Graphic designer and merchandiser with experience driving sales, supporting guest experiences, and designing promotional materials for major entertainment brands and events. Strong background in brand identity, visual merchandising, and marketing content creation with Adobe Creative Suite. Also a lead dog trainer and USMC veteran, bringing a calm, structured coaching style to training and customer interactions. Passionate about pop-culture aesthetics (Disney/Marvel/Star Wars) and applying creative design skills to real-world communication and brand experiences.

CLAUDIA THURSTON

Graphic designer and merchandiser with experience driving sales, supporting guest experiences, and designing promotional materials for major entertainment brands and events. Strong background in brand identity, visual merchandising, and marketing content creation with Adobe Creative Suite. Also a lead dog trainer and USMC veteran, bringing a calm, structured coaching style to training and customer interactions. Passionate about pop-culture aesthetics (Disney/Marvel/Star Wars) and applying creative design skills to real-world communication and brand experiences.

Available to hire

Graphic designer and merchandiser with experience driving sales, supporting guest experiences, and designing promotional materials for major entertainment brands and events. Strong background in brand identity, visual merchandising, and marketing content creation with Adobe Creative Suite.

Also a lead dog trainer and USMC veteran, bringing a calm, structured coaching style to training and customer interactions. Passionate about pop-culture aesthetics (Disney/Marvel/Star Wars) and applying creative design skills to real-world communication and brand experiences.

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Language

English
Fluent
Spanish; Castilian
Advanced
French
Beginner
Japanese
Beginner
Italian
Beginner

Work Experience

Lead Dog Trainer at Petco
July 1, 2024 - January 1, 2025
Evaluated behavior by assessing each dog’s learning style, breed traits, and specific challenges. Taught commands in three-step phases, including socialization and proper play etiquette. Conducted behavior modification through Petco’s Positive Reinforcement Program to mitigate behavioral issues. Educated pet parents on effective communication and reinforcing training at home.
Merchandiser at Walt Disney Company
October 1, 2022 - May 1, 2024
Maintained customer satisfaction by handling complaints and requests, assisting with sales transactions, and organizing shift schedules. Monitored attendance, tardiness, and time-off for team members. Balanced cash drawers and made deposits. Prepared and served hot/cold beverages and served baked goods/sandwiches to patrons. Drove merchandise sales for the Wizarding World of Harry Potter, maximized guest interactions, and supported inventory activities including taking stock counts, checking in orders, and replenishing stores for maximum park merchandising capacity. Produced promotional and recreational materials for campus events and supported art department asset organization and junior colleagues on projects.
Cashier / Class Instructor / Shift Lead at Michael’s
May 1, 2022 - August 1, 2022
Handled cashier responsibilities and led shifts; also served as a class instructor. Supported day-to-day store operations and customer service. (Specific duties and dates are partially provided.)
Barista at Starbucks
April 1, 2019 - April 1, 2022
Provided guest service, prepared hot and cold beverages, and supported retail operations in a fast-paced environment. (Specific duties and dates are partially provided.)
Lead Student Art Director / Graphic Designer at The Art Institute of CA - Hollywood
September 1, 2017 - February 1, 2018
Designed and directed student art projects for coursework and campus needs; supported production and organization of graphic assets and promotional materials. (Specific duties and dates are partially provided.)
Marketing Campus Intern (Influencer) at Adobe (Campus Influencer)
September 1, 2016 - December 1, 2016
Collaborated with marketing teams to create content across digital platforms, including social media, blogs, and email campaigns. Assisted with social media scheduling, engagement monitoring, and performance metric analysis. Conducted market research on trends and competitors, supported event coordination, and performed KPI analysis to provide recommendations. Worked cross-functionally with design/product/sales teams and participated in professional development and mentorship activities.
Retail Sales Clerk / Night Stock Crew at Michael’s
September 1, 2016 - April 1, 2019
Supported retail sales and performed night stock duties, maintaining inventory and store presentation. (Company name is inferred from resume lines; exact details are partially provided.)
Marketing Campus Intern (Influencer) at Spotify (Campus Influencer)
September 1, 2012 - December 1, 2013
Supported campus marketing initiatives as an influencer, applying creativity and analytics to support digital brand management and engagement across campaigns. (Role details are described generically in resume internship summary; specific campaign details not provided.)
Freelance Graphic Designer at Lovechild Creative
June 1, 2011 - Present
Developed brand identities and promotional materials for small businesses, including logo concepts, business cards, advertisements, and menus. Managed social media accounts and added advertising content based on client requests.

Education

A.S. in Graphic Design at The Art Institute of CA - Hollywood
January 11, 2030 - January 1, 2017
B.A. in Graphic Design at The Los Angeles Film School
January 11, 2030 - January 1, 2026

Qualifications

Add your qualifications or awards here.

Industry Experience

Media & Entertainment, Retail, Education