I'm an artist who specializes in illustration, brand design, and print production, from Richmond, Virginia. I hold a BFA in Illustration for Entertainment from the Savannah College of Art and Design, and my work spans brand identity, print-ready production, and hands-on physical fabrication. What sets me apart is range: I don't just design on the page, I understand how that design has to perform once it becomes something real, whether that's a printed card mailed to hundreds of clients, an installation applied across an irregular physical space, or a large-scale fabricated object built from scratch. I'm comfortable working within a client's existing brand guidelines and creative direction, iterating quickly based on feedback, and delivering polished, technically accurate files ready for production. I've worked across sectors including construction, healthcare, nonprofit, and entertainment, giving me a practical understanding of how different industries expect their design work to look, function, and get delivered. Graphic Designer / Event Installer Ampa Events February 2026 - Present Senior Custom Framer Michaels Inc. September 2020 - February 2026 Freelance Graphic Designer Rycon Construction December 2025 - May 2025 Lead Award Designer Mayo Clinic (SCADpro Sponsored Course) Winter 2025 Product Innovation Team Lead Strutz (SCADpro Sponsored Course) Spring 2025

Wren Yates

I'm an artist who specializes in illustration, brand design, and print production, from Richmond, Virginia. I hold a BFA in Illustration for Entertainment from the Savannah College of Art and Design, and my work spans brand identity, print-ready production, and hands-on physical fabrication. What sets me apart is range: I don't just design on the page, I understand how that design has to perform once it becomes something real, whether that's a printed card mailed to hundreds of clients, an installation applied across an irregular physical space, or a large-scale fabricated object built from scratch. I'm comfortable working within a client's existing brand guidelines and creative direction, iterating quickly based on feedback, and delivering polished, technically accurate files ready for production. I've worked across sectors including construction, healthcare, nonprofit, and entertainment, giving me a practical understanding of how different industries expect their design work to look, function, and get delivered. Graphic Designer / Event Installer Ampa Events February 2026 - Present Senior Custom Framer Michaels Inc. September 2020 - February 2026 Freelance Graphic Designer Rycon Construction December 2025 - May 2025 Lead Award Designer Mayo Clinic (SCADpro Sponsored Course) Winter 2025 Product Innovation Team Lead Strutz (SCADpro Sponsored Course) Spring 2025

Available to hire

I’m an artist who specializes in illustration, brand design, and print production, from Richmond, Virginia. I hold a BFA in Illustration for Entertainment from the Savannah College of Art and Design, and my work spans brand identity, print-ready production, and hands-on physical fabrication.
What sets me apart is range: I don’t just design on the page, I understand how that design has to perform once it becomes something real, whether that’s a printed card mailed to hundreds of clients, an installation applied across an irregular physical space, or a large-scale fabricated object built from scratch. I’m comfortable working within a client’s existing brand guidelines and creative direction, iterating quickly based on feedback, and delivering polished, technically accurate files ready for production. I’ve worked across sectors including construction, healthcare, nonprofit, and entertainment, giving me a practical understanding of how different industries expect their design work to look, function, and get delivered.

