Well-rounded creative designer from Chicago, IL, with experience in multiple industries–especially food and beverage. Key strengths include graphic design for digital and print, email development, UI and accessibility design, typography and illustration. With extraordinary attention to detail and a "can-do" attitude, I deliver impeccable work within tight deadlines and remain flexible through changing priorities and scopes. I look forward to tackling your design challenges and bringing your vision to life! --- View My Portfolio: _Website not available. Sign in: https://www.twine.net/signup_…

Amanda Paulson

Well-rounded creative designer from Chicago, IL, with experience in multiple industries–especially food and beverage. Key strengths include graphic design for digital and print, email development, UI and accessibility design, typography and illustration. With extraordinary attention to detail and a "can-do" attitude, I deliver impeccable work within tight deadlines and remain flexible through changing priorities and scopes. I look forward to tackling your design challenges and bringing your vision to life! --- View My Portfolio: _Website not available. Sign in: https://www.twine.net/signup_…

Available to hire

Well-rounded creative designer from Chicago, IL, with experience in multiple industries–especially food and beverage. Key strengths include graphic design for digital and print, email development, UI and accessibility design, typography and illustration. With extraordinary attention to detail and a “can-do” attitude, I deliver impeccable work within tight deadlines and remain flexible through changing priorities and scopes. I look forward to tackling your design challenges and bringing your vision to life!

View My Portfolio: Website not available. Sign in: https://www.twine.net/signup

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Skills

Experience Level

Adobe Illustrator
Expert
Squarespace
Expert
Signage
Expert
Lettering
Expert
Freelance Gig
Expert
Canva
Expert
Adobe Photoshop
Expert
Brand Identity
Expert
Email Design
Expert
Adobe InDesign
Expert
Mailchimp
Expert
Adobe Lightroom
Expert
Business Card
Expert
Email Marketing
Expert
Web Design
Expert
Logo
Expert
3D Design
Intermediate
Banner
Intermediate
Branding
Intermediate
GIF
Intermediate
WordPress
Intermediate
T-shirt Design
Intermediate
Flyer
Intermediate
Brochure
Intermediate
AI Collection (Audio)
Beginner
AI Data Labelling
Beginner
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Language

English
Fluent
Spanish; Castilian
Intermediate

Work Experience

Graphic & Visual Designer (Self-Employed) at Amanda Paulson Creative
January 1, 2009 - Present
Generate original design concepts for freelance projects including murals, hand-painted signage, print collateral, digital and social media assets, and website graphics.
Email Designer at True Citrus
January 1, 2022 - January 1, 2024
Developed and implemented HTML email campaigns and automation flows using Klaviyo. Applied dynamic personalization techniques, audience targeting and segmentation, mobile and dark mode optimization, and troubleshot issues across email clients. Partnered with remote in-house marketing team to ensure a creative yet consistent aesthetic that supports brand identity and messaging.
Graphic & Visual Designer; Co-Founder & Creative Director at Snailbox Cards
January 1, 2015 - Present
Self-employed graphic and visual designer; co-founded Snailbox Cards; manage brand identity, complete design system, and cross-functional marketing; lead creative process; align on campaign creative actions across marketing channels; collaborate with vendors and clients.
Graphic Designer at Amanda Paulson Creative
January 1, 2009 - Present
Graphic Designer & Illustrator delivering original concepts for freelance projects including murals, hand-painted signage, print collateral, digital & out-of-home ads, and illustration.
Store Art Director & Sign Artist at Trader Joe's
January 1, 2015 - October 5, 2025
Led a small team of artists to design in-store marketing graphics, POS graphics, shell talkers, wayfinding signage, and visual merchandising displays. Developed visual identity systems based on purchasing trends and communication goals for a high-volume retailer.
Graphic Designer at University of Illinois
January 1, 2008 - October 5, 2025
Spearheaded new graphic design service within the Illinois Union Marketing Department, uniquely serving the marketing needs of over 800 organizations and departments. Designed posters, flyers, brochures, websites, and ads for print and digital.
Graphic Designer & Email Marketing at Ann Nathan Gallery
January 1, 2010 - October 5, 2025
Managed marketing, art inventory, and digital image library for a renowned art gallery. Planned marketing calendar, designed marketing graphics, and executed email and direct mail campaigns.
Email Designer at True Citrus
January 1, 2024 - October 5, 2025
Developed and implemented HTML email campaigns and automation flows using Klaviyo. Applied dynamic personalization techniques, audience targeting and segmentation, mobile and dark mode optimization, and troubleshot issues across email clients. Partnered with remote in-house marketing team to ensure a creative yet consistent aesthetic that supports brand identity and messaging.
Visual & Digital Designer at Petsense
December 31, 2024 - October 4, 2025
Full-time remote role designing marketing graphics for use across multiple digital channels for national pet supply retailer (email, social media, digital ads, website). Concept and deliver elevated email designs that uphold brand standards to achieve business goals and drive revenue. Collaborated cross-functionally to develop brand identity, lead creative process changes, and align on campaign creative actions.

