I am a Creative Director with 30+ years of experience delivering advertising and design work across a diverse range of platforms: entertainment, health care, higher education, nonprofit children's programming, conservation groups, museums, technology, and hospitality. I lead and participate in projects from concept through execution, managing multiple projects simultaneously and focusing on clarity, quality, and consistency. My work blends strategic thinking with hands-on design to help clients and organizations strengthen their brands and communicate with purpose. I bring end-to-end design experience across concept development, branding, art direction, event and campaign materials, photography, and scalable digital assets for web and social. I collaborate easily with teams and approach each project with thoughtful, mission-driven problem-solving.…

Nellie Schmitz

PRO

I am a Creative Director with 30+ years of experience delivering advertising and design work across a diverse range of platforms: entertainment, health care, higher education, nonprofit children's programming, conservation groups, museums, technology, and hospitality. I lead and participate in projects from concept through execution, managing multiple projects simultaneously and focusing on clarity, quality, and consistency. My work blends strategic thinking with hands-on design to help clients and organizations strengthen their brands and communicate with purpose. I bring end-to-end design experience across concept development, branding, art direction, event and campaign materials, photography, and scalable digital assets for web and social. I collaborate easily with teams and approach each project with thoughtful, mission-driven problem-solving.…

Available to hire

I am a Creative Director with 30+ years of experience delivering advertising and design work across a diverse range of platforms: entertainment, health care, higher education, nonprofit children’s programming, conservation groups, museums, technology, and hospitality. I lead and participate in projects from concept through execution, managing multiple projects simultaneously and focusing on clarity, quality, and consistency.

My work blends strategic thinking with hands-on design to help clients and organizations strengthen their brands and communicate with purpose. I bring end-to-end design experience across concept development, branding, art direction, event and campaign materials, photography, and scalable digital assets for web and social. I collaborate easily with teams and approach each project with thoughtful, mission-driven problem-solving.

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Language

English
Fluent

Work Experience

Creative Director / Owner at Next Level Creative
January 1, 2003 - Present
Founder and lead designer of a freelance brand and design studio serving healthcare, higher education, and nonprofit organizations. Lead end-to-end design across print and digital, including brochures, catalogs, newsletters, event materials, trade show displays, billboards, and web and social assets. Partner closely with clients to translate goals into clear, engaging visual communication. Manage multiple projects simultaneously while maintaining brand consistency and quality.
Senior Graphic Designer at Mor Design
January 1, 2000 - January 1, 2003
Designed and produced advertising and marketing materials for hospitality and tourism clients. Supported print production and art direction for photoshoots and campaign assets. Clients included Kalahari Resorts, Chula Vista and Great Wolf Lodge, Tommy Bartlett Exploratory.
Lead Graphic Designer at TriEnda Corporation
January 1, 1998 - January 1, 2000
Designed technical cut sheets, catalogs, and product marketing materials. Supported sales teams with direct mail, trade show graphics, and lead-generation assets.
Remote Graphic Designer at Credit Union Executives Society
January 1, 1993 - January 1, 1999
Designed brochures, newsletters, and direct mail.
Graphic Designer (Remote) at Credit Union Executives Society
January 1, 1993 - December 31, 1999
Designed brochures, newsletters, and direct mail.
Contracted Remote Graphic Designer at Credit Union Executives Society
January 1, 1993 - January 1, 1999
Designed brochures, newsletters, and direct mail.
Lead Designer - Desktop Publishing Department at Quinn Pike Advertising
January 1, 1989 - January 1, 1991
Ran Desktop Publishing dept., design and production of print collateral for agency client base.
Student Graphic Designer at Wisconsin Union Graphics Department
January 1, 1984 - January 1, 1989
Designed and produced advertising materials and signage for the Memorial Union, Union South Student programming and events.

Education

Bachelor of Fine Arts (Fine Arts) with emphasis in Graphics at University of Wisconsin-Madison
January 1, 1984 - January 1, 1988
Commercial Art (2-year program) at Madison Area College
January 1, 1980 - January 1, 1982
Bachelor's degree in Fine Arts with emphasis in Graphics at University of Wisconsin–Madison
January 1, 1984 - December 31, 1988
Commercial Art Degree (2-year program) at Madison Area College
January 1, 1980 - December 31, 1982
Bachelor of Fine Arts in Graphic Design at University of Wisconsin-Madison
January 1, 1984 - January 1, 1988
Associate Degree in Commercial Art at Madison Area College
January 1, 1980 - January 1, 1982
Bachelor of Fine Arts in Graphic Design at University of Wisconsin–Madison
January 1, 1984 - December 31, 1988
Commercial Art at Madison Area College
January 1, 1980 - December 31, 1982
Bachelor of Fine Arts at University of Wisconsin-Madison
January 1, 1984 - January 1, 1988
Commercial Art Degree at Madison Area College
January 1, 1980 - January 1, 1982

Qualifications

Madison Addy Award: 1st place, Student Category
January 1, 1986 - January 1, 1986
Summit Creative Awards: 2018 Annual Report design for the International Crane Foundation
January 1, 2018 - January 1, 2018
Branding & Stationery, Small Business Design for Bekah Kates Kitchen & Bath
January 1, 2005 - January 1, 2005

Industry Experience

Healthcare, Education, Non-Profit Organization, Media & Entertainment, Travel & Hospitality, Professional Services, Software & Internet
    Sponsor Opportunities 2026 Museum of the Southwest

    Design Sponsor Booklet, and return rackcard plus envelopes to match.

    Great new client I enjoy working with their marketing team. they provided copy and photos gave me a sample from previous year. I work within their branding specifications and designed this from scratch. Clib=ck link it is the first project in the Gallery.

    https://www.twine.net/signin

    Sponsor Opportunities Booklet and Rackcard

    Just finished this up a week ago. for a wonderful Non-Profit out of Midland Texas. Museum of the Southwest
    The campus holds: Fine art museum, children’s museum, planetarium and outdoor sculpture garden.

    Booklet and Rackcard are positioned for Fundraising for 2026 events, exhibits and lectures.

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