Available to hire
Hi, I’m Angelica Ramos Ortiz, a multi-disciplinary graphic designer and illustrator based in Rockford, IL. I enjoy turning ideas into clear, engaging visuals for nonprofits, education, and community-facing projects. My work ranges from branding and print materials to murals and digital experiences, always with a focus on storytelling and accessibility.
Collaborating with students, educators, and community partners inspires me to craft inclusive designs that uplift people and spark conversation. I’m passionate about mentoring emerging artists, expanding creative networks, and delivering polished work on tight timelines.
Experience Level
Expert
Expert
Expert
Expert
Expert
Expert
Expert
Expert
Expert
Expert
Expert
Expert
Expert
Expert
Expert
Intermediate
Language
English
Fluent
Spanish; Castilian
Fluent
Work Experience
Freelance Designer/Illustrator at AKRO (Self-Employed)
October 1, 2025 - October 7, 2025Built a thriving freelance practice delivering over 50 custom art and design projects to local clients and small businesses in Puerto Rico and Illinois; produced diverse visual content including illustrations, paintings, murals, digital compositions, collages, and logos; grew social media presence and client base.
Print & Mailroom Assistant at Rockford University Print Services
December 1, 2022 - October 7, 2025Managed daily mail and print requests (posters, banners, vinyl signage) for 500+ students; handled on-the-spot client calls, prepress file preparation, and error resolution; processed hundreds of mail items weekly with accuracy.
Art Educator & Curriculum Designer at RPS 205
May 1, 2025 - October 7, 2025Developed a district-wide and classroom-specific art curriculum; served over 300 elementary students annually across multiple schools for three consecutive years; integrated traditional art techniques with digital media and visual literacy.
Lead Artist & Designer at Rockford University
June 1, 2024 - October 7, 2025Created the first student-designed mural in university history; artwork displayed prominently in the Burpee Student Center; balanced artistic vision with campus needs and accessibility.
Graphic Designer Intern at Ashley Bailey Designs
October 1, 2025 - October 7, 2025Engineered a cohesive RSVP envelope suite with coordinated front, back, and interior artwork; ensured brand alignment and precise prepress standards; achieved zero reprints and high client satisfaction.
Web Designer (Freelance) at Milano Power Nutrition
October 1, 2025 - October 7, 2025Built a polished, professional website using Lovable AI; completed the full build in 10 hours with rapid no-code deployment; preserved full client payment and subscription functionality.
Lunch & Playground Aide at RPS 205
October 1, 2025 - October 7, 2025Supported school operations during staffing changes by stepping into varied roles; maintained high hygiene and safety standards for 500+ students; assisted in creating a positive, inclusive environment.
Self-Employed at AKRO
October 1, 2025 - October 7, 2025Built a thriving freelance practice delivering over 50 custom art and design projects to local clients; produced diverse visual content including illustrations, paintings, murals, digital commissions, collages, and logos. Designed logos and marketing visuals that increased social media engagement by up to 40%. Created and managed an Instagram art page with 1.1K followers; viral hand-drawn video that received 22.3K views.
Print & Mailroom Assistant at Rockford University Print Services
December 1, 2022 - October 7, 2025Oversaw daily print requests for posters, banners, and vinyl signage; processed an average of 15–20 jobs per week with strict turnaround times. Prepared digital files, ensured 100% print-readiness, and minimized reprints. Collaborated with staff to troubleshoot file errors; reduced production delays by 30% through proactive communication and fixes. Operated mail sealing machinery; managed hundreds of mail pieces weekly. Managed incoming packages from Amazon and UPS; organized and distributed 50+ deliveries per day across campus departments.
Lead Artist & Designer at Rockford University
June 1, 2024 - October 7, 2025Created the first student-designed mural in university history, displayed prominently in the Burpee Student Center. Balanced artistic vision with tight deadlines, delivering the final piece ahead of the university design competition. Conducted over 15 interviews with alumni, students, and staff to inform a historically inclusive design concept. Integrated community feedback from 3 campus forums, resulting in artwork that resonated across generations.
