Akron, OH Graphic designer and illustrator specializing in print and digital media with a versatile, concept-oriented approach. SWEET SKILLS Over the course of my career, I have held a variety of roles, including managing a design team, photo editing and retouching, project management, presentations, web design and illustration. Here are a few highlights: * Experience in driving client engagement from high-level strategy to project management details (i.e.; time management, deadlines, meetings, budget, etc.) * Preparation/research, originality, brand awareness, and drive are core components of my creative process. Hands-on experience developing and presenting creative concepts. * My work aims to help content perform by building memorable brands through strong attention to detail, typography, color and composition. * Educational material for schools that promotes positive social media behavior, mental health, and technology. This includes, but is not limited to, brochures, posters, and social media. * I’ve designed/branded presentations and packaging for Smucker's, Goodyear, Westrock, Fruit-Tella, and Lubrizol. Catalog design for Arhaus and displays for Home Depot are among my recent projects. * Certified art therapist. PASSION I love drawing and painting. My portfolio includes murals for local businesses, illustrated children's books, and infographics. I have exhibited at the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame, Summit Artspace, Shaw JCC of Akron, as well as Cyrus Custom Framing & Art Gallery. Check back for any upcoming shows on my Facebook or Instagram page.

Lisa Thomas

Akron, OH Graphic designer and illustrator specializing in print and digital media with a versatile, concept-oriented approach. SWEET SKILLS Over the course of my career, I have held a variety of roles, including managing a design team, photo editing and retouching, project management, presentations, web design and illustration. Here are a few highlights: * Experience in driving client engagement from high-level strategy to project management details (i.e.; time management, deadlines, meetings, budget, etc.) * Preparation/research, originality, brand awareness, and drive are core components of my creative process. Hands-on experience developing and presenting creative concepts. * My work aims to help content perform by building memorable brands through strong attention to detail, typography, color and composition. * Educational material for schools that promotes positive social media behavior, mental health, and technology. This includes, but is not limited to, brochures, posters, and social media. * I’ve designed/branded presentations and packaging for Smucker's, Goodyear, Westrock, Fruit-Tella, and Lubrizol. Catalog design for Arhaus and displays for Home Depot are among my recent projects. * Certified art therapist. PASSION I love drawing and painting. My portfolio includes murals for local businesses, illustrated children's books, and infographics. I have exhibited at the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame, Summit Artspace, Shaw JCC of Akron, as well as Cyrus Custom Framing & Art Gallery. Check back for any upcoming shows on my Facebook or Instagram page.

Available to hire

Akron, OH Graphic designer and illustrator specializing in print and digital media with a versatile, concept-oriented approach.

SWEET SKILLS

Over the course of my career, I have held a variety of roles, including managing a design team, photo editing and retouching, project management, presentations, web design and illustration. Here are a few highlights:

  • Experience in driving client engagement from high-level strategy to project management details (i.e.; time management, deadlines, meetings, budget, etc.)

  • Preparation/research, originality, brand awareness, and drive are core components of my creative process. Hands-on experience developing and presenting creative concepts.

  • My work aims to help content perform by building memorable brands through strong attention to detail, typography, color and composition.

  • Educational material for schools that promotes positive social media behavior, mental health, and technology. This includes, but is not limited to, brochures, posters, and social media.

  • I’ve designed/branded presentations and packaging for Smucker’s, Goodyear, Westrock, Fruit-Tella, and Lubrizol. Catalog design for Arhaus and displays for Home Depot are among my recent projects.

  • Certified art therapist.

PASSION

I love drawing and painting. My portfolio includes murals for local businesses, illustrated children’s books, and infographics. I have exhibited at the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame, Summit Artspace, Shaw JCC of Akron, as well as Cyrus Custom Framing & Art Gallery. Check back for any upcoming shows on my Facebook or Instagram page.

See more

Language

English
Fluent

Work Experience

Graphic Designer / Illustrator / Production / Digital at Larock Designs/Freelance
January 1, 2002 - Present
Lead design and management of marketing collateral including brochures, books, newsletters, packaging, presentations, and digital media. Created targeted resources for schools promoting healthy social media interactions and mental health. Served notable clients such as J.M. Smucker’s, Arhaus, Goodyear, Fruit-Tella, and Home Depot.
Senior Graphic Designer (Contractor) at Aquent and Robert Half for GOJO, Arhaus, JoAnn Fabrics
January 1, 2024 - August 28, 2025
Developed catalog design for Arhaus, display design for Home Depot, and packaging solutions for JoAnn Fabrics. Employed Figma for modern web design projects for Westrock, emphasizing quality and brand consistency across print and digital.
Art Director at Shaw JCC of Akron
January 1, 2021 - August 28, 2025
Managed creation of print and digital packaging, branding materials, presentations, marketing resources, web banners, and e-blasts for brands and e-commerce sites. Led a team of three while managing projects and coordinating with print vendors.
Senior Graphic Designer at The J. M. Smucker Company
January 1, 2020 - August 28, 2025
Designed print and digital packaging, branding resources for all sub-brands, 401k informational materials, presentations, marketing content, e-commerce sites, web banners, and electronic newsletters.
Senior Graphic Designer at Lunar Cow Publication
January 1, 2016 - August 28, 2025
Collaborated with clients to design marketing publications for destinations, including advertisement design and strategic placement. Created iMap and GoGuide content for client websites.
Senior Graphic Designer at Brand Castle LLC
January 1, 2013 - August 28, 2025
Focused on packaging and product design, pre-press processes, internal marketing strategies, food photography, and catalog design layout.
Art Director at Charles Schwab & Co., Inc.
January 1, 2012 - August 28, 2025
Art Therapist at Future Directions
March 3, 2024 - January 4, 2026
Specializing in community mental health, substance abuse, and group facilitation. I am experienced in developing culturally responsive, strength-based art directives for at-risk youth and adults, and I am passionate about fostering emotional resilience, self-esteem, and community connection through accessible creative expression.

Education

Associate of Science in Graphic Design and Illustration, Visual Communications at The Art Institute of Pittsburgh
January 1, 1995 - December 31, 1995
Professional Development Courses at LinkedIn Learning and Lynda.com
January 1, 2011 - August 28, 2025
LinkedIn Learning and Lynda.com training courses at Self-directed online courses
January 1, 2011 - May 24, 2026

Qualifications

Tom Monahan’s Creative Camp, Fred Pryor Management Training Sequence, Franklin Covey, Seven Habits of Highly Effective People
January 1, 2000 - August 28, 2025
LinkedIn Learning and Lynda.com training courses
January 1, 2011 - August 28, 2025
Fred Pryor Management Training Sequence, Franklin Covey, Seven Habits of Highly Effective People
January 1, 2000 - August 28, 2025
Creative Camp, Fred Pryor Management Training Sequence
January 1, 2000 - May 24, 2026

Industry Experience

Retail, Consumer Goods, Manufacturing, Education, Non-Profit Organization, Professional Services, Media & Entertainment, Software & Internet