Hi, I’m Erik Carlson, a senior graphic designer and art director based in New York. I specialize in turning complex ideas into clear, engaging visuals across digital, print, and experiential media. With 25 years of experience, I partner with brands to craft cohesive identities and scalable design systems that drive engagement and measurable results. I’m adept at leading design strategy, improving workflows, and delivering high-volume assets on time. My toolkit spans Adobe Creative Suite, Figma, and emerging AI-driven tools to stay ahead of trends while maintaining brand integrity and regulatory standards.…

Erik Carlson

Hi, I’m Erik Carlson, a senior graphic designer and art director based in New York. I specialize in turning complex ideas into clear, engaging visuals across digital, print, and experiential media. With 25 years of experience, I partner with brands to craft cohesive identities and scalable design systems that drive engagement and measurable results. I’m adept at leading design strategy, improving workflows, and delivering high-volume assets on time. My toolkit spans Adobe Creative Suite, Figma, and emerging AI-driven tools to stay ahead of trends while maintaining brand integrity and regulatory standards.…

Available to hire

Hi, I’m Erik Carlson, a senior graphic designer and art director based in New York. I specialize in turning complex ideas into clear, engaging visuals across digital, print, and experiential media. With 25 years of experience, I partner with brands to craft cohesive identities and scalable design systems that drive engagement and measurable results.

I’m adept at leading design strategy, improving workflows, and delivering high-volume assets on time. My toolkit spans Adobe Creative Suite, Figma, and emerging AI-driven tools to stay ahead of trends while maintaining brand integrity and regulatory standards.

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Skills

Experience Level

Language

English
Fluent

Work Experience

Contract/Freelance Graphic Consultant/Designer at Self-Employed
January 1, 2020 - November 26, 2025
Designed digital, print ads, postcards, and door hangers for SageHome (two subsidiaries). Served as design consultant on Freddie Mac Single Family projects and contributed branding for Pilot Law and Norcom Mortgage (print and social media design for hundreds of loan officers).
Senior Graphic Designer at Freddie Mac – Single Family
June 1, 2025 - June 1, 2025
Full-time designer supporting print, social media, PPT, large format, video, white papers, and cross-team consulting with multiple touchpoints.
Assistant Art Director at Freedom Mortgage / RoundPoint Mortgage
July 1, 2022 - July 1, 2022
Produced promotional, brand identity, and editorial content for print, digital, and social media platforms. Art-directed special projects (internal and B2B). Assisted in the creative management of two corporate transitions with over 1,000 templates redone twice.
Senior Graphic Designer at Freddie Mac – Single Family
June 1, 2023 - June 1, 2025
Full-time designer responsible for print, social media, PPT, large format, video, white papers; consulted with multiple teams on projects with numerous touchpoints.
Assistant Art Director at Freedom Mortgage/RoundPoint Mortgage
June 1, 2014 - July 1, 2022
Produced promotional, brand identity, and editorial content for print, digital, and social media; art-directed special projects; assisted in the creative management of two corporate transitions with over 1,000 templates redone twice.
Solution-Oriented Professional - Contract and Freelance Designer
January 1, 2000 - Present
Delivered creative design solutions for small and mid-sized businesses, including logos, promotional materials, web graphics, print, trade show booth, and social media advertising. Established cohesive brand identities that elevated client presence across digital and print channels. Managed client relationships, ensuring high satisfaction and repeat business.
Senior Graphic Designer at Freddie Mac
January 1, 2023 - January 1, 2025
Designed and produced multi-channel marketing collateral for digital, print, and social campaigns. Delivered consistent 99% deadline success through effective time management and team communication. Created viral organic content on LinkedIn and Facebook, driving significant brand visibility and engagement. Collaborated cross-functionally with marketing, compliance, and executive teams to maintain brand integrity and meet regulatory standards.
Assistant Art Director at CHL Mortgage / Freedom Mortgage / RoundPoint Mortgage
January 1, 2014 - January 1, 2022
Led three corporate transitions and re-brands. Designed and produced multi-channel marketing collateral for digital, print, and social campaigns. Streamlined workflow, resulting in a 20% YOY increase (4 consecutive years) in design deliverables (from 900 to 1,880 assets). Delivered consistent 99% on time projects for 275 loan officers. Developed brand-aligned print and digital marketing materials including brochures, trade show displays, and digital ads. Supported marketing initiatives that strengthened customer engagement and brand recognition across multiple platforms. Enhanced design turnaround time by implementing standardized templates and design systems. Mentored junior designers, fostering team collaboration and consistency in creative output.
Contract and Freelance Designer at Independent / Freelance
January 1, 2000 - Present
Delivered creative design solutions for small and mid-sized businesses, including logos, promotional materials, web graphics, print, trade-show displays, and social media advertising. Established cohesive brand identities that elevated client presence across digital and print channels. Managed client relationships, ensuring high satisfaction and repeat business.
Contract and Freelance Designer
January 1, 2000 - Present
Delivered creative design solutions for small and mid-sized businesses, including logos, promotional materials, web graphics, print, trade show booth, and social media advertising. Established cohesive brand identities that elevated client presence across digital and print channels. Managed client relationships, ensuring high satisfaction and repeat business.

Education

Bachelor of Fine Art at Tulane University
January 11, 2030 - November 26, 2025
Certification in Secondary Education for Science and Art at Barry University
January 11, 2030 - November 26, 2025
Coursework in Advertising and Design at School of Visual Arts
January 11, 2030 - November 26, 2025
at Tulane University
January 11, 2030 - December 8, 2025
at Barry University
January 11, 2030 - December 8, 2025
at School of Visual Arts
January 11, 2030 - December 8, 2025
Major in Fine Art, Minor in Biology – Biomedical Illustration at Tulane University
January 11, 2030 - December 29, 2025
Certification in Secondary Education for Science and Art at Barry University
January 11, 2030 - December 29, 2025
Coursework in Advertising and Design at School of Visual Arts
January 11, 2030 - December 29, 2025
Bachelor of Fine Arts at Tulane University, New Orleans, LA
January 11, 2030 - March 2, 2026
Bachelor of Science (Medical Illustration) at Tulane University, New Orleans, LA
January 11, 2030 - March 2, 2026
Specialized Courses (BBD&O and Saatchi & Saatchi) at School of Visual Arts, New York, NY
January 11, 2030 - March 2, 2026
Bachelor of Fine Arts at Tulane University, New Orleans, LA
January 11, 2030 - March 13, 2026
Bachelor of Science, Medical Illustration at Tulane University, New Orleans, LA
January 11, 2030 - March 13, 2026
Specialized Courses by BBD&O and Saatchi & Saatchi at School of Visual Arts, New York, NY
January 11, 2030 - March 13, 2026
Bachelor of Fine Arts and Bachelor of Science, Medical Illustration at Tulane University, New Orleans, LA
January 11, 2030 - April 9, 2026
Specialized Courses at School of Visual Arts, New York, NY
January 11, 2030 - April 9, 2026

Qualifications

Certification in Secondary Education for Science and Art
January 11, 2030 - November 26, 2025
Certification in Secondary Education for Science and Art
January 11, 2030 - December 29, 2025
Newcomb Blue Ribbon Art Award in Painting and Illustration
January 11, 2030 - April 9, 2026

Industry Experience

Media & Entertainment, Professional Services, Software & Internet, Other, Financial Services, Real Estate & Construction

Skills

Experience Level