Hi, I'm April, a passionate and experienced art director and graphic designer with a strong background in creating compelling visual identities and digital assets. Over the years, I've collaborated with a variety of clients across industries, managing everything from website refreshes to large-scale events, always aiming to elevate brand presence through innovative design. I love mentoring new designers, streamlining workflows, and crafting reusable templates that boost both creativity and efficiency. Whether working remotely or through my freelance, I enjoy partnering with clients to bring their vision to life with a friendly and approachable style.…

April LKelly

Hi, I'm April, a passionate and experienced art director and graphic designer with a strong background in creating compelling visual identities and digital assets. Over the years, I've collaborated with a variety of clients across industries, managing everything from website refreshes to large-scale events, always aiming to elevate brand presence through innovative design. I love mentoring new designers, streamlining workflows, and crafting reusable templates that boost both creativity and efficiency. Whether working remotely or through my freelance, I enjoy partnering with clients to bring their vision to life with a friendly and approachable style.…

Available to hire

Hi, I’m April, a passionate and experienced art director and graphic designer with a strong background in creating compelling visual identities and digital assets. Over the years, I’ve collaborated with a variety of clients across industries, managing everything from website refreshes to large-scale events, always aiming to elevate brand presence through innovative design.

I love mentoring new designers, streamlining workflows, and crafting reusable templates that boost both creativity and efficiency. Whether working remotely or through my freelance, I enjoy partnering with clients to bring their vision to life with a friendly and approachable style.

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Skills

Experience Level

Language

English
Fluent

Work Experience

Senior Production and Graphic Designer at Brooks Running Co.
July 31, 2024 - July 16, 2025
Spearheaded a high-impact 3-month website refresh, collaborating with internal brand marketing to create a cohesive and future-proof digital presence using updated iconography, assets, and type guidelines. Delivered pixel-perfect, fully responsive mockups with Sketch and Figma, enhancing user experience across platforms. Created dynamic assets including icons, motion graphics, email/CRM campaigns, social media content, and print materials. Partnered with major retailers to design ecommerce assets and brand style guides. Orchestrated marketing materials for large-scale events such as marathons and Berkshire Hathaway initiatives. Designed interactive digital asset kits integrated into the company’s DAM system. Mentored new designers and streamlined workflows as Design Lead.
Art Director, Graphic Designer, Illustrator at Mustard Buffalo Studio
April 1, 2012 - Present
Founded and operated a creative freelance studio providing tailored brand identity, promotional materials, and illustration services. Collaborated with clients across industries to develop web and print marketing assets such as presentations, pitch decks, posters, event and trade show graphics, infographics, webinars, brochures, logos, iconography, and digital campaigns to enhance brand presence. Partnered with PR firms and direct clients including musicians, restaurants, nonprofits, healthcare organizations, real estate developments, and automotive brands to amplify visual identities and marketing efforts.
Art Director, Graphic Designer at CarMax
March 31, 2020 - July 16, 2025
Developed a comprehensive PowerPoint theme enhancing brand consistency across the marketing department. Designed and launched employer style guides that elevated CarMax’s brand identity. Created visuals for the “CarMax Kids Give Back” annual company-wide campaigns. Supported the in-house creative team on multiple high-profile projects, delivering outstanding results across various marketing channels.
Production Designer at S&P Global
July 31, 2018 - July 16, 2025
Produced high-quality design collateral including brochures, posters, and web banners that adhered to global brand standards and engaged international audiences. Managed high-volume projects efficiently under tight deadlines. Curated and prepared visual assets optimized for both print and web platforms.
Junior Designer at RVA Magazine
January 31, 2013 - July 16, 2025
Designed eye-catching posters, advertisements, and digital content that connected with RVA’s creative community. Contributed to magazine layout design by providing innovative concepts. Represented the magazine at promotional events and nurtured relationships with clients and local businesses.
Editorial Assistant & RVAmag.com Content Manager at RVA Magazine
December 31, 2012 - July 16, 2025
Managed website content using Drupal CMS, contributed original ideas, edited articles, and oversaw editorial processes. Coordinated interviews, transcriptions, and research to produce compelling stories for print and online platforms.
Intern at RVA Magazine
April 30, 2011 - July 16, 2025
Assisted with editorial and design tasks, contributed to content and design concepts. Conducted research and transcribed interviews ensuring accuracy and timely delivery. Acted as liaison between the magazine and local businesses to build promotional relationships.
Printing Assistant at Graphics Gallery
June 30, 2009 - July 16, 2025
Gained large-format printing expertise producing banners, window graphics, and packaging solutions. Played a key role in enhancing client visual identities through precise and creative printing support.
Senior Production and Graphic Designer at Brooks Running Co.
July 31, 2024 - July 16, 2025
Spearheaded a high-impact 3-month website refresh, collaborating with internal brand marketing to deliver a cohesive and future-proof digital presence using updated iconography and type guidelines. Delivered pixel-perfect, fully responsive mockups via Sketch and Figma, enhancing user experience across all platforms. Created dynamic assets including icons, motion graphics, email/CRM campaigns, social media content, and print materials. Partnered with retailers to design cutting-edge Ecommerce assets and brand style guides. Led marketing materials for major marathon events to maximize brand visibility and designed interactive digital asset kits integrated into the DAM system. Elevated to Design Lead, mentoring new designers and streamlining workflows for improved creativity and efficiency.
Art Director, Graphic Designer, Illustrator at Mustard Buffalo Studio
April 1, 2012 - Present
Operate a creative freelance studio providing custom brand identity, promotional materials, and illustration services, including children’s book illustration. Collaborate closely with diverse clients to develop web and print marketing materials such as presentations, pitch decks, posters, event/trade show graphics, infographics, brochures, logos, iconography, and digital campaigns focused on enhancing brand presence. Partner with PR firms and direct clients across various sectors including music, restaurants, nonprofits, healthcare, real estate, and automotive to amplify visual identities and marketing campaigns.
Art Director, Graphic Designer at CarMax
March 31, 2020 - July 16, 2025
Developed a comprehensive PowerPoint theme to enhance brand consistency within the marketing department. Designed and launched modern 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 cross-channel results.
Production Designer at S&P Global
July 31, 2018 - July 16, 2025
Delivered high-quality design collateral including brochures, posters, and web banners adhering to global brand standards and resonating with international audiences. Managed high-volume projects under tight deadlines with precision and creativity. Curated and prepared optimized visual assets for print and web platforms.
Junior Designer at RVA Magazine
January 31, 2013 - July 16, 2025
Designed visually striking posters, advertisements, and digital content capturing the attention of RVA’s creative community. Contributed fresh ideas to magazine layout design and represented the magazine at promotional events, building relationships with clients and local businesses.

Education

BFA at Virginia Commonwealth University
January 1, 2007 - December 31, 2007
BFA at Virginia Commonwealth University
January 1, 2007 - December 31, 2007

Qualifications

Add your qualifications or awards here.

Industry Experience

Consumer Goods, Retail, Media & Entertainment, Non-Profit Organization, Professional Services

Skills

Experience Level