photoshop InDesign Marketing Strategy Stakeholder Engagement Visual Design

Design Lead

Zendrive

Sep 2018 - Mar 2020 (1 year 6 months)

Refined brand identity and messaging, leading design efforts for web and mobile. Grew the design team and worked closely with high-value partners.

Brand Identity Web Design Mobile Design Team Management B2B SaaS Project Management Partnering Design Strategy

Owner & Designer

One Night Brands

Jan 2017 - Sep 2018 (1 year 8 months)

Co-owned a brand service agency, managing design projects from concept to completion and negotiating proposals with clients.

Brand Strategy Project Management Design Leadership Creative Direction Proposal Development Cost Estimation Team Collaboration

Digital Designer

Client Resources Inc.

Nov 2016 - Nov 2017 (1 year)

Developed design systems and documentation for a white-label app, facilitating communication between product and engineering teams.

Design Systems Documentation Marketing Standards Communication Team Collaboration App Design User Experience Branding

Brand Designer

Walmart eCommerce

Nov 2014 - Nov 2016 (2 years)

Integral part of the marketing design team, updating brand guidelines and collaborating on large-scale campaigns. Mentored design interns.

Marketing Collateral Campaign Planning Art Direction Mentorship Digital Marketing Team Collaboration Creative Strategy

Education

Degrees, certifications, and relevant coursework

Creative Center College of Art and Design

Bachelor of Fine Arts, Graphic Design

Grade: 3.9 GPA

Bachelor of Fine Arts in Graphic Design with a focus on developing creative skills and design principles. Achieved a GPA of 3.9, demonstrating a strong academic performance while engaging in various design projects.