Hello!
April is a creative and versatile Graphic Designer and Art Director with more than 14 years of experience delivering innovative branding, visual design, and illustration solutions across diverse industries. April is skilled in Adobe Creative Cloud (Photoshop, Illustrator, InDesign), Figma, Sketch, HTML/CSS, and digital asset management systems. She is adept in UX/UI design, web development, email marketing campaigns, and content management systems, including Drupal, Squarespace, and Wix. April has a strong background in creating impactful marketing assets, event campaigns, and digital/print collateral that enhance brand presence. She is experienced in leading design projects, mentoring teams, and implementing workflow efficiencies. April has proven ability to collaborate with cross-functional stakeholders and high-profile clients, ensuring cohesive, high-quality results. She holds a BFA in Fine Arts Communication Arts from Virginia Commonwealth University. She is local to Richmond, VA.
Experience:
Mustard Buffalo Studio – Richmond, VA
Art Director, Graphic Designer, Illustrator
April 2012 – Present
• Creative freelance studio providing tailored brand identity, promotional materials, and illustration services, including children’s book illustration, for a range of clients across industries.
• Collaborated closely with clients to develop web and print marketing materials, including eye-catching PowerPoint presentations, pitch decks, posters, event and trade show graphics, infographics, webinars, brochures, logos, iconography and digital campaigns, focused on enhancing brand presence.
• Partnered with PR firms and direct freelance clients—including musicians, restaurants, nonprofits, healthcare organizations, real estate developments, and automotive brands—to amplify their visual identities and marketing campaigns.
Brooks Running Co. – Seattle, WA (Remote)
Senior Production and Graphic Designer (Contractor via Aquent Studios)
January 2021 – July 2024
• Spearheaded a high-impact 3-month website refresh, working closely with internal brand marketing to ensure a cohesive and future-proof digital presence utilizing their updated library of iconography, assets, and type guidelines.
• Delivered pixel-perfect, fully responsive mockups using Sketch and Figma, elevating the user experience across all platforms.
• Created dynamic assets ranging from icons and motion graphics to email/CRM campaigns, social media content (Facebook, Instagram, Pinterest, Twitter), and print materials.
• Partnered with leading retailers (DSW, Footlocker, Zappos, Dick’s Sporting Goods) to design cutting-edge Ecommerce assets, PCP/PLP/PDP deliverables, and brand style guides.
• Orchestrated marketing materials for large-scale events and campaigns, including the Houston Marathon, Berkshire Hathaway initiatives, and other major marathons, maximizing brand visibility.
• Designed interactive digital asset kits, seamlessly integrated into the company’s DAM system to empower retailers.
• Elevated to Design Lead, where I mentored new designers, created reusable templates, and streamlined workflows for optimal creativity and efficiency.
CarMax – Richmond, VA
Art Director, Graphic Designer (Contractor via Vitamin T-Aquent Talent)
December 2019 – March 2020
• Developed a comprehensive PowerPoint theme, enhancing brand consistency across the entire marketing department.
• Designed and launched modern, visually cohesive employer style guides that elevated CarMax’s brand identity.
• Created standout visuals for the “CarMax Kids Give Back” initiative, used in company-wide campaigns annually.
• Supported the in-house creative team on various high-profile projects, delivering exceptional results across channels.
S&P Global – Washington, D.C.
Production Designer (Contractor)
March 2018 – July 2018
• Delivered high-quality design collateral (brochures, posters, web banners) that adhered to global brand standards and resonated with international audiences.
• Thrived under tight deadlines, managing high-volume projects with precision and creativity.
• Curated and prepared stunning visual assets, ensuring all content was optimized for print and web platforms.
RVA Magazine – Richmond, VA
Junior Designer
March 2012 – January 2013
• Designed visually striking posters, advertisements, and digital content that captured the attention of RVA’s vibrant, creative community.
• Contributed to magazine layout design, bringing fresh, innovative ideas to each issue.
• Represented the magazine at promotional events, forging relationships with key clients and local businesses.
Editorial Assistant & RVAmag.com Content Manager
May 2011 – December 2012
• Managed content for RVAmag.com using content management system Drupal, contributing original ideas, editing articles, and overseeing the editorial process.
• Coordinated interviews, transcriptions, and research to produce captivating stories for both print and online platforms.
Intern
January 2010 – April 2011
• Supported the editorial and design teams, contributing to magazine content and design concepts.
• Conducted research and transcribed interviews for publication, ensuring accuracy and timeliness.
• Liaised between the magazine and local businesses, building promotional relationships and managing deliveries.
Graphics Gallery – Richmond, VA
Printing Assistant
October 2008 – June 2009 | Freelance: July 2009 – August 2010
• Gained expertise in large-format printing and design, producing high-impact banners, window graphics, and packaging solutions.
• Played a key role in the creative process, helping to elevate the visual identity of client projects through precision and creativity.
Doodles and Sketches
