I'm a passionate and accomplished graphic designer and art director with extensive experience leading design, photo research, and illustration for print, editorial and digital products. I manage projects from concept through production, lead art staff, and guide budgets and schedules with a collaborative, creative approach. Throughout my career at USA TODAY Studio Gannett and AARP, I built award-winning content and mentored teams, delivering custom content pieces each year and coordinating multi-channel publications from concept to completion. I value clear communication, innovative design, and producing work that resonates with diverse audiences.…

Gina Toole Saunders

I'm a passionate and accomplished graphic designer and art director with extensive experience leading design, photo research, and illustration for print, editorial and digital products. I manage projects from concept through production, lead art staff, and guide budgets and schedules with a collaborative, creative approach. Throughout my career at USA TODAY Studio Gannett and AARP, I built award-winning content and mentored teams, delivering custom content pieces each year and coordinating multi-channel publications from concept to completion. I value clear communication, innovative design, and producing work that resonates with diverse audiences.…

Available to hire

I’m a passionate and accomplished graphic designer and art director with extensive experience leading design, photo research, and illustration for print, editorial and digital products. I manage projects from concept through production, lead art staff, and guide budgets and schedules with a collaborative, creative approach.

Throughout my career at USA TODAY Studio Gannett and AARP, I built award-winning content and mentored teams, delivering custom content pieces each year and coordinating multi-channel publications from concept to completion. I value clear communication, innovative design, and producing work that resonates with diverse audiences.

See more

Language

English
Fluent

Work Experience

Senior Designer at USA TODAY CO. Studio Gannett
January 1, 2015 - January 1, 2025
Senior design leader responsible for the design, art direction, photo research, illustration and production of 25+ custom content, print and digital products per year. Served as design project manager for 6 publications annually.
Art Director at AARP Media
January 1, 2012 - January 1, 2012
Provided art direction and design to support all AARP media properties, including AARP The Magazine, AARP Bulletin, AARP VIVA, Broadcast, Radio, Online, Advertising and Promotions.
Art Director at AARP VIVA
January 1, 2004 - January 1, 2011
Elevated a quarterly bilingual Spanish-language newsletter into an award-winning lifestyle magazine; designed covers, features, departments and inserts; produced on-location celebrity cover photo sessions; managed design and production staff; budget management; acquired and directed online art; contributed to redesigns and content development.

Education

Master of Fine Arts (M.F.A.), Graphic Design at Academy of Art University
January 11, 2030 - March 30, 2026
Bachelor of Business Administration (B.B.A.), Marketing at Howard University
March 3, 2026 - March 3, 2026

Qualifications

Add your qualifications or awards here.

Industry Experience

Media & Entertainment, Professional Services, Education