1. Work hard at work worth doing*
2. Whoever has the most fun wins**
That pretty much sums it up. When those two mottos guide my day, work becomes play, the hours fly by, and Mondays aren’t so awful anymore. That joy seeps into my work and audiences feel it. That emotion sparks connection, that connection builds trust. Trust drives action, and action = results. Repeat and, over time, those results shape audience perception, and that perception defines a brand.
That’s the heart of what I do: crafting brand experiences that surprise and delight and make Mondays a little more magical. Whether I’m leading a pitch, concepting a campaign, or mentoring a team of green designers, I bring energy, smiles, and a relentless drive to create work that resonates.
Away from my desk, you’ll find me making Halloween costumes from recycled material, backpacking with friends and family, rock climbing with the best buddies a girl could ask for, and dreaming up “million-dollar ideas” that I’ll absolutely NEVER act on.
Experience
Senior Graphic Designer
University of Oregon | 2021–Today
Partnering with campus leaders and my colleagues on the Strategic Communications and Marketing team to drive creative strategy for UO's Division of Enrollment Management and Student Life. Our immensely talented team brings the creative vision that delivers record-breaking recruitment numbers for four years and counting.
Freelance Creative Director and Designer
Heritage Design Co. + Desk of Leah O | 2009–2021
Specialized in brand identity development. Working with clients like Wildstock Wines, Scott Paul Wines, Blossom Brothers, World of Speed, Altavia Wines, Seventh Wave Wines, Anne Amie Wines, Carolus Wines, Gun Dog Wines, Reach Break Brewing, Ferguson Wellman, West Bearing Investments
(Mostly part-time but a full-time stint from 2015–2019)
Adjunct Design Instructor
Chemeketa Community College | 2016–2017
Senior Designer, Special Projects
World of Speed Museum | 2015
Collaborated closely with the Marketing Director to create a cohesive visual identity and engaging interactive experiences to support the grand opening of the World of Speed Motorsports Museum in April of 2015. After the grand opening, I was commissioned to redesign the World of Speed website, which won a NAAMY Award of Excellence for web design in 2017.
Graphic Designer (Contract), Nike North America Soccer Account
HERENOW Creative | 2014–2015
Specialized in designing retail displays for Nike’s North America Soccer account—including footwear tables, footwear walls, window installations, and various environmental graphics.
Art Director
Grow Creative | 2013–2014
Brand identity and development for the wine and beverage world. Fast-paced, creative playground where deadlines sparked innovation and every project was brimming with personality. Building brands and designing award-winning labels. Started as a designer and was promoted to Art Director in my second year.
Graphic Designer
The People’s Organization on Sustainable Housing | 2012–2013
Graphic Designer
Country Media | 2009–2012
Graphic Designer
“The Cats” T-ball Team | 1992
(Uniform pictured below 👇)
(Uniform pictured below 👇)
Education
Leading for Creativity and Storytelling for Influence
IDEOU Certificates | 2024, 2025
Master’s in Advertising and Brand Responsibility
University of Oregon | 2021
Bachelor’s in Graphic Design
Portland State University | 2014
Bachelor’s in Business Administration
John Brown University | 2007
* Theodore Roosevelt in a 1903 speech to farmers at the New York State Agricultural Association.
** The venerable James Clear, author of "3-2-1 Thursday"—the email that makes every Thursday just a little bit brighter
** The venerable James Clear, author of "3-2-1 Thursday"—the email that makes every Thursday just a little bit brighter