I am an independent senior designer and illustrator with over 10 years of experience specializing in beautifully crafted brands for hospitality, packaging, and events. I am passionate about collaborating closely with clients and spearheading the creative direction and design of projects as the sole creative. I am skilled at integrating into new teams and adapting to various project management systems, frequently freelancing for small and mid-size agencies. My expertise includes brand visual identity, illustration, typography, collateral design, editorial layout, and packaging design. I have worked internationally, designing for luxury properties and hospitality brands, and I am deeply committed to mentoring emerging designers through AIGA Portland. In addition, I co-founded a creative business where I managed all aspects from product development to e-commerce, gaining valuable entrepreneurial experience.

Natalie M Shaw

I am an independent senior designer and illustrator with over 10 years of experience specializing in beautifully crafted brands for hospitality, packaging, and events. I am passionate about collaborating closely with clients and spearheading the creative direction and design of projects as the sole creative. I am skilled at integrating into new teams and adapting to various project management systems, frequently freelancing for small and mid-size agencies. My expertise includes brand visual identity, illustration, typography, collateral design, editorial layout, and packaging design. I have worked internationally, designing for luxury properties and hospitality brands, and I am deeply committed to mentoring emerging designers through AIGA Portland. In addition, I co-founded a creative business where I managed all aspects from product development to e-commerce, gaining valuable entrepreneurial experience.

Available to hire

I am an independent senior designer and illustrator with over 10 years of experience specializing in beautifully crafted brands for hospitality, packaging, and events. I am passionate about collaborating closely with clients and spearheading the creative direction and design of projects as the sole creative. I am skilled at integrating into new teams and adapting to various project management systems, frequently freelancing for small and mid-size agencies.

My expertise includes brand visual identity, illustration, typography, collateral design, editorial layout, and packaging design. I have worked internationally, designing for luxury properties and hospitality brands, and I am deeply committed to mentoring emerging designers through AIGA Portland. In addition, I co-founded a creative business where I managed all aspects from product development to e-commerce, gaining valuable entrepreneurial experience.

See more

Work Experience

Independent Senior Designer and Illustrator
January 1, 2015 - Present
Brand designer and illustrator for hospitality, packaging, and events with 10 years of experience, specializing in beautifully crafted brands. Experienced working closely with clients to lead the creative direction and design as the sole creative. Skilled at integrating into new teams and project management systems as a frequent freelancer to small and mid-size agencies.
Volunteer Mentor at AIGA Portland
January 1, 2025 - Present
Mentored an Oregon-based design student weekly for 10 weeks providing portfolio reviews, interview preparation, guidance, and critiques. Continued monthly meetings after completion of the official program.
Contract Senior Brand Identity Designer at Ray Studio
April 30, 2024 - August 18, 2025
Worked as the senior designer on a small Bay Area creative team producing visual brand identities end-to-end, from concepting to pre-press collateral production. Specialized in illustration, typography, and color to create vibrant and fun hospitality identities.
Contract Senior Brand Identity Designer at Spherical
November 30, 2022 - August 18, 2025
Lead designer and illustrator for international, ultra-luxury properties. Led visual identity development for The Canyon, a mixed-used residential tower in San Francisco, collaborating with strategy teams and clients to prepare brand guidelines.
Co-Founder & Owner at Ephemora
January 31, 2024 - August 18, 2025
Co-founded and managed all aspects of an invitation suite business standing out in a saturated market. Managed product development, e-commerce website design, art direction, social media, and online advertising. Regularly featured in wedding publications such as The Knot.
Freelance Graphic Designer at Kimpton Hotels and Restaurants
July 31, 2021 - August 18, 2025
Collaborated on an international team to meet daily design needs for over 60 Kimpton properties globally. Updated brand standards for older hotels and developed collateral for new hotels.
Contract Jr. Graphic Designer at HappyLucky
September 30, 2019 - August 18, 2025
Developed event and promotional graphics and programming for Adidas events in NYC.
Jr. Designer at Ideawork Studios
November 30, 2017 - August 18, 2025
Part of a small creative team developing brand identities, websites and collateral for luxury hospitality brands including Edition Hotels, 11 Howard, Arlo Hotels, and Jean Georges Restaurants. Produced all collateral for the 2017 Boutique Lodging and Lifestyle Conference, including two 120+ page magazines.

Education

Intermediate Graphic Design at SVA Continuing Education
June 1, 2016 - June 1, 2016
Marketing and Publishing Illustration at SVA Continuing Education
January 1, 2018 - January 1, 2018
BA Studio Art, magna cum laude at Whitman College
September 1, 2011 - May 1, 2015
Communication Design, Illustration at Glasgow School of Art
January 1, 2014 - June 1, 2014

Qualifications

Add your qualifications or awards here.

Industry Experience

Travel & Hospitality, Consumer Goods, Media & Entertainment, Professional Services, Real Estate & Construction