Open to opportunities

Kara Smoker

@karasmoker

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Creative graphic designer with expertise in branding and visual communication.

Zimbabwe

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What I'm looking for

I am looking for opportunities that foster creativity, collaboration, and professional growth in a dynamic environment.

As a passionate graphic designer with a BFA in Graphic Design from Miami University, I have cultivated a strong foundation in creating engaging and relevant brands for clinical research. My academic achievements, including graduating Summa Cum Laude with a GPA of 3.92, reflect my dedication to excellence in design. Currently, I serve as a Graphic Designer III at Medpace, where I lead a team in developing materials that inform, recruit, and retain patients and sites.

In addition to my role at Medpace, I have a thriving freelance design practice where I create branding, apparel, environmental graphics, and promotional materials for various clients. My experience as Art Director for Miami Quarterly magazine has honed my skills in editorial design, collaboration, and project management. I take pride in mentoring graphic design interns and facilitating teamwork to achieve outstanding results.

Experience

Work history, roles, and key accomplishments

Current

Freelance Designer

Current

Freelance Design

Jan 2018 - Present (7 years 5 months)

Created branding, apparel, environmental graphics, and promotional materials for various clients. Managed client relationships and project delivery.

Branding Promotional Materials Client Management Illustrator Photoshop

Current

Graphic Designer III, Information Design

Current

Medpace

Oct 2019 - Present (5 years 8 months)

Developed engaging and relevant brands for clinical research, as well as materials to inform, recruit, and retain patients and sites. Managed communication and timelines as a team lead.

Illustrator Photoshop InDesign Project Management Branding Clinical Research

Multimedia Manager

College Hill Presbyterian Church

Jan 2018 - Dec 2019 (1 year 11 months)

Designed environmental graphics and collateral for weekly gatherings and special events. Facilitated a team of volunteers to run visual equipment.

Computer Technician

Miami Department of Integrated Technology

Jan 2016 - Dec 2018 (2 years 11 months)

Conducted computer maintenance for faculty and student resources. Provided technical support and troubleshooting.

Technical Support Troubleshooting Hardware Software

Art Director

Miami Quarterly (MQ) magazine

Jan 2016 - Dec 2018 (2 years 11 months)

Led design staff in layout editorial design. Collaborated with writers, editors, and photographers to produce four issues a year.

Editorial Design Layout Design Team Leadership Collaboration Print Production InDesign

Education

Degrees, certifications, and relevant coursework

Miami University

BFA in Graphic Design, Graphic Design

Grade: 3.92, Summa Cum Laude

Activities and societies: Art History Minor, mathematics extension studies, College of Creative Arts Scholar

Graduated with a BFA in Graphic Design, minoring in Art History and completing mathematics extension studies. Recognized as a College of Creative Arts Scholar, achieving a GPA of 3.92 and graduating Summa Cum Laude.