As a designer with over 9 years of experience, I am passionate about continuously learning new skills and applying them effectively in my work. I've recently expanded my expertise to include print design and have taken on the rewarding role of a University design tutor, which has further challenged me and helped me grow. I strive to apply my design skills to meaningful causes, particularly in environmental and science communication. I work professionally and respectfully with clients while integrating smoothly into teams, always eager to learn from others. My aim is to create work that resonates deeply with both myself and the audience, contributing to a broader knowledge exchange. Please visit _Website not available. Sign in: https://www.twine.net/signup_ to view my work. I look forward to hearing from you!

Rachel Young

PRO

As a designer with over 9 years of experience, I am passionate about continuously learning new skills and applying them effectively in my work. I've recently expanded my expertise to include print design and have taken on the rewarding role of a University design tutor, which has further challenged me and helped me grow. I strive to apply my design skills to meaningful causes, particularly in environmental and science communication. I work professionally and respectfully with clients while integrating smoothly into teams, always eager to learn from others. My aim is to create work that resonates deeply with both myself and the audience, contributing to a broader knowledge exchange. Please visit _Website not available. Sign in: https://www.twine.net/signup_ to view my work. I look forward to hearing from you!

Next availability:
December 18, 2025

As a designer with over 9 years of experience, I am passionate about continuously learning new skills and applying them effectively in my work. I’ve recently expanded my expertise to include print design and have taken on the rewarding role of a University design tutor, which has further challenged me and helped me grow.

I strive to apply my design skills to meaningful causes, particularly in environmental and science communication. I work professionally and respectfully with clients while integrating smoothly into teams, always eager to learn from others. My aim is to create work that resonates deeply with both myself and the audience, contributing to a broader knowledge exchange.

Please visit Website not available. Sign in: https://www.twine.net/signup to view my work. I look forward to hearing from you!

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Language

English
Fluent

Work Experience

Visual Designer (contract) at The Department of Conservation, NZ
March 17, 2025 - June 30, 2025
As part of a short term contract, I was invited to create a suite of illustrations for the Learning & Advice team to use within their internal technical e-learning modules.
Senior Designer at The Department of Conservation, NZ
March 31, 2024 - July 16, 2025
I was promoted to Senior Designer, where I was required to manage a small team, conduct workshops to address knowledge gaps, and check all final work from my team before submission to clients.
Graphic Designer at The Department of Conservation, NZ
February 28, 2023 - July 16, 2025
Gained knowledge in technical skills and in-house design workflows; acted as a brand champion for DOC’s look and feel and managed print production and file setup; worked directly with scientifically specialised customers.
University Design Tutor at Whitireia WelTec, Wellington NZ (based in Hunan, China)
April 30, 2025 - July 16, 2025
Taught Bachelor’s design modules internationally; planned and delivered studio-based lessons on conceptual thinking, design processes, and real-world application; guided students through research and development; collaborated with tutors and program leads to improve curriculum.
Freelance Graphic Designer (remote) at Various clients
July 9, 2018 - July 1, 2025
Managed all aspects of freelance work including organisation, self-motivation, proactive client interactions, time management, and relationship maintenance; delivered final products and campaigns transforming abstract ideas into designs.
Junior Designer at ThirtyThree, Bristol, UK
December 5, 2016 - July 9, 2018
Executed design skills and directed photoshoots for high profile clients; comfortable working under pressure delivering high quality work timely; handled problem solving through the research, design and execution process; worked effectively both independently and in teams.

Education

BA (Hons) at The Arts University Bournemouth, UK
January 1, 2013 - December 31, 2016
Foundation Diploma in Art & Design at The Arts University Bournemouth, UK
January 1, 2012 - December 31, 2013
Various A-levels (NCEA Level 3 equivalents) at Island Innovation Sixth Form, Isle of Wight, UK
January 1, 2010 - December 31, 2012
BA (Hons) at The Arts University Bournemouth, UK
January 1, 2013 - December 31, 2016
Foundation Diploma in Art & Design at The Arts University Bournemouth, UK
January 1, 2012 - December 31, 2013
Various A-levels at Island Innovation Sixth Form, Isle of Wight, UK
January 1, 2010 - December 31, 2012

Qualifications

Add your qualifications or awards here.

