Melissa Perkins

Led end-to-end brand identity design for a trauma-informed accounting nonprofit at the intersection of finance and equity, including logo design, color systems, typography, and brand guidelines. Served as sole creative partner for 4+ years, translating equity-centered values into a cohesive identity system. Directed website strategy, UX wireframing, and responsive web design in Figma across platforms, including full migration and custom CSS/front-end development. Designed branded email newsletters and digital marketing collateral with art-directed photography, extending the system across client communications. Collaborated with executive leadership, board members, and copywriters to align creative output with organizational goals and brand voice.

Built The Designers’ Cohort brand from scratch, including the full visual identity, brand system, and creative touchpoints, and sustained growth for 5 years to a community of 145 members. Launched a paid brand strategy and business consulting tier, leading monthly group strategy sessions with personalized positioning guidance and copywriting feedback that helped members increase traffic, generate leads, raise rates, and niche down. Served as sole creative director for all output—creating social content, marketing materials, event collateral, and branded merchandise—while organizing monthly workshops, curating guest experts, and facilitating critique sessions with an international audience.

Directed creative teams in concepting and executing multi-channel brand campaigns across print, digital, and experiential formats for real clients. Owned art direction across logo design, web layouts, and campaign materials from concept through final delivery. Presented concepts and creative rationale directly to clients, incorporating feedback through iterative reviews and building strong client communication skills that support her independent practice.