Graphic Designer / Event Installer Ampa Events
February 2026 - Present

Senior Custom Framer Michaels Inc.
September 2020 - February 2026

Freelance Graphic Designer Rycon Construction
December 2025 - May 2025

Lead Award Designer Mayo Clinic (SCADpro Sponsored Course)
Winter 2025

Product Innovation Team Lead Strutz (SCADpro Sponsored Course)
Spring 2025

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Language

English
Fluent

Work Experience

Graphic Designer / Event Installer at Ampa Events
January 31, 2026 - Present
Developed production-ready artwork for large-format printing, signage, environmental graphics, and custom scenic elements. Transported, assembled, and installed event equipment at venues including Capital One Hall, MGM National Harbor, Walter E. Washington Convention Center and Marriott Marquee, ensuring client specifications and safety standards were met. Coordinated with event coordinators and technical teams as installation lead; resolved on-site issues. Managed loading/unloading of box trucks and warehouse stock, maintaining accurate inventory. Excelled in a fast-paced schedule, working independently and in teams of 3–8. Operated and maintained fleet assets (24’ and 16’ box trucks, van, 16’ trailer).
Senior Custom Framer at Michaels Inc.
September 1, 2020 - February 1, 2026
Designed and assembled high-quality custom frames tailored to client specifications, ensuring craftsmanship and presentation. Served as department expert in materials, design, and conservation techniques for artwork, photos, and memorabilia. Delivered personalized consultations guiding customers through frame styles, matting, and layout options. Trained and mentored new framers, improving team productivity and quality. Contributed to revenue growth and customer retention with product knowledge; notable sales achievement of $23,767 in September.
Freelance Graphic Designer at Habitat for Humanity – Women Build
June 1, 2026 - Present
Designed a new logo for 'Raise a Paddle, Raise a Roof,' focusing on application flexibility while nodding to Habitat branding. Logo applied across flyers, towels, and wristbands.
Freelance Graphic Designer at Real Fake War
May 1, 2025 - Present
Designed the promotional film poster translating the film's tone into visual branding; poster officially used for the Savannah Film Festival screening.
Graphic Designer at Rycon Construction – Front Entrance Window Decal for the VA Office
May 1, 2025 - Present
Designed branded entrance window decal spanning four panes of varying sizes, while managing production and print specifications to ensure seamless alignment.
Freelance Graphic Designer at Rycon Construction – Holiday Card
December 1, 2025 - Present
Designed a custom corporate holiday card for Rycon Construction, translating brand guidelines into a polished seasonal design. Cards were sent to 250 clients.
Logo Designer at SCADpro – Prototype Magazine
December 1, 2024 - Present
Designed the final logo for 'Prototype,' a SCAD student typeface magazine, with the wordmark transitioning from a finished bold letterform into construction-grid linework—visually depicting a typeface's design process from concept to completion.
Team Lead at SCADpro – Strutz Footwear Innovation
March 1, 2025 - Present
Led a student team researching and prototyping a redesign of Strutz's cushioned arch pad, targeting improved appeal and fit for female consumers. Elected team leader and primary liaison between class and Strutz stakeholders; directed design, materials, and manufacturing research. Built functional prototypes via 3D printing, modeling, and sewing for client presentations and promotional filming.
Designer at SCADpro – Mayo Clinic: Designing Zibba Nursing Award
December 1, 2025 - Present
Led design of the Zibba Award's physical redesign during a 10-week sponsored project with Mayo Clinic. Developed a marketing strategy to elevate the award's visibility and prestige; partnered with Mayo Clinic stakeholders to align final design with brand and institutional goals. Mayo Clinic adopted all final assets for internal and social media use.
Freelance Graphic Designer at Prototype (SCADpro) – SCAD Typeface Magazine
December 1, 2024 - Present
Designed and contributed logos and branding assets for a SCAD student typography magazine, integrating concept-to-production aesthetics.
Logo Designer at Habitat for Humanity – Women Build Pickleball Fundraiser
June 1, 2026 - Present
Designed a new memorable, mission-focused logo for 'Raise a Paddle, Raise a Roof,' with application flexibility and nods to Habitat's branding. Logo applied to flyers, towels, and wristbands.
Poster Designer at Real Fake War – Main Poster
May 1, 2025 - May 31, 2025
Designed promotional film poster translating the film's tone into visual branding; the poster was officially used for the Savannah Film Festival screening.
Graphic Designer at Rycon Construction – Holiday Card
December 1, 2025 - December 31, 2025
Designed a custom corporate holiday card for Rycon Construction as a freelance graphic designer, translating brand guidelines into a polished seasonal design. Cards were sent to 250 company clients.
Logo Designer at "Prototype" SCADpro Student Typeface Magazine Logo
December 1, 2024 - December 31, 2024
Designed the final logo for "Prototype," a SCAD student typeface magazine, with the wordmark transitioning from a finished bold letterform into construction-grid linework — visually depicting a typeface's design process from concept to completion. Logo was digitally distributed and promoted to all SCAD graphic design students.
Team Leader at SCADpro Sponsored Course – Strutz Footwear Innovation
January 1, 2025 - May 31, 2025
Led a student team in researching and prototyping a redesign of Strutz's cushioned arch pad, targeting improved appeal and fit for female consumers. Elected team leader and primary liaison between the class and Strutz stakeholders; directed design, materials, and manufacturing research. Built functional prototypes via 3D printing, modeling, and sewing for client presentations and promotional filming.
Designer at SCADpro Sponsored Course – Mayo Clinic: Designing Zibba Nursing Award
December 31, 2024 - March 30, 2025
Led design of the Zibba Award's physical redesign during a 10-week sponsored project with Mayo Clinic. Developed a marketing strategy to elevate the award's visibility and prestige among internal and external stakeholders. Partnered directly with Mayo Clinic stakeholders to align final design with brand and institutional goals. Mayo Clinic adopted all final assets for internal use and across social media channels.

Education

Bachelor of Arts - Illustration for Entertainment at Savannah College of Art and Design (SCAD)
January 1, 2021 - June 1, 2025

Qualifications

Add your qualifications or awards here.

Industry Experience

Media & Entertainment, Professional Services, Manufacturing, Retail