Melissa George

About

Art director and brand designer providing art direction and branding expertise with empathy. Leads brand systems, multi-channel creative campaigns, and design strategy across hospitality, AI/ML, fintech/DeFi, healthcare, consumer goods, and nonprofit sectors—partnering with leadership, vendors, and cross-functional teams to deliver high-impact, story-driven visual solutions.

Experience

• Senior Brand & Graphic Designer · High Flying Foods11-01-2024

  Innovative, chef-driven hospitality group redefining the airport dining experiences. • Partner with the Creative Director to develop visually compelling RFPs, helping secure new airport restaurant contracts and expansion opportunities. • Design and produce high-impact marketing collateral, menus, packaging, and in-store signage, elevating customer experience and increasing sales. • Collaborated with architects to design restaurant interiors, guiding concept development and selecting materials to ensure a seamless brand experience • Manage vendor relationships and print production, ensuring high-quality execution of branded materials while optimizing costs.

• Senior Graphic Designer · Apex.AI02-01-2023 – 10-31-2024

  Series B startup enabling AI solutions for autonomous mobility. • Transformed complex B2B SaaS concepts into visually compelling and easy-to-understand graphics, enhancing brand communication for technical and non-technical audiences. • Led brand efforts during the VP’s extended leave, overseeing brand consistency across 50+ marketing assets, including digital campaigns and event collateral. • Developed over 40 high-profile presentations and reports for leadership and the board, contributing to securing key customers. • Increased LinkedIn audience by 60% in 8 months through targeted content strategy and active engagement. • Managed over 20 press releases, whitepapers, monthly newsletters, and bi-monthly blog posts via Wix CMS and Hubspot. • Supported creative execution for Apex.AI’s presence at CES, developing print and digital assets for business development.

• Creative Director, Sole Proprietor · Upwell Creative10-01-2022

  Boutique creative studio offering brand development and creative consulting services to startups and established brands. • Have built brand systems for 10+ companies, including startups and CPG brands, delivering high-impact creative solutions. • Offer strategic brand consulting and ensure timely delivery of high-quality visual solutions.

• Senior Marketing, Brand Designer · Earnity, Inc.04-01-2022 – 10-31-2022

  Innovative fintech startup building a decentralized finance platform for cryptocurrency trading. • Spearheaded the creative development of foundational brand assets, closely collaborating with C-suite to shape the company’s visual identity. • Directed multi-channel creative campaigns across mobile, web, email marketing, social media, and advertising, enhancing brand visibility. • Led efforts to ensure seamless collaboration between marketing and product teams, ensuring consistency in brand experience. • Implemented user-testing insights to drive in-app design improvements, leading to a more intuitive and visually engaging user experience. • Produced and art-directed instructional videos, overseeing storyboarding, design, and animation, while performing voiceovers.

• Brand Design Manager · Safe Catch, Inc.12-01-2020 – 04-30-2022

  Sustainably sourced seafood brand focusing on clean-label products and eco-friendly practices. • Proud manager and mentor of two internal team members, a marketer and web designer. • Oversaw product photography and art direction, ensuring consistent visual standards across packaging, website, and marketing materials. • Collaborated with 15+ influencers and content creators to enhance brand reach, managing external partnerships and creative campaigns. • Led digital content initiatives, including SEO-optimized landing pages and email marketing, contributing to measurable business growth.

• Lead Marketing Designer · Safe Catch, Inc.03-01-2019 – 12-31-2020

  Sustainably sourced seafood brand focusing on clean-label products and eco-friendly practices. • Proud manager and mentor of two internal team members, a marketer and web designer. • Oversaw product photography and art direction, ensuring consistent visual standards across packaging, website, and marketing materials. • Collaborated with 15+ influencers and content creators to enhance brand reach, managing external partnerships and creative campaigns. • Led digital content initiatives, including SEO-optimized landing pages and email marketing, contributing to measurable business growth.

• Graphic Designer · Penumbra, Inc.11-01-2015 – 03-31-2019

  Global healthcare company specializing in life-saving medical devices for vascular and neuro therapies. • Led design strategy for Penumbra’s flagship product line, overseeing the creative execution for large-scale graphic needs for over 20 international events. • Collaborated with leadership to develop marketing materials including brochures, packaging, and digital assets that increased product visibility and sales.

• Graphic Designer · Vine Connections06-01-2015 – 11-30-2015

  Wine importer representing premium Argentine and Chilean wines in the U.S. market. • Developed marketing collateral, including product labels, brochures, and digital assets, enhancing brand visibility and consumer engagement. • Collaborated with the sales team to create visually compelling presentations, resulting in improved sales pitches and client acquisition.

• Marketing & Design Intern · Tactus Technology05-01-2014 – 08-31-2014

  Innovative tech company creating tactile touchscreens for a variety of industries. • Supported user research and testing phases, providing valuable insights to optimize product design and user experience. • Prepared marketing collateral and website for product launch at CES.

• Graphic Designer · Butte Humane Society08-01-2013 – 08-31-2014

  Non-profit animal rescue organization dedicated to saving homeless pets and providing community education. • Designed educational brochures, infographics, and digital content to raise awareness about animal welfare and adoption programs.

Education

• Chico State UniversityB.A., Communication Design

Similar talent on Pangea

Kristi D.Senior Art Director & Brand Designer | Brand Systems, Campaign Creative & Ops CoordinationOmaha, NEThomas S.Creative Leader (10+ Years) | Design, UI/UX, Digital Marketing & Web DevelopmentPortland, MEJohn M.Creative Director | Building the Future of Brand, Creative, & Product.San Mateo, CAKristin P.Brand Design Lead | Healthcare & FinanceNew York, NY