I am a passionate graphic designer and illustrator with a love for creating engaging visuals. My journey in design began with my education in Applied Visual Imaging, and since then, I've cultivated a diverse set of skills that allow me to bring ideas to life through various media.…

Laura Sutherland

I am a passionate graphic designer and illustrator with a love for creating engaging visuals. My journey in design began with my education in Applied Visual Imaging, and since then, I've cultivated a diverse set of skills that allow me to bring ideas to life through various media.…

Available to hire

I am a passionate graphic designer and illustrator with a love for creating engaging visuals. My journey in design began with my education in Applied Visual Imaging, and since then, I’ve cultivated a diverse set of skills that allow me to bring ideas to life through various media.

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Language

English
Fluent

Work Experience

Childern's Book Illustrator at Laura Sutherland Art & Design
February 13, 2020 - January 1, 2024
As a freelance children's book Illustrator I started getting creative with book projects online using Amazing.au as a book illustration platform - for Kindle and printing books. I created my first children's book in 2020 and sold quite a few copies online and locally. I enjoy using water color as my medium, with my own creative style. I contacted a local publisher which was amazing experience :)
Retail Professional to Store Manager at OpenInspiration Ltd
January 1, 2018 - January 31, 2019
Oversaw store operations, managed team members, and handled website content management, ensuring an engaging shopping experience.
Sole Trader Artist at Self-Employed
January 1, 2018 - Present
Created commissioned artworks, illustrations for children's books, and managed all aspects of my art business.
Sole Trader Artist at Freelance
January 1, 2018 - Present
Created commissioned artworks and illustrated children's books. Managed projects from concept development to completion.
Store Manager at OpenInspiration Ltd
January 1, 2018 - January 1, 2019
Oversaw retail operations while managing the company's website and content media. Ensured customer satisfaction and streamlined store processes.
Assistant Librarian at Chartwell Library Hamilton City
May 1, 2016 - January 31, 2018
Provided customer service and assistance in library operations while managing circulation functions and supporting library patrons.
Assistant Librarian at Chartwell Library
May 1, 2016 - January 31, 2018
Provided customer service and circulation assistance. Engaged with patrons to support their information needs and managed library resources and systems.
Web & Graphic Designer at Inscape Ltd
July 1, 2014 - February 1, 2016
Oversaw web design projects, developed content strategies, and created visually engaging media for multiple clients.
Graphic Designer at Inscape Ltd
July 1, 2014 - February 1, 2016
Managed multiple web and graphic design projects, including creating online content and maintaining websites. Collaborated with clients to develop branding solutions and marketing materials.
In house Graphic Designer at Inscape
July 1, 2014 - September 1, 2016
Web & In house Graphic Designer, Receptionist, Content & Media Manager, Wordpress Specialist, Website & Email Account Manager Inscape Ltd - Papakura, Hunua Road, Hunua Office and home Office - Auckland.
Retail Assistant at Trade Aid
January 1, 2008 - January 1, 2010
Provided exceptional customer service, managed inventory, and assisted in pricing and stock management.

Education

NCEA Level 3 at Palmerston North Girls High School
January 10, 2001 - November 10, 2005
Graphic Design, Art, Photography, Illustration - Excellence in Art 99% Pass
Bachelor of Applied Visual Imaging at Universal College of Education
January 1, 2007 - March 1, 2013
Bachelor of Applied Visual Imaging at Universal College of Education
January 1, 2007 - March 1, 2013
Bachelor of Applied Visual Imaging at Universal College of Education
January 1, 2007 - March 1, 2013
BAVI Bachelor of Applied Visual Imaging at Universal College of Education
January 1, 2007 - March 1, 2013

Qualifications

Bachelor of Applied Visual Imaging
February 10, 2008 - November 13, 2012
Graphic Design, Branding, Art, Illustration - Advertising & Web Design

Industry Experience

Non-Profit Organization, Retail, Professional Services, Government, Real Estate & Construction, Media & Entertainment, Education
    Children's Book Illustrator

    I created and edited my first children’s illustrated book. Through Amazon Kindle Direct Publishing. This was a labor of love as I’ve always wanted to use my illustration skills for a children’s book! I have learnt a bunch of skills along the way through a local publisher / editor. Here are my skills learnt and used from previous projects & background experience through this project: (Book Published - and apart of the NZ National Library 2024 / 07).

    • Story boarding
    • Storytelling and script editing
    • Children’s book layout
    • Creating a range of different media artworks, character artworks
    • Character development
    • Background art works / landscapes
    • Photoshop and illustrator editing and refining imagery.

    TECHNICAL SKILLS:

    • Amazon Australia Kindle Account Management
    • Setting up a Print ready book file format through Amazon website
    • InDesign Booklet development and layout
    • Creating High Quality print ready pdf file booklets
    • Creating ads and ordering book stock online through Amazon Kindle Direct Publishing
    • Editing scripts from children’s books.
    • InDesign Skills
    • Adobe Photoshop, Illustrator, Acrobat Pdf
    • Book Cover Design / insert design / page arrangement
    • Barcode Registration / generation

    ART MEDIUM SKILLS:

    • Pencil renders / artworks
    • Watercolour / Typography
    • On Watercolour Paper / some canvas work
    • Acrylic & Oil painting / artworks
    • Charcoal character renders
    In house Graphic Designer / Web Designer

    Creating new and fresh websites for the Director of a hire plants company. Brand and content creating for new websites 20+ online in 2014. Using photoshop, media provided, illustrator and photoshop.