Industry Experience

Government, Education, Non-Profit Organization, Media & Entertainment, Other
    uniE621 Te Mana o Te Taiao strategy report
    As the designer for Te Mana o te Taiao – Aotearoa New Zealand Biodiversity Strategy 2020, I was responsible for establishing the look and feel - ensuring that it could be used across the various government agencies, and thus less ‘DOC focussed’ in design. I created all graphics and typeset both the English and te reo Māori versions. The design combines a nature-inspired colour palette with clean, accessible typography and modular visual elements to help present complex information clearly and engagingly. I focused on integrating te ao Māori through bilingual headers, Māori iconography, and culturally grounded layout choices, supporting the document’s commitment to the Treaty Partnership. The final design strikes a balance between authority and approachability, honouring the mana of nature while making the strategy accessible to a wide audience. https://www.twine.net/signin illustrator graphicdesigner designer
    uniE621 Island Ocean Connections Challenge brochure
    As part of DOC’s global restoration initiative, I developed a strategic visual brochure to engage and inspire philanthropic investors to fund the ambitious rewilding of Maukahuka / Auckland Islands. The brochure introduces the vision of a revitalised subantarctic ecosystem and outlines the urgent ecological threats posed by invasive species. Through clear storytelling, compelling imagery, and data-driven insights, the publication communicates the scale, feasibility, and impact of the NZ$78M pest eradication project. Key elements: • Communicated scientific content in an accessible, emotionally resonant way • Highlighted DOC–Ngāi Tahu partnership and cultural narrative of kaitiakitanga • Supported a national call for private investment by emphasising ecological legacy and global conservation leadership This piece functioned as a high-impact donor engagement tool to help secure the NZ$39M private funding needed to complete the final phase of one of the world’s most significant island restorations.
    uniE621 Aotearoa New Zealand Biodiversity strategy factsheets
    For the Aotearoa New Zealand Biodiversity Strategy, I designed a suite of four factsheets communicating the state of biodiversity across Aotearoa’s land, freshwater, and marine environments, as well as an overall synthesis. Working closely with DOC scientists, I translated complex ecological data into clear, visually engaging documents that balance scientific integrity with public accessibility. Each factsheet uses structured layouts, strong typographic hierarchy, and tailored visual language to support quick comprehension and thematic consistency. The result is a cohesive, trusted communication tool that the science team was proud to share widely.
    uniE621 Observation Rock signage
    Observation Rock on Stewart Island / Rakiura is a world-renowned dark sky viewing area that is currently undergoing a construction of it’s new viewpoint and I was tasked with creating their new visitor signage. Working alongside the Iwi, we came up with the following design to embody the importance of cultural significance of the area, whilst marrying the design with the space available. *This project is currently in progress
    uniE621 Plastic-free periods branding
    City to Sea are a non-profit organisation who run various campaigns to prevent plastic pollution at source. The approached me with a new initiative - Plastic Free Periods, a campaign that would be rolled out on social media within schools for education purposes, and its primary aim is to bring to attention the different types of reusable menstrual products that are available on the market. As well as the primary brand, I was asked to create a slightly altered version to use within educational materials in schools. This required me to create a different logo, colour palette and various documents with the new branding. View the whole project: https://www.twine.net/signin
    uniE621 Te Mana o Te Taiao discussion document report
    I was responsible for typesetting and formatting the public discussion document for the next phase of Te Mana o te Taiao – Aotearoa New Zealand Biodiversity Strategy 2020 (ANZBS). The report serves as a foundational tool for nationwide consultation, outlining critical actions to guide biodiversity protection through to 2030. Design priorities included creating a clear, structured layout to support accessibility across government, iwi, and public stakeholders, while maintaining DOC’s visual identity. Through careful use of hierarchy, white space, and information design, I brought clarity to a text-heavy, policy-driven publication and ensured it could be easily navigated both digitally and in print. graphicdesigner designer illustrator