I’m an experienced designer and creative director specializing in visual branding, digital marketing campaigns, and print design for D2C brands. I have extensive experience leading creative strategy and execution for both agency and in-house environments. I thrive on managing multi-disciplined teams, directing photoshoots, developing on-brand packaging, and creating effective e-commerce content across multiple channels. Throughout my career, I've worked closely with marketing and product teams to ensure timely delivery of high-quality creative assets that align with brand guidelines and strategic goals. I am passionate about creating compelling visual identities and have a proven track record of successfully managing both freelance clients and corporate creative teams.…

Cindy Hilliard

I’m an experienced designer and creative director specializing in visual branding, digital marketing campaigns, and print design for D2C brands. I have extensive experience leading creative strategy and execution for both agency and in-house environments. I thrive on managing multi-disciplined teams, directing photoshoots, developing on-brand packaging, and creating effective e-commerce content across multiple channels. Throughout my career, I've worked closely with marketing and product teams to ensure timely delivery of high-quality creative assets that align with brand guidelines and strategic goals. I am passionate about creating compelling visual identities and have a proven track record of successfully managing both freelance clients and corporate creative teams.…

Available to hire

I’m an experienced designer and creative director specializing in visual branding, digital marketing campaigns, and print design for D2C brands. I have extensive experience leading creative strategy and execution for both agency and in-house environments. I thrive on managing multi-disciplined teams, directing photoshoots, developing on-brand packaging, and creating effective e-commerce content across multiple channels.

Throughout my career, I’ve worked closely with marketing and product teams to ensure timely delivery of high-quality creative assets that align with brand guidelines and strategic goals. I am passionate about creating compelling visual identities and have a proven track record of successfully managing both freelance clients and corporate creative teams.

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Work Experience

Creative Director/Owner at Big Picture Design Co.
July 1, 2024 - Present
Lead the complete visual identity design for CPG brands including brand identity, online retail listings, storefront content, product packaging, brand guidelines, and catalogs. Developed creative strategy and executed online creative projects. Designed on-brand packaging, print and digital marketing, website and e-commerce content, and Amazon listing images, A+ content, and brand storefronts. Created mockups of products and packaging for e-commerce and marketing use.
Freelance Art Director/Designer
June 30, 2024 - August 21, 2025
Led creative direction and design strategy for various clients with a focus on brand identity and guidelines, product packaging, online retailer listings, storefront content (Amazon and Walmart), e-commerce advertising, and print catalogs. Managed multichannel creative projects including packaging, print and digital marketing, and e-commerce content. Directed product and lifestyle photo shoots, wrote copy for packaging and infographics, and maintained online retailer assets.
Sr. Design Manager at Learning Resources
October 31, 2024 - August 21, 2025
Managed up to eight designers, copywriters, and freelancers both remotely and in person. Oversaw the creative process for digital marketing content for three brands along with product packaging, print catalogs, and tradeshow graphics. Directed product and lifestyle photo and video shoots, ensuring on-brand deliverables that met strategic objectives. Led contract negotiations and communication with freelancers and creative talent. Collaborated cross-functionally with marketing and product teams to ensure timely delivery of assets and presented designs to senior leadership.
Design Manager at Learning Resources
January 31, 2020 - August 21, 2025
Led design and content creation for multichannel marketing including packaging, print and digital advertising, paid social, website, and e-commerce content. Directed photo shoots and ensured creative met brand guidelines and objectives.
Senior Graphic Designer at Learning Resources
February 1, 2013 - August 21, 2025
Designed product components, packaging, marketing collateral, e-commerce assets, and trade show graphics. Retouched and color corrected digital photography. Assisted with photo shoot direction and mentored junior team members.
Graphic Designer at Learning Resources
July 1, 2006 - August 21, 2025
Designed marketing collateral and product packaging while gaining skills in layout and typography. Worked on branded packaging lines and annual catalogs.
Junior Graphic Designer at Learning Resources
July 1, 2003 - August 21, 2025
Supported design projects including digital photography retouching and assisting photo shoot direction. Gained foundational experience in graphic design.

Education

Associate Degree, Graphic Design at Gateway Technical College
January 11, 2030 - August 21, 2025

Qualifications

Certified Nutritional Therapy Practitioner
January 1, 2017 - August 21, 2025

Industry Experience

Consumer Goods, Retail, Media & Entertainment, Professional Services
    paper Package Design—Fine Motor Friends Toys (Learning Resources)

    This line of toddler toys from Learning Resources was developed to help 2-3 year olds develop fine motor skills. The branded packaging is clean and simple, allowing the fun, colorful products to be prominent.

    paper Branding—Braize

    Braize had a logo but tasked us with branding them as a premium product line primarily for e-commerce. Based on the brand’s logo, we expanded the color palette and added graphic elements and photo direction, which resulted in a cohesive and impactful brand identity. The visual branding has been carried out across photography, website, Amazon content, and packaging. Because of the brand’s packaging, Braize was able to seamlessly expand into brick-and-mortar retail.

    paper Holiday Campaign-Learning Resources

    Learning Resources is an award-winning educational toy manufacturer. The 2024 holiday campaign was designed to increase sales during Q4. The campaign was designed to add a fun, holiday twist to the overall brand and coordinate with existing assets. The holiday creative was utilized on the Learning Resources website, Amazon, email marketing, paid ads, and social media.

    paper Branding—new to me Resale Shop

    New to Me is an online resale shop specializing in brand-name & designer clothes and accessories. They needed updated branding to reflect it’s fun, vintage aesthetic while maintaining a designer, upscale feel. Their new logo, color palette, and design elements capture the store’s bright ’70s vintage flair and their unique charm.

    paper Branding—Amara Natural Candles

    Amara produces high-quality nature-inspired candles scented with natural ingredients. Amara had a great product but needed visual branding that appealed to its target audience of women 25-50 that prioritze their health and clean living. We developed visual branding with a soft, natural color palette inspired by the mountain and coastal scents of the candles.