Dynamic graphic design professional with over 16 years of experience in branding, web design, UX/UI, and photography, complemented by an MFA in Graphic Design and bilingual fluency in English and Spanish. Transitioning from academia to deliver innovative, user-centered design solutions that enhance brand visibility and engagement.

Mayela Cárdenas Surillo

Dynamic graphic design professional with over 16 years of experience in branding, web design, UX/UI, and photography, complemented by an MFA in Graphic Design and bilingual fluency in English and Spanish. Transitioning from academia to deliver innovative, user-centered design solutions that enhance brand visibility and engagement.

Available to hire

Dynamic graphic design professional with over 16 years of experience in branding, web design, UX/UI, and photography, complemented by an MFA in Graphic Design and bilingual fluency in English and Spanish. Transitioning from academia to deliver innovative, user-centered design solutions that enhance brand visibility and engagement.

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Language

Spanish; Castilian
Fluent
English
Fluent

Work Experience

Online Adjunct Professor of Graphic Design at Western Colorado University
January 1, 2025 - Present
Teach and host remote courses in Adobe Creative Suite, Introduction to Graphic Design, Typography, and Web Design. Develop curriculum materials and assessments, provide student mentoring, and support program goals.
Graphic Designer/Web Designer at La Mesa Boricua de Florida
January 1, 2021 - Present
Design and develop engaging digital content for lamesaboricuadefl.com, including logos, newsletters, flyers, and social media graphics; provide website consulting and maintenance to enhance brand visibility and user experience.
Online Adjunct Professor of Graphic Design at Southern New Hampshire University
January 1, 2017 - Present
Remote teaching of courses in Adobe Creative Suite, Introduction to Graphic Design, Typography, and Web Design.
Freelance Graphic Designer at American Red Cross of Puerto Rico
January 1, 2016 - Present
Designed and developed promotional campaigns; created donor information brochures; implemented marketing strategies across print and social media to increase engagement.
Professor of Design at Western Colorado University
January 1, 2018 - Present
Developed a comprehensive graphic design curriculum; co-chaired the curriculum committee; served as faculty advisor for Pathfinder magazine.
Co-author and Graphic Designer at National Endowments for the Arts Award, Western Colorado University
January 1, 2021 - September 6, 2025
Co-wrote and designed The US Art And Design Market Report with COVID impacts postscript.
Graphic Designer at Gravel City City Adventure and Supply
January 1, 2018 - September 6, 2025
Created cohesive visual identity, promotional materials, and merchandising to boost brand engagement.
Associate Professor of Graphic Design at Emporia State University
January 1, 2018 - September 6, 2025
Teaching UX/UI, Graphic Design Processes, Art Direction, Senior Project/Portfolio, Type and Design, and Advanced Typography.
Web Designer at The Sweet Granada Chocolate Co.
January 1, 2018 - September 6, 2025
Designed and implemented thesweetgranada.com; produced photography, maintained blog with SEO improvements.
Graphic Designer at Dirty Kanza Promotions LLC.
January 1, 2018 - September 6, 2025
Designed promotional materials (posters, apparel) and collaborated on branding for events.
Web Designer at b17restoration.com
January 1, 2016 - September 6, 2025
Designed and implemented the website; produced imagery; integrated SSO for improved security.
Web Designer at gastropolita.com
January 1, 2016 - September 6, 2025
Remote website design and photography; SSO integration for security.
Department Chair and Professor of Design at Escuela de Artes Plásticas
January 1, 2015 - September 6, 2025
Led design department; supervised faculty; integrated real-world projects into curriculum to boost engagement.
Senior Graphic Designer and Art Director at Bird Communications
January 1, 2015 - September 6, 2025
Led marketing initiatives for high-profile clients; managed projects and client relationships; contributed to growth.
Web Designer and Co-Owner at Restaurants In Puerto Rico.com
January 1, 2010 - September 6, 2025
Developed a restaurant search platform; produced content; collaborated with tourism company for promotion.
Web Designer at purwaterpolo.com
January 1, 2010 - September 6, 2025
Designed and implemented website; produced imagery; maintained blog; implemented SSO for security.
Graphic Designer at KROMA Marketing Consultants
January 1, 2006 - September 6, 2025
Produced ads, banners, packages, billboards, and corporate identities for clients.
High School Technology Teacher at Elkton High School
January 1, 2006 - September 6, 2025
Courses: Technology, Graphic Design, Digital Photography, Video Editing, Web Design.
Graduate Teaching Fellow at University of Oregon
January 1, 2004 - September 6, 2025
Courses: Multimedia Tools I and II (Photoshop, Illustrator, InDesign, DreamWeaver, Flash).
Web Designer and Photo Finisher at Evergreen Film Service