Art Educator & Curriculum Designer at RPS 205
May 1, 2025 - October 7, 2025Developed and implemented district-wide art curriculum serving over 300 elementary students annually across multiple schools for 3 consecutive years. Led instruction in visual communication and design principles, integrating traditional art techniques with digital media. Taught introductory graphic design to over 60 middle and 60 high school students using Adobe Illustrator and Photoshop to build foundational skills in layout, typography, and digital illustration. Collaborated with district leaders to align art education goals with state standards; resulted in a 20% increase in student participation in art classes.
Lunch & Playground Aide at RPS 205
October 1, 2025 - October 7, 2025Sanitized cafeteria tables and outdoor lunch areas daily, maintaining high hygiene standards for over 500 students and adapting to shifting schedules. Supported school operations by stepping into varied roles during frequent staffing changes; helped maintain consistent student supervision and smooth transitions. Supervised lunch and recreation periods for 500+ students, promoting respectful behavior and inclusive peer interactions and contributing to a 15% drop in behavioral incidents. Monitored playground activities and enforced safety protocols, helping achieve a zero-incident record during assigned shifts.
Graphic Designer & Illustrator Intern at Ashley Bailey Designs
October 31, 2025 - October 7, 2025Integrated a polished, professional website using Lovable AI, completing the full build in just 10 hours through rapid no-code deployment. Created a cohesive portfolio of projects; developed a strong social presence. Produced a tear-off RSVP card to streamline guest responses, achieving a 92% return rate within two weeks.
Graphic Designer at Paws Humane Society (Rockford)
July 1, 2025 - October 29, 2025Collaborated with nonprofit team to create compelling visual assets supporting community outreach and fundraising; designed promotional flyers, branded social media graphics, and event materials including merch and posters, tailored to engage supporters and elevate the organization’s mission.
Website Designer at Milano Power Nutrition
October 31, 2025 - October 31, 2025Engineered a polished, professional website using Lovable AI, completing the full build in just 10 hours through rapid no-code deployment.
Lunch & Playground Aide at RPS 205
October 31, 2025 - October 31, 2025Sanitized cafe tables and outdoor lunch areas daily, maintaining high hygiene standards for 500+ students; supported school operations by stepping into varied roles during staffing changes; supervised lunch and recess periods to promote respectful behavior and inclusive peer interactions; contributed to a 15% drop in behavioral incidents.
Print & Mailroom Assistant at Rockford University Print Service
December 31, 2022 - December 31, 2022Processed daily print requests for posters, banners, and vinyl signage; handled mailroom tasks; prepared digital files ensuring 100% print readiness and reducing reprints; collaborated with staff to troubleshoot file errors and manage weekly mail deliveries; improved order accuracy and turnaround times.
Freelance Graphic Designer / Artist at AKRO
October 1, 2025 - October 1, 2025Built a thriving freelance practice delivering over 50 custom art and design projects for local clients and small businesses in Puerto Rico and Illinois; produced diverse visual content including illustrations, murals, logos, and branding assets.
Art Educator & Curriculum Designer at Rockford Public Schools (RPS 205)
May 31, 2025 - May 31, 2025Developed district-wide art curriculum and classroom resources; delivered professional development and integrated art education standards across multiple schools; enhanced student engagement and cross-grade collaboration in art.
Lead Artist & Designer at Rockford University
June 30, 2024 - June 30, 2024Created the first student-designed mural in university history, displayed prominently in the Burpee Student Center; balanced artistic vision with project constraints, coordinating with students and faculty to deliver a compelling installation.
Education
Bachelor of Fine Arts in Graphic Design, Minor in K-12 Visual Arts Education at Rockford University
January 11, 2030 - January 1, 2025Political Science (initial) then Graphic Design Major (transferred) at St. Ambrose University
January 1, 2020 - October 7, 2025BFA Graphic Design Minor in K-12 Visual Arts Education at Rockford University
January 11, 2030 - January 1, 2025Political Science at St. Ambrose University
January 1, 2020 - January 1, 2021BFA Graphic Design, Minor in K-12 Visual Arts Education at Rockford University
January 11, 2030 - October 29, 2025Coursework in Political Science at St. Ambrose University
January 1, 2020 - December 31, 2020Qualifications
Industry Experience
Education, Professional Services, Media & Entertainment, Retail, Other, Software & Internet, Non-Profit Organization
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