With more than 15 years of combined agency and in-house experience, I bring a deep understanding of visual storytelling, brand consistency, and strategic campaign execution across a variety of media and industries. I’ve built brands from the ground up and creative campaigns from concept to completion, collaborating cross-functionally to deliver cohesive brand experiences with delivered results.…

Kristen Kelly

With more than 15 years of combined agency and in-house experience, I bring a deep understanding of visual storytelling, brand consistency, and strategic campaign execution across a variety of media and industries. I’ve built brands from the ground up and creative campaigns from concept to completion, collaborating cross-functionally to deliver cohesive brand experiences with delivered results.…

Available to hire

With more than 15 years of combined agency and in-house experience, I bring a deep understanding of visual storytelling, brand consistency, and strategic campaign execution across a variety of media and industries. I’ve built brands from the ground up and creative campaigns from concept to completion, collaborating cross-functionally to deliver cohesive brand experiences with delivered results.

See more

Skills

Experience Level

Language

English
Fluent

Work Experience

Senior Art Director at June Advertising
May 1, 2008 - August 1, 2015
Led art direction and design for a diverse portfolio including corporate identity, print collateral, websites, digital, out-of-home and packaging. Managed end-to-end production processes from vendor coordination and estimates to finishing final files and press checks.
Graphic Designer at Marianna Industries
August 1, 2015 - October 1, 2016
Directed and designed a wide range of internal and external marketing materials, including packaging, websites, social media, sales catalogs and trade show displays. Collaborated closely with cross-functional teams to concept, launch and market salon-exclusive products.
Graphic Designer at AIM Institute
October 1, 2016 - January 1, 2018
Led art direction and design for all internal and external marketing materials, branding, website design and event displays for AIM Corporate and a diverse portfolio of products, including Careerlink.com, Big Omaha, Heartland Developers Conference and Brain Exchange.
Senior Art Director at OBI Creative
January 1, 2018 - March 1, 2022
Spearheaded research-driven rebrands, campaigns and collateral across diverse mediums, including web, digital, print, social media, out-of-home and video. Directed photo and video shoots to align visuals with client goals. Presented strategic design concepts to clients, and mentored a team of 2 designers to ensure timely delivery of high-quality, on-brand and on-strategy work.
Associate Creative Director at OBI Creative
February 28, 2022 - August 31, 2023
Spearheaded research-driven rebrands, campaigns and collateral across diverse mediums, including web, digital, print, social media, out-of-home and video. Directed photo and video shoots to align visuals with client goals. Presented strategic design concepts to clients, and mentored a team of 2 designers to ensure timely delivery of high-quality, on-brand and on-strategy work.
Associate Creative Director at Ervin & Smith
August 30, 2023 - June 29, 2025
Directed and executed strategic, research-based rebrands, campaigns and initiatives across multiple mediums, including web, digital, print, social media, out-of-home and video. Collaborated with media and strategy teams to ensure alignment of all creative with broader campaign and client goals. Integral part of presenting work to clients, outlining strategic design solutions rooted in research. Directed photo shoots ensuring visuals aligned with creative objectives.
Freelance Designer at self-employed
July 1, 2025 - Present
Freelance Art Director & Designer at Self-employed
July 1, 2025 - Present
Freelance art direction and design work for clients, spanning branding, campaigns, and multi-channel design.
Senior Art Director
January 1, 2018 - March 1, 2022
Spearheaded research-driven rebrands, campaigns and collateral across diverse mediums, including web, digital, print, social media, out-of-home and video. Directed photo and video shoots to align compelling visual narratives with client goals. Presented strategic design concepts to clients, offering clear rationale and aligning creative direction with strategic objectives. Managed and mentored a team of 2 designers to ensure timely delivery of high-quality, on-brand and on-strategy work.

Education

Bachelor of Studio Arts with emphasis in Graphic Communications at University of Nebraska at Omaha
January 1, 2026 - January 5, 2026
Marketing Minor at University of Nebraska at Omaha
January 11, 2030 - January 5, 2026
Bachelor of Studio Arts at University of Nebraska at Omaha
January 11, 2030 - January 28, 2026

Qualifications

Add your qualifications or awards here.

Industry Experience

Other, Agriculture & Mining, Education, Financial Services, Healthcare, Non-Profit Organization, Real Estate & Construction, Travel & Hospitality, Transportation & Logistics, Manufacturing, Professional Services, Media & Entertainment

Skills

Experience Level