Education

Bachelor of Fine Arts at University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign
August 1, 2004 - June 1, 2008
Certificate of Graphic Design at School of the Art Institute of Chicago
July 15, 2019 - December 15, 2021

Qualifications

Certificate in Graphic Design
January 11, 2030 - October 5, 2025
Bachelor of Fine Arts (Painting)
January 11, 2030 - October 5, 2025

Industry Experience

Retail, Consumer Goods, Real Estate & Construction, Travel & Hospitality, Media & Entertainment, Professional Services, Software & Internet, Education
    uniE621 Photo Retouching Sample
    Photo retouching and colorization sample using Adobe Photoshop. graphicdesigner photoediting photoretouching imageediting photoshop…
    uniE621 Rojo Gusano Menu Design
    Client: Rojo Gusano Date: 2019 Role: Branding identity and menu redesign for an upscale Mexican restaurant in Chicago, IL. The client's goal was to better reflect their elevated cuisine and sophisticated ambiance. Menu copy was simplified and condensed, and dark colors and modern fonts provided a more luxe aesthetic. graphicdesigner menudesigner menudesign restaurantmenu cocktailmenu dinnermenu typography…
    uniE621 Magazine Cover Design
    Client: Airbnb (mock project) Date: 2019 Project: Spring 2019 airbnbmag cover design – A case study in magazine design. Mock cover inspired by my 2019 trip to the stunning and elusive island of Mustique. Featuring hand drawn lettering. graphicdesigner magazinedesign editorialdesign handlettering handdrawn lettering typography…
    uniE621 Hewn Bakery Menu Design
    Client: Hewn Bakery Date: 2022 Role: Chalkboard menu redesign for bakery in Evanston, IL. Client was struggling with how to let customers know which breads were available for purchase, as the bread selection varied day to day. I developed a magnetic signage system with individual bread signs that can be switched out as needed. For the coffee menu, I created a more digestible layout with an editable price menu template that the client can change as needed. graphicdesigner menudesigner restaurantmenu chalkboardmenu chalkart handlettering lettering typography handdrawn…
    uniE621 Beefeater Event Menu for Legacy Marketing
    Client: Beefeater London Date: 2018 Role: Menu design for liquor brand promotional event, planned and hosted by Legacy Marketing in Chicago, IL. graphicdesigner foodandbeverage liquor menudesign menudesigner typography…
    uniE621 True Citrus 'Packetful of Happy' Email Sample
    Client: True Citrus Date: 2022 – Ongoing Role: Designing and executing the brand's non-sales email series "Packetful of Happy", which features uplifting wellness content and healthy recipes using True Citrus products. I created editable templates and build weekly emails with custom quote graphics and animations to make each email fresh and unique. Platform: Klaviyo…
    uniE621 True Citrus: Packetful of Happy Email Series
    Client: True Citrus Company Date: 2022 – Ongoing Role: Designing and executing the CPG brand's non-sales email series "Packetful of Happy", which features uplifting wellness content and healthy recipes using True Citrus products. I created editable templates and build weekly emails with custom quote graphics and animations to make each email fresh and unique. Platform: Klaviyo graphicdesigner webdesigner emaildesigner emaildeveloper email klaviyo ecommerce…
    uniE621 True Citrus Email Sample
    Client: True Citrus Company Date: 2021 - Present Role: Email design for True Citrus, a wellness-focused brand in the beverage/CPG space. Using Klaviyo, I built out several automation campaigns and designed editable templates that I use to build e-commerce emails. I create fun hero graphics and animations that follow brand guidelines yet bring a unique voice to each sale. I also make use of Klaviyo's Shopify integration to highlight products from the brand's online shop. Platform: Klaviyo graphicdesigner emaildesign emaildeveloper email klaviyo…
    uniE621 True Citrus: 'Shop True' Email Series
    Client: True Citrus Company Date: 2021 - Present Role: Email design for True Citrus, a wellness-focused brand in the beverage/CPG space. Using Klaviyo, I built out several automation campaigns and designed editable templates that I use to build weekly emails for their e-commerce series "Shop True". I create fun hero graphics and animations that follow brand guidelines yet bring a unique voice to each sale. I also make use of Klaviyo's Shopify integration to highlight products from the brand's online shop. Platform: Klaviyo graphicdesigner emaildesign emaildeveloper email klaviyo…
    uniE621 Snailbox Cards Website Design
    Client: Snailbox Date: 2015 Role: Branding identity and website design for e-commerce greeting card subscription service. In addition to the website's UI design, I am also responsible for the original photography, photo editing, content creation and copywriting. Platform: Squarespace URL: https://www.twine.net/signin branding squarespace webdesigner ecommerce greetingcards stationery graphicdesigner…
    uniE621 The Cheese Maven Website Design
    Client: The Cheese Maven Date: 2019 Role: Website design for a cheese catering business in Chicago, IL. Website Platform: Squarespace URL: https://www.twine.net/signin graphicdesigner webdesigner branding squarespace foodandbeverage…
    uniE621 The Cheese Maven Business Card
    Client: The Cheese Maven Date: 2019 Role: Digital and print collateral design for a cheese catering business in Chicago, IL. Deliverables included business card, package label, stationery and apparel. URL: thecheesemavenchicago.com graphicdesigner webdesigner branding foodandbeverage businesscard stationery packaging sticker…