Multidisciplinary creative leader and strategist with 10+ years of experience driving brand growth through strategic design, marketing leadership, and visual storytelling. Proven track record of translating business goals into high‑impact campaigns, cohesive brand systems, and measurable audience engagement. Combines strategic brand thinking with hands-on execution, leading cross-functional collaboration and delivering polished creative under tight deadlines.

Shealenah Hartwell

Multidisciplinary creative leader and strategist with 10+ years of experience driving brand growth through strategic design, marketing leadership, and visual storytelling. Proven track record of translating business goals into high‑impact campaigns, cohesive brand systems, and measurable audience engagement. Combines strategic brand thinking with hands-on execution, leading cross-functional collaboration and delivering polished creative under tight deadlines.

Available to hire

Multidisciplinary creative leader and strategist with
10+ years of experience driving brand growth through
strategic design, marketing leadership, and visual
storytelling. Proven track record of translating business
goals into high‑impact campaigns, cohesive brand
systems, and measurable audience engagement.
Combines strategic brand thinking with hands-on
execution, leading cross-functional collaboration and
delivering polished creative under tight deadlines.

See more

Language

English
Fluent
French
Beginner

Work Experience

Experience Creative Director at Young Survival Coalition
April 1, 2026 - Present
Partner with marketing and leadership teams to define the creative vision for a comprehensive organizational rebrand. Lead development of a cohesive brand identity, including logo concepts, color palette, typography, brand standards, and branded marketing assets to support consistent storytelling across digital, social media, print, fundraising, and educational platforms.
Marketing Lead at Ithaca Farmers Market
August 1, 2024 - August 1, 2024
Head of all aspects of marketing, design, and content creation for a regional brand with 50K+ followers. Created campaign visuals, managed social media strategy, designed collateral, currated merchandise, and produced photography and video content to increase engagement. Developed seasonal marketing plans and coordinated partnerships, developed a brand guide to ensure consistency across all marketing channels.
Owner & Designer at Hand + Hartwell Studio
June 1, 2024 - June 1, 2024
Develop brand identities, marketing materials, and digital assets to strengthen client presence across platforms. Execute projects spanning branding, website, packaging, invitations, photography, and custom design pieces. Balance creative strategy with hands-on production to deliver high-quality, cohesive visuals.
Teacher, Studio Art at New Roots Charter School
June 1, 2024 - June 1, 2024
Taught studio art and graphic design to students in grades 9–12, introducing fundamentals of visual design, typography, and digital tools. Designed project-based lessons to nurture creativity, collaboration, and craftsmanship.
Graphic Designer at LandVest
May 1, 2024 - November 12, 2025
Design and produce high-quality print and digital assets across all divisions of LandVest under the Christie’s International Real Estate brand. Partner with the marketing team to create elevated, on-brand visuals that enhance campaigns, collateral, and digital communications. Maintain brand systems, ensuring consistent, luxury-driven design across all touchpoints.
Head of Marketing at Ithaca Farmers Market
June 1, 2023 - August 31, 2024
Directed creative and marketing strategy, overseeing brand, content, and campaign execution while growing the digital audience to 50,000+ followers and increasing engagement. Led development of cohesive brand visuals, campaigns, signage, and merchandise contributing to a 15% increase in retail sales. Built and managed a visual content library of professional photos and videos to support long-term storytelling and marketing efforts. Spearheaded a high-impact initiative that helped the market earn a top-five national ranking among farmers markets.
Design Educator at New Roots Charter School
September 1, 2021 - June 30, 2024
Designed and led a professional-level graphic design program focused on real-world creative processes. Mentored students in design thinking, visual communication, and collaborative problem-solving. Developed a project-based curriculum emphasizing creativity, craftsmanship, and industry-aligned workflows.
Designer & Production Specialist at Chase Design
August 1, 2019 - August 1, 2019
Collaborated with national brands including Coca-Cola, Starbucks, Nespresso, and Procter & Gamble to design packaging, shopper experiences, and brand assets. Balanced creative ideation with production precision, ensuring deliverables met brand and technical specifications. Partnered cross-functionally to bring creative concepts to life across campaigns.
Designer & Production Specialist at Chase Design
November 1, 2016 - August 31, 2019
Designed retail environments, packaging, and in-store graphics for major national brands including Coca-Cola, Starbucks, and P&G. Collaborated with cross-functional teams to develop campaign visuals from conception to production-ready creative assets. Prepared complex production files aligned with strict technical and brand standards.
Multi-Media Designer at WCNY (PBS Affiliate)
September 1, 2016 - September 1, 2016
Produced integrated visual campaigns across digital, print, web, and broadcast media. Designed layouts, curated content, and art-directed photo shoots for an 80-page bi-monthly magazine. Supported marketing events and initiatives through cohesive, brand-aligned creative.
Owner & Creative Director at Hand + Hartwell Studio
October 1, 2015 - June 30, 2024
Led brand identity and marketing design initiatives for clients across diverse industries, managing client relationships and guiding projects from discovery through execution. Delivered integrated creative solutions shaping strategy and visual direction, including branding, packaging, and collateral.
Multi-Media Designer at WCNY (PBS Affiliate)
June 1, 2015 - September 30, 2016
Produced integrated digital and print marketing assets supporting brand visibility and community engagement. Led design and production of an 80-page magazine published six times per year, overseeing layout, art direction, and visual storytelling. Created campaign visuals that increased event attendance and donor participation.

Education

Bachelor’s in Graphic Design at Rochester Institute of Technology
January 1, 2010 - January 1, 2014
Associates in Graphic Design at Finger Lakes Community College
January 1, 2010 - January 1, 2012
Bachelor of Fine Arts in Graphic Design (Cum Laude) at Rochester Institute of Technology
January 1, 2010 - January 1, 2014

Qualifications

Add your qualifications or awards here.

Industry Experience

Media & Entertainment, Education, Real Estate & Construction, Retail, Professional Services, Consumer Goods, Travel & Hospitality, Non-Profit Organization