Accomplished graphic artist, educator and visual communications specialist with extensive experience in digital imaging, print production, multimedia design, and creative direction. I bring a strong background in concept‑to‑final design, photo retouching, illustration, and brand‑aligned visual storytelling across corporate, agency, and higher‑education settings. My work includes leading design teams, mentoring emerging artists, and managing large‑scale creative workflows for national brands and institutional clients. As an educator, I integrate this professional expertise into engaging instruction that builds students’ technical skills, artistic confidence, and creative problem‑solving abilities.

Rebecca Soltes

Accomplished graphic artist, educator and visual communications specialist with extensive experience in digital imaging, print production, multimedia design, and creative direction. I bring a strong background in concept‑to‑final design, photo retouching, illustration, and brand‑aligned visual storytelling across corporate, agency, and higher‑education settings. My work includes leading design teams, mentoring emerging artists, and managing large‑scale creative workflows for national brands and institutional clients. As an educator, I integrate this professional expertise into engaging instruction that builds students’ technical skills, artistic confidence, and creative problem‑solving abilities.

Available to hire

Accomplished graphic artist, educator and visual communications specialist with extensive experience in digital imaging, print production, multimedia design, and creative direction. I bring a strong background in concept‑to‑final design, photo retouching, illustration, and brand‑aligned visual storytelling across corporate, agency, and higher‑education settings. My work includes leading design teams, mentoring emerging artists, and managing large‑scale creative workflows for national brands and institutional clients. As an educator, I integrate this professional expertise into engaging instruction that builds students’ technical skills, artistic confidence, and creative problem‑solving abilities.

See more

Language

Work Experience

Adjunct Professor (Digital Design) at College of the Desert
January 1, 2021 - Present
Taught various digital design courses, helping students develop essential skills in graphic design and digital media.
Creative Design & Media Specialist at Northern Illinois University
January 1, 2013 - Present
Oversaw digital strategy and produced promotional material for various departments, ensuring alignment with institutional goals.
Senior Image Specialist/Designer at Shorr Packaging Corporation
December 30, 2008 - December 30, 2011
Managed graphic design projects, worked closely with funding media and marketing teams to develop new visual content, enhancing overall project appeal.
Digital Graphics Technician II at RR Donnelly Premedia Technology
February 8, 2004 - August 27, 2009
Delivered digital imaging for print advertising and catalogs, including color correction, retouching, illustration, and typography compositing.
Digital Studio Artist at R&B Group
May 30, 2003 - January 6, 2004
Delivered high‑end creative retouching, photo compositing, color correction, product illustration, outlining, and digital imaging for print advertising, in‑store signage, and web assets.

Education

Master of Arts in Teaching at Northern Illinois University
August 6, 2018 - May 27, 2022
Certification in teaching K-8, Endorsements in Visual Art and Technology.
Master of Arts at Northern Illinois University
January 1, 1997 - January 1, 2000
Bachelor of Fine Arts at Northern Illinois University
August 18, 1997 - May 18, 2001
Major in Digital Illustration, Minor in Art History

Qualifications

Professional Educator License
January 1, 2022 - January 31, 2026
Technology Specialist Endorsement
January 11, 2030 - January 31, 2026
Visual Arts Endorsement
May 16, 2025 - June 30, 2028

Industry Experience

Education, Media & Entertainment
    paper Photo Retouching Samples

    Various samples from Photo Retouching/Compositing projects and national campaigns.