Nicole Cavanaugh

Nicole Cavanaugh

Creative Director | Brand Designer | Versatile Creative | Brand Visionary | Designing for Positive Impact

13 yrs experience · Chicago, IL · <10 hrs/week

About

I’m a creative leader who is passionate about building impactful brand stories and memorable visual identities. I love developing creative strategies, leading talented teams, and delivering design work that is exciting, cohesive, and meaningful. With experience shaping visual brand identities, aligning cross-functional teams, and ensuring design excellence across all touchpoints, I’m committed to creating accessible, innovative, and impactful experiences. Pushing boundaries of design, collaboration, mentoring others, and building lasting relationships with creatives, clients, and partners is what keeps me inspired in my work.

Skills

Adobe Creative SuiteAdobe InDesignAdobe PDFAdobe PhotoshopAdobe Premiere ProBanner Ad DesignBrand DesignBrand DevelopmentBrand IdentityBrand StrategyBrandingBrochure DesignCanvaColor TheoryCreative MarketingCreative ThinkingDesignDesign ThinkingDigital DesignEditorial DesignEnvironmental DesignFigmaFlyer DesignGraphic DesignGraphic UIIcon DesignIllustratorInformation DesignLogo DesignMagazine DesignMarketingMobile DesignPhoto EditingPiktochartPitch DecksPoster DesignPrint AdvertisingProduct DesignResume DesignSketchSticker DesignTypographyUI/UX DesignUXVector TracingVisual IdentityWeb DesignWebsitesWireframinginDesign

Experience

  • Creative Director · ClearEdge Marketing2023-08-01 –

    Directed creative vision and execution for client brands, enhancing business goals through strategic design. Mentored and managed agency partners, leading to increased client engagement.

  • Senior Brand Designer · City Colleges of Chicago2022-10-01 – 2023-08-01

    Directed a comprehensive visual identity refresh, achieving 100% ADA compliance and advancing inclusivity in all design outputs.

  • International Design Lead · Shutterfly, Inc.2021-06-01 – 2022-10-01

    Produced culturally relevant and business-aligned visual merchandise for global markets, doubling design output within a quarter.

  • Senior Brand Designer · Kelly Scott Madison2019-01-01 – 2021-06-01

    Spearheaded multichannel marketing campaigns, increasing client audience engagement.

  • Digital Designer · IMX2018-01-01 – 2018-12-01

    Designed and delivered responsive digital assets for key client campaigns, prioritizing customer experience and engagement.

  • Graphic Designer · Epstein Architecture, Engineering and Construction2010-12-01 – 2018-01-01

    Redefined print and digital marketing strategies, including proposals and web content, contributing to securing millions of dollars in revenue.

Education

  • University of IowaBFA, Graphic Design & Metal Smithing
  • School of the Art Institute of ChicagoWeb & UI/UX Design
  • General AssemblyWeb Design
  • DesignlabUI/UX Design

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