I'm a multidisciplinary graphic designer and educator based in Ames, Iowa. My work spans editorial design, storytelling, and concept art, with experience across universities, galleries, and creative studios. I enjoy collaborating on visually compelling projects and helping students grow their craft through hands-on teaching and mentorship. I'm passionate about interactive storytelling and comics, evidenced by my MFA focus and my roles supporting design, teaching, and project leadership at Iowa State University. I love exploring new tools and techniques, mentoring peers and students, and bringing bold ideas to life through thoughtful visuals and design systems.

Rao Ibtisam Najam

I'm a multidisciplinary graphic designer and educator based in Ames, Iowa. My work spans editorial design, storytelling, and concept art, with experience across universities, galleries, and creative studios. I enjoy collaborating on visually compelling projects and helping students grow their craft through hands-on teaching and mentorship. I'm passionate about interactive storytelling and comics, evidenced by my MFA focus and my roles supporting design, teaching, and project leadership at Iowa State University. I love exploring new tools and techniques, mentoring peers and students, and bringing bold ideas to life through thoughtful visuals and design systems.

Available to hire

I’m a multidisciplinary graphic designer and educator based in Ames, Iowa. My work spans editorial design, storytelling, and concept art, with experience across universities, galleries, and creative studios. I enjoy collaborating on visually compelling projects and helping students grow their craft through hands-on teaching and mentorship.

I’m passionate about interactive storytelling and comics, evidenced by my MFA focus and my roles supporting design, teaching, and project leadership at Iowa State University. I love exploring new tools and techniques, mentoring peers and students, and bringing bold ideas to life through thoughtful visuals and design systems.

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Language

English
Fluent

Work Experience

Editorial Design Assistant at Extension and Outreach ISU
March 1, 2025 - Present
Support editorial design and production for ISU Extension and Outreach, creating layout, typography, and visual storytelling assets.
Board Member & Lead Designer at GRAADS 2025
February 1, 2025 - Present
Led branding and visual identity, materials, and design coordination for the GRAADS 2025 conference.
Teaching Assistant at Iowa State University
August 1, 2023 - Present
TA for Graphic Design courses, providing instruction support, grading, and studio supervision.
Concept Artist at HotWire Studios (Tkxel)
August 1, 2022 - July 1, 2023
Created concept art and visual development for game/animation projects, contributing to style guides and planning.
Creator and Head of the Nitro Comics Universe CG Artist at GeniTeam Solutions
July 1, 2021 - November 1, 2021
Founded and led Nitro Comics Universe, producing CG artwork, storytelling concepts, and branding assets.
Intern at Zahoor-ul-Akhlaq Gallery NCA
February 1, 2018 - May 1, 2019
Assisted gallery operations, curation tasks, and design-related duties.
Graphic Designer at Worldie Tours & Adventures
January 1, 2018 - February 1, 2019
Designed marketing collateral, digital assets, and branding materials for tours and adventures.

Education

Masters of Fine Arts in Graphic Design at Iowa State University
January 11, 2030 - January 1, 2026
Bachelor of Fine Arts in Visual Communication Design at National College of Arts, Lahore, Pakistan
January 11, 2030 - January 1, 2020

Qualifications

Add your qualifications or awards here.

Industry Experience

Media & Entertainment, Education, Software & Internet, Professional Services, Other