I am a creative professional with a Bachelor of Arts in Electronic Media Communications from the University of Northern Iowa. I bring hands-on experience in photography and photo editing using Adobe software, along with a strong foundation in visual storytelling and technical proficiency in industry-standard tools to produce compelling imagery. Hello! I love turning ideas into visually engaging designs and photographs. I'm eager to join an entry-level design or creative role where I can apply my skills and continue developing my craft while collaborating with a team.…

Sara Olmstead

I am a creative professional with a Bachelor of Arts in Electronic Media Communications from the University of Northern Iowa. I bring hands-on experience in photography and photo editing using Adobe software, along with a strong foundation in visual storytelling and technical proficiency in industry-standard tools to produce compelling imagery. Hello! I love turning ideas into visually engaging designs and photographs. I'm eager to join an entry-level design or creative role where I can apply my skills and continue developing my craft while collaborating with a team.…

Available to hire

I am a creative professional with a Bachelor of Arts in Electronic Media Communications from the University of Northern Iowa. I bring hands-on experience in photography and photo editing using Adobe software, along with a strong foundation in visual storytelling and technical proficiency in industry-standard tools to produce compelling imagery.

Hello! I love turning ideas into visually engaging designs and photographs. I’m eager to join an entry-level design or creative role where I can apply my skills and continue developing my craft while collaborating with a team.

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Language

English
Fluent

Work Experience

Owner/Freelancer at Miss Sara Designs LLC
June 1, 2016 - Present
Founded and run a comprehensive freelance creative services business, managing 10+ client accounts annually across photography, graphic design, and web design projects using Adobe Creative Suite to drive engagement and retention. Provided project oversight by recommending workflow enhancements and technical skill sets to optimize outcomes across web, social, and graphic design initiatives. Delivered photography, photo editing, video production, and graphic design services to clients, leveraging expertise in Photoshop, Lightroom, Premiere, and InDesign to meet objectives. Collaborated with diverse clients including community organizations and educational institutions to plan and deliver tailored design and multimedia projects aligned with branding goals. Mentored clients on ecommerce photography and online galleries, resulting in a 10% increase in print sales.
Case Manager - Annuities at Transamerica
June 1, 2021 - Present
Streamlined application review processes by coordinating directly with advisors and leveraging workflow management tools to ensure adherence to regulatory procedures. Handled inbound communications from multiple stakeholders including advisors, internal wholesalers, and support staff to resolve annuity-related inquiries and workflow management systems. Achieved the highest customer service quality rating in 2024 by maintaining compliance with regulatory standards throughout all annuity case processes. Coordinated ongoing updates of operational procedures by using workflow management systems and conducting periodic reviews to support continuous process improvement. Managed product applications by coordinating processors to review each submission accurately.
Department Manager at Von Maur
March 1, 2018 - November 1, 2020
Coordinated merchandising initiatives by conducting regular product audits and collaborating with inventory specialists to ensure optimal stock levels, utilizing retail management systems. Trained employees, managed inventory, and handled business bookkeeping. Directed a team of 3 staff over 24 months, implementing leadership training and retail management. Managed team initiatives by scheduling quarterly performance reviews. Implemented hands-on training sessions for 3-person teams bi-weekly across 24 months, utilizing POS systems and day-to-day floor supervision to raise customer service KPIs by 15%.
Owner / Freelancer at Miss Sara Designs LLC
June 1, 2016 - Present
Launched a comprehensive freelance creative services business, managing 10+ accounts annually across photography, graphic design, and web design projects using Adobe Creative Suite to drive client engagement and retention over five years. Provided project oversight by recommending workflow enhancements and technical skill sets to optimize outcomes across web, social, and graphic design initiatives. Delivered photography, photo editing, video production, and graphic design services to clients, leveraging expertise in Photoshop, Illustrator, Lightroom, After Effects, Premiere, and InDesign to achieve project objectives. Collaborated with diverse clients, including community organizations and educational institutions, to plan and deliver tailored graphic design and multimedia projects aligned with branding goals using Adobe Creative Suite. Mentored clients on improving e-commerce photo graphics on websites as a professional photographer. Delivered mentorship to over 10 clients annually by
Project Manager at Bonehead Outfitters
September 1, 2025 - September 1, 2025
Photographed and edited 25 apparel images (ghost mannequin) for the Bonehead Outfitters website and uploaded to the Scheels vendor site.
Brand/Graphic Designer at Sun Cafe
July 1, 2020 - September 30, 2020
Led rebranding efforts including social media and website design, with comprehensive planning, asset alignment, and typography that improved branding consistency across channels.

Education

Bachelor of Arts at University of Northern Iowa
January 11, 2030 - May 1, 2014
Associate of Applied Arts at Hawkeye Community College
January 11, 2030 - May 1, 2011
Bachelor of Arts in Electronic Media Communications at University of Northern Iowa
January 11, 2030 - January 1, 2014

Qualifications

Add your qualifications or awards here.

Industry Experience

Media & Entertainment, Professional Services, Retail, Financial Services, Education, Software & Internet, Other
    paper Ghost Mannequin Photography

    Ghost Mannequin Photography shot on location at Bone Head Outfitters in Hiawatha, IA. The images are to be uploaded to Scheels.com a sport store.