Award-winning Creative Director and Design Strategist with an MA in Graphic Design and 25 years of agency experience driving visual strategy for global brands. Expert in multi-platform brand architecture, high-stakes client pitching, and scaling creative teams with a collaborative leadership style.…

HEATHER PONTE MELLO

Award-winning Creative Director and Design Strategist with an MA in Graphic Design and 25 years of agency experience driving visual strategy for global brands. Expert in multi-platform brand architecture, high-stakes client pitching, and scaling creative teams with a collaborative leadership style.…

Available to hire

Award-winning Creative Director and Design Strategist with an MA in Graphic Design and 25 years of agency experience driving visual strategy for global brands. Expert in multi-platform brand architecture, high-stakes client pitching, and scaling creative teams with a collaborative leadership style.

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Skills

Experience Level

Language

English
Fluent

Work Experience

Substitute Art Teacher at Warwick School District
January 1, 2020 - Present
Taught design concepts, led daily critiques, and managed busy classrooms as a substitute art educator.
Visual Arts Educator & Substitute Specialist at Warwick School District
January 1, 2020 - Present
Translates complex, abstract concepts into clear, engaging visual instructions for students. Manages high-volume environments while balancing strict schedules and administrative coordination. Spearheads localized digital layouts and visual design assets for community programs.
Art Director at SLN, Inc.
April 1, 2001 - July 1, 2005
Art Direction, Graphic Design, Copywriting, Web Design, Photography.
Sr. Graphic Designer at RDW Group
May 1, 1999 - April 1, 2001
Graphic Design, Photography.
Owner & Operator at Mello Designs, Inc.
June 1, 1995 - Present
Provide art direction, graphic design, copywriting, web design, and photography services under an independent studio operation.
Owner at Mello Designs, Inc.
June 1, 1995 - Present
Art Direction, Graphic Design, Copywriting, Web Design, Photography.
Owner / Principal Designer at Mello Designs, Inc.
January 1, 1995 - Present
Leads art direction, graphic design, and photography to build engaging digital stories for clients and community assets. Integrates strategic copywriting with visual execution to deliver cohesive online campaigns. Balances strict production deadlines with creative development to consistently produce impactful work.

Education

B.A. Graphic Design & Marketing at Rhode Island College
September 1, 1993 - December 1, 1997
M.A. Media Studies Digital Design & Production at Rhode Island College
September 1, 2001 - December 1, 2005
Master of Arts in Graphic Design & Marketing Communications at Rhode Island College
January 11, 2030 - July 31, 2026
Bachelor of Arts in Graphic Design at Rhode Island College
January 11, 2030 - July 31, 2026
Teaching Assistant (TA) Certification at State of Rhode Island
January 11, 2030 - July 31, 2026
MA Graphic Design & Marketing at Rhode Island College
January 1, 2005 - August 3, 2026
BA Graphic Design at Rhode Island College
January 1, 1997 - August 3, 2026
Teaching Assistant (TA) Certification at State of Rhode Island
January 1, 2025 - August 3, 2026

Qualifications

Teaching Assistant (TA) Certification
January 11, 2030 - July 31, 2026

Industry Experience

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

Skills

Experience Level