I’m a graphic designer and brand-focused creative with 15+ years of experience bringing complex ideas into clear, cohesive communication across brand, retail, and marketing environments, especially in the outdoor and cycling space. I build visual identities, design brand systems, and create client-facing presentation materials that help teams and customers quickly understand strategy and value. Most recently, I’ve been working independently as a freelance graphic designer providing brand identity, brand systems, and presentation design for independent clients. Previously, I led global retail marketing efforts for a specialized bicycle components brand, partnering with creative, product, sales, and regional teams to develop launch presentations, marketing toolkits, retail experiences, and launch materials, translating product stories into engaging, customer-facing visuals.

Kari Szentesi

I’m a graphic designer and brand-focused creative with 15+ years of experience bringing complex ideas into clear, cohesive communication across brand, retail, and marketing environments, especially in the outdoor and cycling space. I build visual identities, design brand systems, and create client-facing presentation materials that help teams and customers quickly understand strategy and value. Most recently, I’ve been working independently as a freelance graphic designer providing brand identity, brand systems, and presentation design for independent clients. Previously, I led global retail marketing efforts for a specialized bicycle components brand, partnering with creative, product, sales, and regional teams to develop launch presentations, marketing toolkits, retail experiences, and launch materials, translating product stories into engaging, customer-facing visuals.

Available to hire

I’m a graphic designer and brand-focused creative with 15+ years of experience bringing complex ideas into clear, cohesive communication across brand, retail, and marketing environments, especially in the outdoor and cycling space. I build visual identities, design brand systems, and create client-facing presentation materials that help teams and customers quickly understand strategy and value.

Most recently, I’ve been working independently as a freelance graphic designer providing brand identity, brand systems, and presentation design for independent clients. Previously, I led global retail marketing efforts for a specialized bicycle components brand, partnering with creative, product, sales, and regional teams to develop launch presentations, marketing toolkits, retail experiences, and launch materials, translating product stories into engaging, customer-facing visuals.

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Work Experience

Freelance Graphic Designer | Brand Systems | Presentation Design at Self-Employed
December 1, 2025 - Present
Provide independent graphic design, brand identity, and presentation design for independent clients. Develop logos, visual identities, and scalable brand systems for emerging businesses. Design client-facing presentations and proposals that translate complex strategies into clear, engaging visual communication. Create marketing graphics and visual assets across digital and print applications.
Senior Global Retail Marketing Manager at Specialized Bicycle Components
May 1, 2019 - July 1, 2025
Led global retail marketing initiatives for a cycling brand across product launches, campaigns, retail experiences, and brand activations. Developed scalable campaign frameworks, visual systems, and go-to-market toolkits used across global markets. Translated complex product stories into cohesive customer-facing communications across retail and digital channels. Partnered with creative, product, sales, and regional teams to develop presentations, marketing assets, retail experiences, and launch materials, supporting activations, media events, pop-ups, trade shows, and new-store openings across global markets.
Company Owned Retail Marketing Manager at Specialized Bicycle Components
January 1, 2016 - January 1, 2019
Developed marketing strategies and creative retail experiences for company-owned stores worldwide. Led product launches, campaigns, visual merchandising, events, and customer-facing brand activations. Designed custom apparel, accessories, and marketing assets aligned with brand goals.
Graphic Design Instructor – Advertising & Typography at California State University, Long Beach
January 1, 2013 - January 1, 2017
Taught upper-division graphic design courses focused on typography, branding, advertising, and visual communication. Guided students through concept development and real-world creative projects.
Regional Retail Marketing Manager at Specialized Bicycle Components
January 1, 2013 - January 1, 2016
Executed regional campaigns across retail, digital, and community channels. Developed and designed localized marketing materials and experiences that strengthened brand connection and customer engagement.
Graphic Designer at Fox Head, Inc.
January 1, 2012 - June 1, 2012
Designed in-store graphics, promotional materials, and marketing assets aligned with brand standards.
Graphic Designer & Retail Brand Strategist at Independent Consultant
January 1, 2009 - January 1, 2013
Developed retail brand strategies, visual concepts, and marketing materials for independent clients.

Education

BFA, Graphic Design at California State University, Long Beach
January 1, 2013 - January 1, 2017

Qualifications

Advertising & Art Direction (School for Ads) — The Book Shop
January 1, 2013 - August 30, 2026

Industry Experience

Education, Retail, Other, Media & Entertainment