I'm a Minneapolis-based graphic designer specializing in bringing ideas to life. I'm a team-player who is quick to laugh (especially at myself) and who loves helping folks find creative solutions to their design hurdles. My idea of a job well done is delivering something that strikes a balance between form and function. I currently lead creative direction at Seiche and have spent years freelancing for nonprofits and community organizations. I enjoy collaborating with clients and teammates to craft visuals that tell compelling stories while meeting practical goals.…

Hillary Watkins

I'm a Minneapolis-based graphic designer specializing in bringing ideas to life. I'm a team-player who is quick to laugh (especially at myself) and who loves helping folks find creative solutions to their design hurdles. My idea of a job well done is delivering something that strikes a balance between form and function. I currently lead creative direction at Seiche and have spent years freelancing for nonprofits and community organizations. I enjoy collaborating with clients and teammates to craft visuals that tell compelling stories while meeting practical goals.…

Available to hire

I’m a Minneapolis-based graphic designer specializing in bringing ideas to life. I’m a team-player who is quick to laugh (especially at myself) and who loves helping folks find creative solutions to their design hurdles. My idea of a job well done is delivering something that strikes a balance between form and function.

I currently lead creative direction at Seiche and have spent years freelancing for nonprofits and community organizations. I enjoy collaborating with clients and teammates to craft visuals that tell compelling stories while meeting practical goals.

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Skills

Experience Level

Language

English
Fluent

Work Experience

Creative Director at Seiche
March 1, 2023 - Present
As Creative Director, responsible for bringing client projects to life through thoughtful design, including brand identity development, detailed report creation, asset library development, digital campaign partnership, and enterprise-level creative support. Collaborates closely with clients, either by leading those relationships or supporting colleagues, to ensure outcomes balance form and function.
Freelance Graphic Designer at Self-employed
February 1, 2018 - March 1, 2023
I created brand identities, visual design, and illustration work for a wide variety of clients — from community organizations and events to businesses and nonprofits. I designed cohesive graphics packages that included logos, color palettes, social-media templates, web and print assets, and in some cases storytelling-driven design elements tailored to a client’s mission or history. I handled full campaigns, like visual identity refreshes for preservation-minded institutions and promotional materials for fundraising galas and events. I also accepted commissions for personal or illustrative work, including pet portraits, memorial portraits, concept illustrations, and tarot-deck concepts.
Self-employed Freelance Graphic Designer at Self-Employed
February 1, 2018 - March 1, 2023
Created brand identities, visual design, and illustration for a wide variety of clients — from community organizations and events to businesses and nonprofits. Designed cohesive graphics packages that included logos, color palettes, social-media templates, web and print assets, and, when needed, storytelling-driven design elements tailored to a client’s mission or history. Managed full campaigns such as identity refreshes for preservation-minded institutions and promotional materials for fundraising events; pursued commissions for personal or illustrative work including portraits and tarot-deck concepts.
Creative Manager at Real Resources
April 1, 2016 - January 1, 2018
Developed creative for print, social and digital channels across YouthWorks and Youth Specialties. Provided artistic direction to the broader marketing team and refined creative with department heads. Collaborated with outside contractors to translate creative vision into event experiential elements and attendee touchpoints; balanced multiple ongoing projects while addressing day-to-day needs.
Creative Design Lead at National Camera Exchange
August 1, 2014 - April 1, 2016
Created event, sale and point-of-sale concepts; planned and managed marketing calendar to optimize engagement; designed, optimized, and scheduled sales emails; partnered with vendors for co-branded events and product marketing; tracked ROI of online media campaigns and contributed to UX/UI considerations during a brand redesign.
Graphic Designer at National Camera Exchange
May 1, 2014 - August 1, 2014
Designed and implemented creative for sales, events and store initiatives; maintained website branding content including event pages and featured homepage content; created, proofed, and scheduled emails; collaborated with vendors and partner brands on event materials.
Graphic and Web Designer at St.Croix Promotions & Retail
May 1, 2013 - May 1, 2014
Maintained brand standards across channels for three retail brands (MN Local Brew, Uptown MN, Sea Life Aquarium Gifts); managed Magento eCommerce sites, including graphics, photography, inventory management and promotions.
Volunteer Designer at Eastbay, Inc. (Rotta Love Plus)
January 1, 2013 - January 1, 2014
Volunteer design work contributing branding and campaign visuals for Rotta Love Plus.
Volunteer Designer at A Rotta Love Plus
January 1, 2013 - January 1, 2014
Volunteer designer contributing to branding and visual materials.
Web Graphics Designer - Partner Brands at Eastbay, Inc.
September 1, 2012 - October 1, 2012
Designed and produced web graphics for partner brands; supported marketing initiatives with digital assets and promotions.
Print Design Intern at Eastbay, Inc.
June 1, 2012 - September 1, 2012
Designed and implemented creative for all sale, event and store endeavors. Maintained website branding content including event pages and featured homepage content. Created, proofed, and scheduled emails.
Media Specialist Intern at Lawrence University
June 1, 2011 - June 1, 2012
Maintain the Lawrence University website by updating content, reorganizing department pages, and creating new pages; enhance content with photography and templates for consistency across pages.
AdImage Designer and Website Maintenance at Eastbay, Inc.
September 1, 2008 - December 1, 2011
Designed and maintained AdImage visuals and website elements; ensured branding consistency across channels.
Web Graphics Designer and Website Maintenance at AdImage
September 1, 2008 - December 1, 2011
Maintain branding content and website across multiple campaigns; design web graphics and support events.
Designer at AdImage
September 1, 2008 - December 1, 2011
Web graphics designer and website maintenance; created and maintained branding content for campaigns and product pages; produced emails and coordinated with vendors.

Education

Bachelor of Arts (B.A.), Fine and Studio Arts at Lawrence University
January 1, 2008 - January 1, 2012
Bachelor of Arts (B.A.), Fine and Studio Arts at Lawrence University
January 1, 2008 - January 1, 2012
Bachelor of Arts (B.A.), Fine and Studio Arts at Lawrence University
January 1, 2008 - January 1, 2012
High School Diploma at John Glenn High School
January 1, 2004 - January 1, 2008

Qualifications

Google Analytics Platform Principles
January 11, 2030 - December 2, 2025
Google Analytics Platform Principles
January 11, 2030 - December 2, 2025
Google Analytics Platform Principles
January 11, 2030 - December 2, 2025

Industry Experience

Media & Entertainment, Professional Services, Retail, Education, Non-Profit Organization, Software & Internet

Skills

Experience Level