I love art. And design. And creative collaboration. I am a creative leader with a designer’s heart. My work spans branding, print, digital, packaging, large-format graphics, and photo direction – with a focus on purposeful design that connects with the target audience. I enjoy solving creative challenges, and whether I’m rolling up my sleeves in Photoshop, brainstorming about a big idea, or working on a multi-channel brand campaign, my goal is to bring vision and ideas to life, inspire others, and exceed expectations.…

Sara Rooney

I love art. And design. And creative collaboration. I am a creative leader with a designer’s heart. My work spans branding, print, digital, packaging, large-format graphics, and photo direction – with a focus on purposeful design that connects with the target audience. I enjoy solving creative challenges, and whether I’m rolling up my sleeves in Photoshop, brainstorming about a big idea, or working on a multi-channel brand campaign, my goal is to bring vision and ideas to life, inspire others, and exceed expectations.…

Available to hire

I love art. And design. And creative collaboration. I am a creative leader with a designer’s heart.

My work spans branding, print, digital, packaging, large-format graphics, and photo direction – with a focus on purposeful design that connects with the target audience. I enjoy solving creative challenges, and whether I’m rolling up my sleeves in Photoshop, brainstorming about a big idea, or working on a multi-channel brand campaign, my goal is to bring vision and ideas to life, inspire others, and exceed expectations.

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Skills

Experience Level

Language

English
Fluent

Work Experience

Senior Manager, Brand & Design at Koozie Group (previously BIC Graphic North America)
July 1, 2022 - August 6, 2025
• Directed brand and design strategies across all marketing channels, ensuring consistency across digital, print, and live experiences. • Led a creative team producing social media content that generated 433,000 impressions and 21,400 engagements in 2024; achieved a 60% increase in impressions and 18% engagement growth in the first seven months of 2025 compared to the same period of 2024. • Implemented AI-powered design tools to streamline concept development and enhance creative workflows while safeguarding brand standards. Collaborated with marketing, sales, and product teams to ensure design strategies supported organizational goals and measurable business outcomes.
Design Manager at Koozie Group (previously BIC Graphic North America)
January 1, 2013 - June 30, 2022
• Led major rebranding initiatives including for the flagship Koozie® brand, increasing brand visibility and market relevance. • Developed and executed an employer branding campaign that enabled the recruitment of 14 new hires in seven months; applicant referrals: 12 from newspaper/postcard ads, 8 from billboard ads, 68 from social media ads. • Managed creative teams in delivering campaigns across multiple platforms while ensuring design excellence and brand alignment. • Oversaw development of 200–800-page catalogs, leading global teams to meet deadlines and maintain quality standards. • Implemented and maintained comprehensive brand guidelines, driving consistency across marketing channels. • Led remote transition for creative team, establishing virtual project reviews and launching “Weekly Wins” and “Fuel Up Fridays” to boost creativity and cross-location collaboration.
Senior Graphic Designer/Graphic Designer at BIC Graphic North America (now Koozie Group)
February 23, 2001 - December 31, 2012
• Developed a wide range of marketing collateral including print ads, digital graphics, and trade show visuals, driving consistent brand recognition and supporting measurable business growth. • Led and managed the transition of catalog development to an in-house design operation, supervising a 3-person creative team and reducing production costs by 20% while improving turnaround times and workflow efficiency. • Enhanced brand identity by creating visually compelling campaigns and experiences that increased customer engagement and strengthened stakeholder relationships. • Promoted to Senior Graphic Designer (2006) in recognition of advanced design expertise and leadership.
Freelance Graphic Designer & Creative Consultant at Self-Employed – Sara Rooney Brand & Design
December 28, 2008 - November 12, 2025
• Deliver creative design solutions for diverse clients across multiple industries, with emphasis on strategic branding, visual storytelling, and client-tailored design that elevates brand identity and strengthens audience engagement. • Specialize in nonprofit sector design, developing impactful marketing materials that support mission-driven organizations. Recognized with a Certificate of Appreciation from the Aklilah Institute for Women for exemplary contributions in creating PR and marketing materials.

Education

Bachelor of Arts in Studio Art at St. Olaf College, Northfield, MN
January 11, 2030 - November 12, 2025
Honors: Magna Cum Laude | Phi Beta Kappa | Departmental Distinction in Studio Art
Bachelor of Arts in American Racial & Multicultural Studies at St. Olaf College, Northfield, MN
September 11, 1989 - May 23, 1993
Honors: Magna Cum Laude | Phi Beta Kappa | Departmental Distinction in Studio Art

Qualifications

PPAI Gold Pyramid Award – Supplier Sales Support Material | 2024
January 1, 2024 - December 31, 2024
The most creative, technically excellent work in the promotional products industry is honored through the PPAI Pyramid Award, presented annually to high achieving member companies that serve their clients well. The winning entry in the Marketing Programs category was a selling tool I designed that showcased five pens made with recycled materials and included a card that defined types of recycled materials as well as provided tips for creating promotions that keep sustainability in mind. The pens and card were placed inside a pouch made with RPET, and the entire mailing was sent in a compostable padded envelope with a water-soluble label.
BIC Graphic People Power Awards – One Team
April 1, 2020 - April 30, 2020
“Sara was a huge creative force behind the new Koozie® logo, and now the new Koozie Group® name and branding. She pushed us to create a strong campaign and kept us organized! Nothing shows “One Team” more than building a complete new look and feel for the whole company!”
GDUSA American In-House Design Award – Koozie® Brand Logo & Packaging
January 1, 2019 - January 31, 2019
GDUSA’s American Inhouse Design Awards™ is the original and premier showcase for inhouse graphic design excellence. Robert Half is the exclusive corporate sponsor. I led the creative team on the redesign/refresh project for the iconic Koozie® brand, designed the "K-splash" icon for the new logo, collaborated with my team on logo redesign and refresh of the brand. The Koozie® brand refresh was spotlighted in the May 2019 edition of Print + Promo magazine, and won a 2019 GDUSA American Inhouse Design Award for brand and logo redesign.
PPAI Image Awards, Gold Award Winner – Promo Product Catalog Cover Series
January 1, 2016 - December 31, 2016
PPAI Image Awards Celebrate The Best In Self-Promotion Award was given for my BIC Graphic USA 2015 catalog series design - which included the cover design for a series of 4 catalogs featuring different lines of BIC Graphic USA's product selection (BIC® brand products, Norwood Hard Goods, JAFFA® Awards and Triumph® Calendars.
BIC Graphic Marketing Person of the Year
January 1, 2014 - December 31, 2014
“An award of the highest honor. Being recognized as a star performer among our company’s elite. Setting standards for all the marketing team. In recognition of your performance, leadership, teamwork, attitude, and creating an image for all to mirror, we proudly present you with the “Marketing Person of the Year” Award.”

Industry Experience

Non-Profit Organization, Consumer Goods, Retail, Other

Skills

Experience Level