I am an experienced design professional with a passion for creating beautiful and functional designs. I continually seek new inspiration and education by drawing from diverse sources such as art, entertainment, books, fashion, interiors, environments, and cultures. Over my career, I have developed and managed various design projects, collaborating closely with teams and clients to craft high-quality creative solutions. Currently, I serve as a Design Director at Abide Capital Group where I oversee all print and web design initiatives and lead interior and exterior property designs. My expertise spans graphic, web, branding, and interior design across multiple industries including education, luxury goods, non-profit, and real estate, ensuring projects are delivered on time and within budget while maintaining the highest standard of creativity and functionality.

Cara Hawthorne

I am an experienced design professional with a passion for creating beautiful and functional designs. I continually seek new inspiration and education by drawing from diverse sources such as art, entertainment, books, fashion, interiors, environments, and cultures. Over my career, I have developed and managed various design projects, collaborating closely with teams and clients to craft high-quality creative solutions. Currently, I serve as a Design Director at Abide Capital Group where I oversee all print and web design initiatives and lead interior and exterior property designs. My expertise spans graphic, web, branding, and interior design across multiple industries including education, luxury goods, non-profit, and real estate, ensuring projects are delivered on time and within budget while maintaining the highest standard of creativity and functionality.

Available to hire

I am an experienced design professional with a passion for creating beautiful and functional designs. I continually seek new inspiration and education by drawing from diverse sources such as art, entertainment, books, fashion, interiors, environments, and cultures. Over my career, I have developed and managed various design projects, collaborating closely with teams and clients to craft high-quality creative solutions.

Currently, I serve as a Design Director at Abide Capital Group where I oversee all print and web design initiatives and lead interior and exterior property designs. My expertise spans graphic, web, branding, and interior design across multiple industries including education, luxury goods, non-profit, and real estate, ensuring projects are delivered on time and within budget while maintaining the highest standard of creativity and functionality.

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Work Experience

Art Director / Freelance Designer at cara david DESIGN
January 1, 2008 - Present
Designed and managed graphic and web projects across varied industries under tight deadlines, working from concept to completion. Collaborated within creative teams, conceptualized and led projects, and art directed freelance designers and photographers for top caliber results. Developed new branding and design strategies for clients including non-profits and luxury product companies. Notable clients: McGraw-Hill Higher Education, American Library Association, McDonald's, Cintas, Leukemia and Lymphoma Society, Fairchild/Bloomsbury Publishing, and various individuals and small businesses.
Design Director at Abide Capital Group
August 1, 2022 - Present
Designed and managed all print and web design, establishing and maintaining brand identity. Led all interior and exterior property design decisions for multi-family housing portfolio, including preparing moodboards, renderings, floor plans, and remodel plans executed on time and within budget. Managed purchasing, contractors, and installed fixtures, furniture, signage, landscaping, and common area designs.
Senior Designer at McGraw-Hill Higher Education
January 1, 2008 - September 3, 2025
Created unique cover designs, textbook supplements, and interior layouts with comprehensive specifications, balancing budgets and deadlines delivering 25+ projects annually. Hired and art directed freelance cover and interior designers. Led all design decisions from concept to production within book teams including project managers and editors. Progressed through roles from In-house Freelancer, Design Coordinator, Designer, to Senior Designer.
Art Instructor at Young Rembrandts
June 30, 2005 - September 3, 2025
Prepared lesson plans and managed classroom instruction for up to 25 elementary level students in an after-school art program.
Art Instructor at Young Rembrandts
June 30, 2012 - September 3, 2025
Prepared lesson plans and managed classroom instruction for up to 25 elementary level students in an after-school art program.
Graphic Artist / Web Design Intern at Virtual University Design & Technologies, Michigan State University
August 31, 2003 - September 3, 2025
Assisted in the development and design of online education courses.

Education

B.A. Studio Art, emphasis: Graphic Design at Michigan State University
September 1, 1999 - August 31, 2003
B.A. Advertising at Michigan State University
September 1, 1999 - August 31, 2003
Continuing Education Program, focus: Web Concepts and Skills at The School of the Art Institute of Chicago
May 1, 2007 - February 28, 2008
Certificate, Residential Interior Design at Rhode Island School of Design
November 1, 2022 - June 30, 2025

Qualifications

Dreamweaver/CSS Masters course
February 1, 2007 - March 31, 2007
InCopy Certified Training course
March 1, 2011 - September 3, 2025
Photoshop Masters course
March 1, 2011 - September 3, 2025

Industry Experience

Education, Non-Profit Organization, Consumer Goods, Real Estate & Construction, Professional Services