Professional Experience
PROFESSIONAL EXPERIENCE HIGHLIGHTS
CREATIVE DIRECTOR, DIGITAL + PRINT DESIGNER, WEB UX + CUSTOMER EXPERIENCE, SM CONTENT CREATOR
(2023-Current)
My Wall Images + Filmet, Inc. | Pittsburgh, PA
Redesigned the entire brand experience across digital and physical touchpoints, including social media, packaging, instructional materials, how-to guides, product videos, promotional photography, advertising copy, and branded templates for multi-platform use.
Forged strategic partnerships and in-kind trade agreements to expand market reach into commercial and non-profit sectors, generating new business opportunities and extending impact beyond individual residential clients. New reach includes Weaver Homes, University of Pittsburgh, Dahlhaus Home, Northway Outreach, City Mission, and Franklin Interiors.
Designed and executed multi-faceted trade show booth displays and targeted marketing collateral—including promotional giveaways and a raffle—that successfully generated qualified leads and expanded brand visibility among architects and interior designers at the commercial design-focused conference, MiniCon 2024 and 2025 in Pittsburgh.
Led the successful launch of new eComm website (Shopify), enhancing user experience through the integration of key features such as dynamic FAQ chat support, promotional giveaway integrations, and a more visual shopping experience.
Enhanced original eComm website (Etsy) by utilizing SEO stats (eRank) to eliminate irrelevant products, re-allocate advertising spending, add new, more relevant products, and introduce additional price options—resulting in an increased conversion rate, increased sales within the first year, and a 4.9 out of 5 stars average review (of 900+ reviews).
Managed customer experience (Oct 2023–present) for 1,108 online product orders and 207 reviews, ensuring satisfaction through proactive follow-up and close coordination with in-house design, prepress, production, and shipping teams.
Project managed and designed print and environmental signage projects for Filmet, Inc., maintaining client relationships and overseeing work from concept through delivery. Clients include Soergel Orchards, Colonial Gold and Silver, and Grace Christian School.
(Founder & Owner) DIRECTOR OF EDUCATION, CREATIVE, RETAIL, EVENTS, and NEW BUSINESS
(2019-2023)
Atlas Art Press & Studio | Wexford, PA + Greater Pittsburgh
Founded brick and mortar studio and retail shop offering classes, creative services, specialized event fundraisers, therapeutic workshops, curated arts and mental health products.
Featured in the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette, Stroll Magazine, North Hills Magazine.
Key Instructor/Presenter, Arts Section, 2022, ‘23, ‘24, ‘25 - IUP Foreign Language Diversity & Inclusion Summit.
Designed interior studio and store displays and messaging. Managed and hired a team of 4-8 employees, executed payroll and other daily business functions, implemented COVID Pandemic regulations.
Served UPMC Passavant Hospital Foundation, Highmark Caring Place, Human Trafficking and Homeless Recovery Shelters, Special Needs, School Districts, and Health Systems, etc.
Conceptualize and maintain brand identity, web design, print design, and curriculum.
Foster and maintain client relations through ongoing communication. Manage various independent contractors and staff members.
Instructor, speaker, workshop leader, and curriculum developer for art for mental wellness programs that are sensorium-focused and audience-specific themes.
Orchestrate original designs, art, and copywriting into engaging products for stress-relief, wellness, and overwhelming mental health issues.
(Founder & Owner) CREATIVE DIRECTOR, GRAPHIC DESIGNER, PROJECT MANAGER & SALES
(2011-2018)
Sarah Nelsen Design | Pittsburgh, PA, Palm Springs, CA, Jackson Hole, WY
Provided exceptional creative solutions and strategies for increased revenue, awareness, and expansion. Secured and maintained client relationships with small to large businesses.
Troutwood Financial, Pittsburgh, PA, a Carnegie Mellon Grant Start-up, App Emoji Designer
CityPASS, Inc., Int’l Tourism (U.S.), Art Director & Designer for Multi-city Annual Reports
UPMC Children’s Hospital of Pittsburgh & CHP Foundation, Art Director & Designer Various Projects
Pathology Informatics Summit Int’l, Creative Director, 10 Years
Bilingual Design and Marketing for Organizations in Southern California and Wyoming.
Created branded storytelling strategies and graphic systems. Wrote original engaging, effective copy for targeted audiences in web and print.
Presented concepts, storyboards, and visual solutions to executive-level leaders and clients.
Worked on countless projects that required including both languages of Spanish and English.
Planned and executed multi-faceted campaigns, event branding, and environmental design.
Managed projects from start to finish: exploration, design, proofing, specifications, quotes, press checking, and quality control upon delivery.
Oversaw and collaborated with contractors including web developers, illustrators, interns, printers, editors, and writers.
ART DIRECTOR
(2008-2011)
University of Pittsburgh, University Marketing Communications | Pittsburgh, PA
Original designs and creative strategies earned Design and Creative Tactic Awards. Managed projects, client relationships. Created original brand systems and designs.
Led projects including Executive-level/Chancellor, Student Affairs, School of Engineering, School of Law, Graduate School of Public and International Affairs, and more.
Increased awareness and attendance of university programs, events, and special projects.
Researched, conceptualized, designed, and presented directly to departmental clients resulting in new work and ongoing relationships
Gained incredible knowledge in proofreading, international reach, and identity standards.
Managed and art directed photo shoots while adhering to University style guidelines.
Researched, secured services with, and managed contractors including photographers, designers, writers, editors, and printers.
PRINCIPAL DESIGNER, MARKETING COORDINATOR, PHOTOGRAPHER
(2003-2007)
National Museum of Wildlife Art of the United States | Jackson Hole, WY
Repositioned and re-designed outdated brand. Developed multiple, result-oriented, cross-media campaigns. Art directed and designed award-winning member magazine. Instituted new graphic standards.
Earned six Excellence in Design and Special Judges Awards.
Brought projects in-house, reducing expenses and increasing attendance 6% first year; 10% second year; events up 50%.
Managed printing, specifications, production schedules with vendors and conducted comprehensive press checks for a variety of print projects.
Assisted in planning and pricing for campaigns including radio, web, print and events.
Presented professional storyboards, mock-ups, and project timelines to upper level management and high level donors, many with the Board of Directors.
Presented complete re-design of website, features, and user experience in partnership with web developer.
Art directed photo shoots: architecture, retail, portraits, fine art exhibitions, and events.
Supervised interns, worked with staff in all museum departments.