January 1, 2001 - September 6, 2025
Maintained identity of e-commerce site; color corrected and printed film.
Web Designer at Aurora Consulting Group
January 1, 2000 - September 6, 2025
Designed and managed Western New York Health Services Medical Group site; Fisher-Price intranet; advertising banners.
Graphic Designer at Roberts-Gordon
January 1, 1999 - September 6, 2025
Designed and proofed manuals; layout and design of Product Application Book in multiple languages.
Intern Graphic Designer at New Era Cap
January 1, 1999 - September 6, 2025
Produced layouts for corporate and baseball team logos on caps.
Intern Graphic Designer at WIVB Channel 4
January 1, 1998 - September 6, 2025
Produced TV news graphics: title bars, quotations, reference images; animated advertising.
Online Adjunct Professor of Graphic Design at Western Colorado University
January 1, 2025 - Present
Teach courses in Adobe Creative Suite, Introduction to Graphic Design, Typography, and Web Design. Develop and deliver remote curriculum and assessments for design students.
Graphic Designer/Web Designer at La Mesa Boricua de Florida
January 1, 2021 - Present
Design and develop engaging digital content for lam esaboricuadefl.com; create logos, newsletters, flyers, and social media graphics; provide website consulting and maintenance to enhance brand visibility and user experience.
Online Adjunct Professor of Graphic Design at Southern New Hampshire University
January 1, 2017 - Present
Remote courses: Adobe Creative Suite, Introduction to Graphic Design, Typography and Web Design.
Professor of Design at Western Colorado University
January 1, 2025 - September 6, 2025
Developed and implemented a comprehensive graphic design curriculum; co-chaired the curriculum committee; served as faculty advisor for Pathfinder magazine.
Freelance Graphic Designer at American Red Cross of Puerto Rico
January 1, 2025 - September 6, 2025
Designed and developed promotional campaigns; donor information brochures; implemented marketing strategies across print and social media; increased donor retention and campaign reach.
Co-author and Graphic Designer at National Endowments for the Arts Award, Western Colorado University
January 1, 2021 - September 6, 2025
Co-wrote and designed The US Art And Design Market Report with COVID impacts postscript.
Graphic Designer at Gravel City City Adventure and Supply
January 1, 2018 - September 6, 2025
Designed cohesive visual identity; created promotional materials and engaging merchandise; helped increase customer engagement.
Associate Professor of Graphic Design at Emporia State University
January 1, 2018 - September 6, 2025
Courses: UX, UI Design, Graphic Design Processes, Art Direction, Senior Project/Portfolio, Type and Design, Advanced Typography.
Web Designer at The Sweet Granada Chocolate Co.
January 1, 2018 - September 6, 2025
Designed and implemented thesweetgranada.com; photographed and crafted images; maintained blog; enhanced SEO and user experience; integrated SSO.
Graphic Designer at Dirty Kanza Promotions LLC.
January 1, 2018 - September 6, 2025
Created promotional materials (posters, t‑shirts, patches); collaborated on branding for events; improved brand visibility and participant engagement.
Web Designer at www.b17restoration.com
January 1, 2016 - September 6, 2025
Designed and implemented the website; produced images; implemented SSO for improved security; enhanced user experience.
Web Designer at Gastropolita
January 1, 2016 - September 6, 2025
Designed and implemented the website; photographed and crafted images; coordinated SSO integration.
Department Chair and Professor of Design at Escuela de Artes Plásticas
January 1, 2015 - September 6, 2025
Courses: Adobe Creative Suite, Introduction to Graphic Design, Advanced Design Courses, Publications, Photography I and II, History of Graphic Design, Typography and Web Design; supervised faculty; led division; integrated real-world projects.
Senior Graphic Designer and Art Director at Bird Communications
January 1, 2015 - September 6, 2025
Led marketing initiatives for high-profile clients; strong client relationships; contributed to significant engagement growth.
Web Designer and Co-Owner at Restaurants In Puerto Rico.com
January 1, 2010 - September 6, 2025
Designed an innovative restaurant search platform; produced content; supported tourism marketing efforts.
Web Designer at purwaterpolo.com
January 1, 2010 - September 6, 2025
Designed and implemented site; photographed images; maintained blog; SEO; implemented SSO.
Graphic Designer at KROMA Marketing Consultants
January 1, 2006 - September 6, 2025
Created ads, banners, packages, billboards, invitations, and corporate identities.
High School Technology Teacher at Elkton High School
January 1, 2006 - September 6, 2025
Courses: Technology, Graphic Design, Digital Photography, Video Editing, Web Design.
Graduate Teaching Fellow at University of Oregon
January 1, 2004 - September 6, 2025
Courses: Multimedia Tools I and II (Photoshop, Illustrator, InDesign, DreamWeaver, Flash).
Web Designer and Photo Finisher at Evergreen Film Service
January 1, 2001 - September 6, 2025
