Available to hire
I’m Lisa Darlington, a designer with more than 20 years of experience driving creative strategy and hands-on production across print, digital, motion, and environmental media. I excel at building brand systems, guidelines, and templates; directing multi-channel campaigns; and embedding accessibility and sustainability into design while collaborating with stakeholders across corporate, cultural, and community sectors.
Experience Level
Expert
Expert
Expert
Expert
Expert
Expert
Expert
Expert
Expert
Expert
Language
English
Fluent
Māori
Beginner
Work Experience
Director at LDDesign
January 1, 2006 - PresentPortfolio: https://www.lisadarlington.com/ Directed and designed brand, campaign, and creative projects for cultural/community and business clients (Choirs NZ, Great Britain Ukulele Orchestra, Natural Conservation Cemeteries, McLaren Falls Festival, Jazz Festival, Whenua Ora, NZGA). Delivered identities, websites, collateral, merchandise, exhibitions, signage, photography and videography and digital campaigns.
Marketing Specialist – Brand at Summerset Retirement Villages
September 1, 2025 - October 23, 2025Designed and delivered award-winning campaigns and sponsorship activations (Netball NZ, Silver Ferns, NZSO, Art in the Park, Big Sing, St John's & Wellington Free Ambulance, DementiaNZ). Produced and designed brand and ad templates, sales and operations collateral, signage, merchandise, and content across digital, print, social, and video. Produced website content, email, social media (Meta Suite, LinkedIn), and intranet (SharePoint). Directed content creation across photography, video and motion graphics, ensuring brand consistency. Used analytics to measure performance and refine creative strategies.
Creative & Brand Manager at Wellington City Council
October 1, 2021 - October 23, 2025Led a 16-person Creative & Brand team (Graphic designers, photographers, videographer, print technicians, workflow team and administration). Embedded Te Reo Māori, accessibility, and inclusive design. Directed branding/wayfinding projects for Tākina Convention Centre and libraries. Brand manager and creative lead for website rebrand. Lead creative, concept design and branding for city campaigns and events, reports, communications, and policies. Developed brand systems and guidelines, templates, and training for consistent adoption across all channels. Balanced leadership with hands-on design, content creation, production and project management.
Marketing & Communications Manager at Massey University
December 31, 2006 - October 23, 2025Coordinated and produced campaigns, advertising, events, and content for Wellington campus. Marketing specialist for COCA festival. Founding panel member for Exposure Festival, creating marketing and brand strategy that raised the profile of Creative Industries. Produced and managed campaigns supporting enrolments nationally and internationally. Promoted and created collateral for the launch of the NZ School of Music.
Marketing & Communications Manager at Unitec – Faculty of Architecture & Design
December 31, 2002 - October 23, 2025Managed marketing and communications for Architecture, Design, Performing Arts, Engineering, and Construction Schools. Manager of reception and 2x full time marketing/comms staff & 8 freelance creatives. Lead graphic designer and photographer. Produced collateral, prospectuses, campaigns, events, advertising, content and research promotions that lifted national and international reputation. Directed creative production across print, digital, and events. Mentored staff and design students, managed workflows, budgets, and external suppliers. Achievement: Elevated profile of programmes nationally, contributing to enrolment growth. Created NZ first tertiary education cinema ads in-house in film studio, recorded enquiries and enrolments in 2001, 2002. Promoted Unitec first Dance and Film NZ Tour x 2 years.
Marketing & Communications Manager at WelTec
December 31, 2005 - October 23, 2025Managed a 9-person marketing team, delivering campaigns, media, and events for programmes and facilities. Oversaw advertising placement, event management, and market research.
Marketing Projects & Support at MAS (Medical Assurance Society)
January 1, 2019 - October 23, 2025In-house lead graphic designer during full rebrand, producing collateral, digital assets, and event materials. Directed creative for campaigns and events, ensuring brand alignment, accessibility, and compliance.
Marketing Campaigns Specialist at FMG
February 1, 2020 - October 23, 2025Designed, produced and managed campaigns informed by market research and segmentation. Delivered creative content for safety and lifestyle campaigns, enhancing inclusivity and engagement.
Education
Bachelor of Creative Industries – Graphic Design (Level 7) at Toi Ohomai Institute of Technology
January 1, 2016 - December 31, 2016Postgraduate Diploma in Communications at University of Waikato
January 1, 1998 - December 31, 1998Bachelor of Arts – English/Education at University of Waikato
January 1, 1997 - December 31, 1997Marketing Strategy, Services & Research at University of Waikato
January 11, 2030 - October 23, 2025Advanced Illustrator & Photoshop at Unitec
January 11, 2030 - October 23, 2025Fundamentals of Design at Unitec
January 11, 2030 - October 23, 2025Interior Design at WelTec
January 11, 2030 - October 23, 2025Qualifications
Treaty of Waitangi and Bicultural Competency
January 11, 2030 - October 23, 2025Te Reo Māori (Level 1)
January 11, 2030 - October 23, 2025AI in Design Marketing Association
January 1, 2024 - October 23, 2025Stakeholder Management
January 1, 2023 - October 23, 2025Advanced Branding & Purpose - Led Creative Direction
January 11, 2030 - October 23, 2025Copywriting: Secret Sauce to Great Copywriting
January 1, 2024 - October 23, 2025Photography for Storytelling
January 11, 2030 - October 23, 2025Advanced Content Marketing
January 11, 2030 - October 23, 2025Industry Experience
Media & Entertainment, Professional Services, Education, Government, Non-Profit Organization
This website showcases a snapshot of creative projects, including art direction, graphic design, illustration, advertising, website design, photography, video and brand development. https://www.twine.net/signin
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