I am Sepi Alavi, a multidisciplinary designer and photographer with an MFA in Design from California College of the Arts and a B.S. in Graphic Design from the University of Cincinnati. I blend editorial graphic design, branding, and visual storytelling to create clear, engaging experiences across print and digital media. Over the years, I have taught design at Middlebury College, collaborated on museum and gallery projects, and contributed to volunteer and nonprofit campaigns in Vermont and beyond. I thrive on hands‑on creation, thoughtful typography, and a collaborative approach to making ideas visible.

Sepi Alavi

I am Sepi Alavi, a multidisciplinary designer and photographer with an MFA in Design from California College of the Arts and a B.S. in Graphic Design from the University of Cincinnati. I blend editorial graphic design, branding, and visual storytelling to create clear, engaging experiences across print and digital media. Over the years, I have taught design at Middlebury College, collaborated on museum and gallery projects, and contributed to volunteer and nonprofit campaigns in Vermont and beyond. I thrive on hands‑on creation, thoughtful typography, and a collaborative approach to making ideas visible.

Available to hire

I am Sepi Alavi, a multidisciplinary designer and photographer with an MFA in Design from California College of the Arts and a B.S. in Graphic Design from the University of Cincinnati. I blend editorial graphic design, branding, and visual storytelling to create clear, engaging experiences across print and digital media.

Over the years, I have taught design at Middlebury College, collaborated on museum and gallery projects, and contributed to volunteer and nonprofit campaigns in Vermont and beyond. I thrive on hands‑on creation, thoughtful typography, and a collaborative approach to making ideas visible.

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Language

English
Fluent
German
Intermediate
Persian
Beginner

Work Experience

Co-organizer and Campaign Designer at Vermont Coalition for Palestinian Liberation (volunteer)
October 1, 2023 - Present
Co-organized and launched the statewide Apartheid Free Community campaign in 2023. Responsibilities included developing, researching, writing content for, and designing information pamphlets; designing all coalition campaign materials; co-creating and presenting information sessions to businesses, organizations, and government bodies statewide; gathering signatures and speaking to constituents around the state.
Graphic Designer and Reporter at Brandon Reporter, Brandon VT
June 1, 2020 - Present
Graphic designer for the weekly newspaper, responsible for interviewing and writing articles, coordinating and designing advertisements, and writing opinion-editorials.
Graphic Communications and Research Specialist at Lipis Advisors, Berlin, Germany
July 1, 2014 - September 4, 2025
Handled graphic communications for this financial analysis company, including designing brochures, reports, and announcements. Also performed research tasks.
Winter-Term Graphic Design Instructor at Middlebury College, Middlebury VT
January 1, 2017 - September 4, 2025
Taught a winter-term graphic design class where students learn design history and typography, culminating in the creation of a professionally printed student-designed cookbook.
Freelance Graphic Designer at Middlebury College Communications Department and Middlebury College Museum of Art
March 1, 2011 - Present
Provided freelance graphic design services including work on the quarterly magazine, designing posters, postcards, logos, and other graphics for the college.
In-house Designer and Photographer at The Edgewater Gallery
November 1, 2012 - October 11, 2025
In-house designer and photographer for art gallery. Assisted with displays and hanging of new shows. Responsible for daily tasks in running the gallery as well.
Designer and Researcher at Dialhouse
July 1, 2009 - October 11, 2025
Designer and Researcher for a marketing think tank. Development of products and books from concept to design production and design graphics.
Production at Eveo Inc.
July 1, 2009 - October 11, 2025
Production for a medical video company. I work with ten project managers to help them reach their presentation goals and meet deadlines.
Production, Research and Design at General Working Group
September 1, 2007 - October 11, 2025
Production, research and design work for one of my professors, including the creation of building sections for printers to plan a photography exhibit in downtown San Francisco, and the creation of icons for a Chinese Almanac.
Visual Sales at Anthropologie
March 1, 2006 - October 11, 2025
Visual Sales for top store in Mid-Atlantic district. Using various media, created stylized and inviting displays throughout the store. Oversaw store shifts and assisted in the layout of store.
Presenter at NC State Symposium
January 1, 2010 - October 11, 2025
Papers & presentations; 2010 Symposium: Design, Community & the Authenticity of Rhetoric; presentation of 2008 thesis work, Saturday Diaspora.
Book Designer at James P. Blair
January 1, 2014 - Present
Designed the biographical book for James P. Blair, a retired staff photographer for National Geographic.
Book Designer at Something Deeper Happened: Young Voices and the 2008 U.S. Election
January 1, 2010 - Present
Created the design for Something Deeper Happened: Young Voices and the 2008 U.S. Election (Avideh Shashaani & Archbishop Desmond Tutu).
Book Designer at Scarlett Tears
January 1, 2009 - Present
Created the design for Scarlett Tears, a book of poetry, then the redesign for the anniversary reprint.
Book Designer at Asking God for God
January 1, 2009 - Present
Created the redesign for Asking God for God.
Presenter at NC State Symposium (Papers & Presentations)
January 1, 2010 - Present
Papers & presentations; 2010 Symposium: Design, Community & the Authenticity of Rhetoric; presented thesis Saturday Diaspora.

Education

Masters of Fine Arts in Design at California College of the Arts
January 11, 2030 - January 1, 2008
Master of Fine Arts in Design at California College of the Arts
January 11, 2030 - January 1, 2008
Bachelor of Science in Graphic Design at University of Cincinnati College of Design, Architecture, Art & Planning
January 11, 2030 - January 1, 2003
High School Diploma at Sidwell Friends School
January 11, 2030 - January 1, 1997

Qualifications

Book design: James P. Blair
January 1, 2014 - October 11, 2025
Something Deeper Happened: Young Voices and the 2008 U.S. Election (design)
January 1, 2010 - October 11, 2025
Scarlett Tears (book design and anniversary redesign)
January 1, 2009 - October 11, 2025
Asking God for God (redesign)
January 1, 2009 - October 11, 2025

Industry Experience

Non-Profit Organization, Education, Media & Entertainment, Financial Services, Professional Services, Retail, Government
    paper Spaces of Exception
    Poster for a film series at Middlebury College.