Hi, I'm Melissa Rice, a seasoned graphic designer and marketing consultant based in Santa Monica, California. With over 15 years of experience in branding, digital marketing, and creative direction, I specialize in crafting cohesive brand identities and compelling marketing campaigns that resonate with diverse audiences. I thrive on combining creativity with strategic marketing insights to deliver effective solutions for startups and established brands alike. Throughout my career, I've worn many hats, from directing photoshoots and designing marketing assets to managing social media campaigns and coordinating large-scale marketing operations. My expertise extends to leveraging the latest digital tools, including AI prompting and social media platforms, to boost engagement and grow communities. Passionate about visual storytelling, I enjoy collaborating with clients to bring their visions to life through innovative design and targeted marketing strategies.

Hi, I'm Melissa Rice, a seasoned graphic designer and marketing consultant based in Santa Monica, California. With over 15 years of experience in branding, digital marketing, and creative direction, I specialize in crafting cohesive brand identities and compelling marketing campaigns that resonate with diverse audiences. I thrive on combining creativity with strategic marketing insights to deliver effective solutions for startups and established brands alike. Throughout my career, I've worn many hats, from directing photoshoots and designing marketing assets to managing social media campaigns and coordinating large-scale marketing operations. My expertise extends to leveraging the latest digital tools, including AI prompting and social media platforms, to boost engagement and grow communities. Passionate about visual storytelling, I enjoy collaborating with clients to bring their visions to life through innovative design and targeted marketing strategies.

Available to hire

Hi, I’m Melissa Rice, a seasoned graphic designer and marketing consultant based in Santa Monica, California. With over 15 years of experience in branding, digital marketing, and creative direction, I specialize in crafting cohesive brand identities and compelling marketing campaigns that resonate with diverse audiences. I thrive on combining creativity with strategic marketing insights to deliver effective solutions for startups and established brands alike.

Throughout my career, I’ve worn many hats, from directing photoshoots and designing marketing assets to managing social media campaigns and coordinating large-scale marketing operations. My expertise extends to leveraging the latest digital tools, including AI prompting and social media platforms, to boost engagement and grow communities. Passionate about visual storytelling, I enjoy collaborating with clients to bring their visions to life through innovative design and targeted marketing strategies.

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Work Experience

Freelance Graphic Design & Marketing Consultant at MLR Designs
January 1, 2007 - Present
Provided creative and marketing services to a diverse client base from startups to established brands. Designed logos, banners, packaging, billboards, PowerPoint presentations, and corporate identity packages to drive cohesive branding. Directed and coordinated professional photoshoots, performing complex photo manipulation and retouching for high-visibility campaigns. Created targeted email campaigns and social media graphics contributing to measurable engagement growth.
Communications Manager at Sinai Temple
December 31, 2023 - August 15, 2025
Directed comprehensive social media campaigns across Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, and LinkedIn, alongside email communications and graphic design projects. Collaborated with the communications team on high-impact campaigns for major events, boosting Purim pre-sale ticket purchases by 50%. Developed strategic holiday plans promoting new senior Rabbis and catering options. Successfully revamped email templates for Constant Contact, reducing unsubscribes by 11%. Established Sinai Temple's TikTok presence, orchestrating a Hanukkah video campaign achieving 1,000+ views per night.
Social Media Manager (Part-time Volunteer) at Entertaining Older Folks
December 31, 2023 - August 15, 2025
Created and managed compelling social media content tailored to senior citizens on multiple platforms. Strategized optimized posting schedules and cross-platform campaigns, resulting in 13% growth in YouTube subscribers. Curated relevant online articles to stimulate discussions and engagement among the elderly community, increasing interaction and fostering a welcoming social environment.
Director of Marketing & Operations at PAR Commercial Brokerage
December 31, 2022 - August 15, 2025
Led brand identity revamp for consistent property marketing, spearheading creative initiatives that gained 20-30 new clients annually. Implemented Crexi.com increasing inquiries by 30%. Managed office operations, IT support, HR tasks, and property listings on industry websites and WordPress. Executed targeted email marketing campaigns and performed extensive photo retouching and copywriting to expedite offer generation.
Senior Marketing Manager at Super Bell Jewelry
December 31, 2016 - August 15, 2025
Directed the Graphics & Marketing Department, focusing on digital marketing and brand visibility. Contributed to strategic planning impacting product development and company growth. Developed and launched the 'trade network' program for independent retailers. Revamped website design, logos, trade publications, and PowerPoint presentations. Managed photoshoots and content creation for new products, enhancing vendor relationships and increasing sales by 30%. Represented the company at nationwide trade shows and engaged with key customers.
Freelance Graphic Designer at Transformations
December 31, 2014 - August 15, 2025
Partnered with the CEO to develop innovative marketing concepts and materials across various product lines, including logos, presentations, and packaging. Directed photoshoots and crafted compelling copy to produce high-quality visual content aligned with brand goals.
Regional Marketing Director at Keller Williams Realty
December 31, 2011 - August 15, 2025
Led marketing strategies unifying nine franchised offices into a cohesive, high-end real estate brand. Optimized ad space allocation for Caravan Express, increasing weekly profits. Designed and executed property showcases in MLS Magazine and LA Times. Managed email marketing campaigns to recruit agents and promote listings.
Freelance Art Director at Charlie Lapson Group
December 31, 2010 - August 15, 2025
Developed promotional materials including advertisements, flyers, and style sheets to enhance public and buyer recognition of Charlie Lapson's designs. Performed heavy photo retouching of celebrities with designer products for marketing purposes.
Interim Marketing Director at Olympia Medical Center
December 31, 2008 - August 15, 2025
Created and implemented marketing plans increasing community awareness and improving in-house creative processes. Developed targeted campaigns for multiple specialties, streamlined design operations saving significant costs, represented hospital at events, and collaborated cross-functionally to optimize marketing budgets.

Education

B.A. in Graphic Design at California State University, Northridge
August 12, 1996 - June 2, 1999

Qualifications

Add your qualifications or awards here.

Industry Experience

Media & Entertainment, Non-Profit Organization, Real Estate & Construction, Healthcare, Retail, Professional Services