Hi there! I'm Susan Saam, a multimedia designer, video producer, and instructional design professional with 10+ years of experience creating visually compelling, brand-aligned content. I love mixing typography, color theory, and visual hierarchy to craft solutions that not only look great but also perform well in real-world contexts. I thrive at the intersection of design and marketing strategy, user experience, and evolving AI-powered workflows. I enjoy leading and collaborating on projects across digital and learning environments, from concept through final delivery, and I’m passionate about helping learners and audiences engage with clear, impactful content.

Susan Saam

Hi there! I'm Susan Saam, a multimedia designer, video producer, and instructional design professional with 10+ years of experience creating visually compelling, brand-aligned content. I love mixing typography, color theory, and visual hierarchy to craft solutions that not only look great but also perform well in real-world contexts. I thrive at the intersection of design and marketing strategy, user experience, and evolving AI-powered workflows. I enjoy leading and collaborating on projects across digital and learning environments, from concept through final delivery, and I’m passionate about helping learners and audiences engage with clear, impactful content.

Available to hire

Hi there! I’m Susan Saam, a multimedia designer, video producer, and instructional design professional with 10+ years of experience creating visually compelling, brand-aligned content. I love mixing typography, color theory, and visual hierarchy to craft solutions that not only look great but also perform well in real-world contexts.

I thrive at the intersection of design and marketing strategy, user experience, and evolving AI-powered workflows. I enjoy leading and collaborating on projects across digital and learning environments, from concept through final delivery, and I’m passionate about helping learners and audiences engage with clear, impactful content.

See more

Work Experience

Multimedia Design & Instructional Design Specialist at Lake County Tech Campus
July 1, 2023 - Present
Design and deliver multimedia content and learning experiences grounded in strong visual design principles and industry workflows. Apply visual hierarchy, branding, and layout strategies to create engaging instructional and digital content. Integrate video production, motion graphics, and Adobe Creative Cloud tools into daily content creation and instruction. Leverage AI tools and emerging technologies to streamline workflows and enhance content quality and engagement. Manage multiple projects, timelines, and deliverables while collaborating with external stakeholders.
Dual Credit Instructor - Digital Design (Adjunct) at McHenry County College
March 1, 2025 - Present
Redesigned and expanded a course into a structured, multimedia-rich learning experience. Created video-based instructional, visual assets, and interactive content to support diverse learners. Applied instructional design best practices including learning objectives, sequencing, and assessment alignment. Emphasized portfolio development and real-world application through project-based content.
Freelance Video Producer, Graphic Designer & Social Media Content Creator at Self-Employed
August 1, 2019 - August 1, 2023
Produced video content, digital media, and branded graphics for political campaigns and public-facing figures. Developed social media content strategies to increase engagement and audience reach across platforms. Executed full-cycle video production including scripting, filming, editing, and motion graphics. Designed campaign branding and marketing materials aligned with messaging and audience targeting. Managed multiple clients, deadlines, and deliverables from concept through final production.
Creative Director, Multimedia Producer & Marketing Consultant at Ella Bella Productions
June 1, 2013 - August 1, 2019
Led creative direction, branding, and multimedia production for client-based marketing and media projects. Executed full-cycle video production including concept development, storyboarding, scripting, filming, and editing. Produced digital content and visual assets aligned with brand identity and audience engagement goals. Managed client relationships, project timelines, and deliverables. Directed and mentored a creative team while maintaining high-quality controls and consistent visual standards. Delivered high-impact storytelling through video, motion graphics, and cohesive visual design systems.
Multimedia Design Specialist at Lake County Tech Campus
July 1, 2023 - Present
Designed and delivered multimedia content and learning experiences grounded in strong visual design principles and industry workflows. Applied visual hierarchy, branding, and layout strategies to create engaging instructional and digital content. Developed curriculum, projects, and assessments aligned to real-world creative and media production standards. Integrated video production, motion graphics, and Adobe Creative Cloud tools into daily content creation and instruction. Leveraged AI tools and emerging technologies to streamline workflows and enhance content quality and engagement. Managed multiple projects, timelines, and deliverables while collaborating with external stakeholders.
Digital Design Adjunct Instructor at McHenry County College
March 1, 2025 - Present
Redesigned and expanded a course into a structured, multimedia-rich learning experience. Created video-based instructional content, visual assets, and interactive content to support diverse learners. Applied instructional design best practices, including learning objectives, sequencing, and assessment alignment. Emphasized portfolio development and real-world application through project-based content.
Creative Director | Multimedia Producer | Marketing Consultant at Ella Bella Productions
June 1, 2013 - August 1, 2019
Led creative direction, branding, and multimedia production for client-based marketing and media projects. Executed full-cycle video production including concept development, storyboard, scripting, filming, and editing. Produced digital content and visual assets aligned with brand identity and audience engagement goals. Managed client relationships, project timelines, and deliverables from concept through final production. Directed and mentored a team of creatives while maintaining quality control and consistent visual standards. Delivered high-impact storytelling through video, motion graphics, and cohesive visual design systems.
Digital Design Instructor (Adjunct) at McHenry County College
March 1, 2025 - Present
Redesigned and expanded a course into a structured, multimedia-rich learning experience. Created video-based instruction, visual assets, and interactive content to support diverse learners. Applied instructional design best practices, including learning objectives, sequencing, and assessment alignment. Emphasized portfolio development and real-world application through project-based content.
Freelance Video Producer, Graphic Designer & Social Media Content Creator at Ella Bella Productions
August 1, 2019 - August 1, 2023
Produced video content, digital media, and branded graphics for political campaigns and public-facing figures. Developed social media content strategies to increase engagement and audience reach across platforms. Executed full-cycle video production including scripting, filming, and editing, and designed campaign branding and promotional materials aligned with messaging and audience targeting.
Creative Director, Multimedia Producer, Marketing Consultant at Ella Bella Productions
June 1, 2013 - August 1, 2019
Led creative direction, branding, and multimedia production for client-based marketing and media projects. Executed full-cycle video production from concept through delivery, produced digital content and visual assets aligned with brand identity and audience goals. Managed client relationships and timelines; directed and mentored a team of creatives while maintaining quality and visual consistency.
Multimedia Content Creator & Designer at Self-Employment / Freelance
August 1, 2019 - August 1, 2023
Produced video content, digital media, and branded graphics for campaigns and public figures. Developed social media content strategies to boost engagement. Managed projects from concept to final delivery and maintained strong client relationships.

Education

Bachelor of Arts – Media Arts & Technology at Northern Illinois University
January 11, 2030 - May 13, 2026
Bachelor of Arts – Media Arts & Technology at Northern Illinois University
January 11, 2030 - May 13, 2026
Bachelor of Arts – Media Arts & Technology at Northern Illinois University
January 11, 2030 - May 13, 2026

Qualifications

Adobe Photoshop
January 11, 2030 - May 13, 2026
Adobe Certified Proctor
January 11, 2030 - May 13, 2026
CTE Certification – Communications & Technology
January 11, 2030 - May 13, 2026
Adobe Certified – Photoshop
January 11, 2030 - May 13, 2026
Adobe Certified Proctor
January 11, 2030 - May 13, 2026
CTE Certification – Communications & Technology
January 11, 2030 - May 13, 2026
Adobe Certified – Photoshop
January 11, 2030 - May 13, 2026
Adobe Certified Proctor
January 11, 2030 - May 13, 2026
CTE Certification – Communications & Technology
January 11, 2030 - May 13, 2026

Industry Experience

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