Maintained e-commerce identity; color correction and printing; prepared finished film.
Web Designer at Aurora Consulting Group
January 1, 2000 - September 6, 2025
Managed web sites for Western New York health services and Fisher-Price intranet; banner design.
Graphic Designer at Roberts-Gordon
January 1, 1999 - September 6, 2025
Designed and proofed manuals; produced Product Application Book in multiple languages.
Intern Graphic Designer at New Era Cap
January 1, 1998 - September 6, 2025
Layouts for corporate and baseball team logos on caps.
Intern Graphic Designer at WIVB Channel 4
January 1, 1998 - September 6, 2025
TV news graphics: title bars, quotes, reference images, animated advertising using After Effects.
Graphic Designer (Board of Directors) at YANAM2M
January 1, 2025 - November 3, 2025
Provide creative direction and brand strategy for a nonprofit supporting families affected by suicide. Lead visual identity development, oversee marketing materials, and enhance community engagement through design-driven storytelling.
Graphic Designer/Web Designer (Remote) at La Mesa Boricua de Florida
January 1, 2021 - November 3, 2025
Designed engaging digital content for lamesaboricuadefl.com, increasing online engagement by 30% through logos, newsletters, flyers, and social media graphics. Provided website consulting and maintenance, optimizing user experience and performance.
Freelance Graphic Designer (Remote) at American Red Cross of Puerto Rico
January 1, 2025 - January 1, 2025
Developed promotional campaigns and donor brochures, boosting donor retention by 25% and campaign reach by 40%. Implemented cohesive branding across print and digital platforms for enhanced visibility.
Professor of Design at Western Colorado University
January 1, 2025 - January 1, 2025
Developed and taught courses in Adobe Creative Suite, Typography, Web Design, and Graphic Design, enhancing student skills through real-world projects. Co-chaired curriculum committee, fostering faculty collaboration for program excellence. Advised Pathfinder magazine, guiding students to produce high-quality design publications.
Online Adjunct Professor of Graphic Design (Remote) at Western Colorado University
January 1, 2025 - November 3, 2025
Deliver courses in Adobe Creative Suite, Graphic Design, Typography, and Web Design using Brightspace, Canvas, and Blackboard LMS platforms.
Online Adjunct Professor of Graphic Design (Remote) at Southern New Hampshire University
January 1, 2017 - November 3, 2025
Deliver courses in Adobe Creative Suite, Graphic Design, Typography, and Web Design using Brightspace, Canvas, and Blackboard LMS platforms.
Co-Author & Graphic Designer at National Endowment for the Arts Award, Western Colorado University
January 1, 2021 - January 1, 2021
Co-wrote and designed The U.S. Art and Design Market Report with COVID-19 impact analysis, published under NEA grant.
Graphic Designer at Gravel City Adventure and Supply
January 1, 2018 - January 1, 2018
Created cohesive visual identity, including t-shirt designs and marketing materials, increasing customer engagement by 20%.
Web Designer at The Sweet Granada Chocolate Co.
January 1, 2018 - January 1, 2018
Designed thesweetgranada.com, enhancing UX and visual appeal, with SEO optimization driving 30% organic traffic growth. Integrated Single Sign-On (SSO) for streamlined user access and improved security.
Associate Professor of Graphic Design at Emporia State University
January 1, 2018 - January 1, 2018
Taught UX/UI Design, Art Direction, and Advanced Typography, mentoring students on senior portfolios.
Graphic Designer at Dirty Kanza Promotions LLC
January 1, 2018 - January 1, 2018
Designed promotional materials for gravel races, contributing to a 20% increase in participant registrations.
Department Chair & Professor of Design at Escuela de Artes Plásticas
January 1, 2015 - January 1, 2015
Led department restructuring, enhancing focus and effectiveness of design programs. Integrated real-world projects into curriculum, improving student engagement and skills.
Senior Graphic Designer & Art Director at Bird Communications
January 1, 2015 - January 1, 2015
Spearheaded marketing for clients like Coca-Cola, Dove, and Medicare y Mucho Más, driving significant engagement growth.

Education

MFA in Design at University of Oregon
January 11, 2030 - January 1, 2004
BFA in Photography, minor in Graphic Design at Rochester Institute of Technology
January 11, 2030 - January 1, 1998
High School Diploma at St. John's School
January 11, 2030 - January 1, 1994
MFA in Design at University of Oregon
January 11, 2030 - January 1, 2004
BFA in Photography, minor in Graphic Design at Rochester Institute of Technology
January 11, 2030 - January 1, 1998
High School Diploma at St. John’s School
January 11, 2030 - January 1, 1994
MFA at University of Oregon
January 11, 2030 - January 1, 2004
BFA,Photography (Minor: Graphic Design) at Rochester Institute of Technology
January 11, 2030 - January 1, 1998

Qualifications

Add your qualifications or awards here.

Industry Experience

Education, Media & Entertainment, Professional Services, Software & Internet, Other, Non-Profit Organization