i'm
natalie dowd.
CREATIVE DIRECTOR &
GRAPHIC DESIGNER
Design isn't just my job, it's my passion. I thrive on the hands-on process, from brainstorming concepts to seeing the final product come to life. My experience spans leading design initiatives, directing photo shoots, and mentoring junior designers. I'm a firm believer in fostering a collaborative environment that sparks creativity and delivers impactful visual solutions.
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I wear multiple hats well, managing tight deadlines and juggling projects with ease. You can count on me to deliver high-quality work on time, every time. By working closely with different departments, I ensure our internal documentation and customer-facing materials are cohesive and effectively communicate our brand message.
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I'm a lifelong learner, always looking to expand my skillset by embracing new software and techniques. This keeps my design approach fresh and allows me to tackle any challenge. Let's chat! Download my resume and explore my portfolio to see how I can bring my passion for design to your team.
PROFESSIONAL
MY KNOWLEDGE LEVEL IN SOFTWARE
INDESIGN
95%
PHOTOSHOP
95%
ILLUSTRATOR
80%
ADOBE XPRESS
75%
EMAIL CRM
95%
POWERPOINT
85%
HTML & CSS
50%
I am currently preparing to enhance my skills in Figma and
Adobe After Effects to broaden my creative capabilities.
PORTFOLIO
MY LATEST WORK. SEE MORE >
Experience
2014-PRESENT
Hand & Stone
Massage & Facial Spa
HSM ADVERTISING
2011-2014
Creative Director
As the Creative Director, I have led the visual and artistic direction of the brand, successfully transitioning our initial print presence to the digital realm. In addition, I play a crucial role in shaping Hand & Stone's current brand strategy, overseeing a team of junior designers. Under my guidance, our design initiatives have been instrumental in expanding the company to over 550 spas. Working closely with executive leadership and various departments, I ensure the integrity of our brand identity while driving innovative design solutions. From orchestrating photoshoots to managing our creative workflow and collaborating with vendor partners, I am dedicated to supporting franchisees and maintaining standardized branding across all advertising materials.
American Driveline Systems
AAMCO & COTTMAN TRANSMISSIONS
Art Director
Collaborated directly with the VP of Marketing, overseeing all in-house design projects ranging from posters, brochures, one-sheets, banners, flyers, magazine/newspaper ads, building mock-ups, direct mail pieces, large-scale event backdrops, billboards, logo design and stationary, web banners, web ads, to website development and more. Additionally, closely collaborated with franchisees on various marketing materials to ensure brand consistency and effectiveness.
2009-2010
Freelance
2005-2009
Town & Country Living Magazines
Graphic Designer
While pursuing my Web Design/Multimedia Certificate, I concurrently worked as a Freelance Graphic Designer, accumulating extensive experience across various roles and industries. At Strenk Sandor Advertising in New Hope, PA, I specialized in producing a wide range of print materials including advertisements, posters, banners, and brochures under the guidance of the creative director. Simultaneously, as a Freelance Web/Graphic Designer at Total Web Services, I developed HTML websites, managed site maintenance through CMS platforms, and contributed to print design projects aimed at rebranding initiatives. Additionally, I served as a Freelance Illustrator for Ducts.org Webzine in Brooklyn, NY, creating more than twenty illustrations for personal stories and memoirs. In Warrington Township, PA, my role involved overseeing the layout and design of a township newsletter, along with the creation of promotional materials for local events, camps, and clubs.
Graphic Designer
My responsibilities encompassed various tasks such as designing and conceptualizing advertisements for advertisers, creating page layouts for editorial departments across three magazines, and updating website content and photos following each issue's publication. Additionally, I crafted sell sheets for sales representatives and handled other design-related tasks within the office. Moreover, I conducted color proofing of magazines at the printer to ensure accurate color correction.
LET'S CHAT
Interested in discussing potential opportunities or collaborating on a project? Feel free to reach out via the contact form or directly at nataliedowd84@gmail.com
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Tel: 267-393-0337