Resume
SUMMARY OF QUALIFICATIONS
My design expertise lies in understanding clients' unique needs and translating them into creative, tailored solutions. With a strong sense of professionalism and innovation, I consistently deliver designs that exceed expectations and achieve exceptional results.
EDUCATION
UX & Visual Interface Design Certificate
University of Washington, Seattle, WA
University of Washington, Seattle, WA
LinkedIn Certificate: Become a Front-End Developer
35 hours of content | Issued: May 2020
35 hours of content | Issued: May 2020
B.A., Graphic Design (GPA: 3.6)
George Mason University, Fairfax, VA
George Mason University, Fairfax, VA
A.A.S., Interactive Design
NOVA, Annandale, VA
NOVA, Annandale, VA
A.A.S., Communication Design
NOVA, Annandale, VA
NOVA, Annandale, VA
PROFESSIONAL EXPERIENCE
Northern Virginia Community College
Annandale, VA | Senior Graphic Designer | March 2019–Present
Annandale, VA | Senior Graphic Designer | March 2019–Present
Design and produce presentations, reports, and editorial materials for internal teams, including the President's Office and College Board, as well as external stakeholders such as the Governor's Office and Cabinet.
Lead design projects for enrollment campaigns, infographics, annual and quarterly reports, and digital/print materials to support current and prospective students.
Ensure brand consistency across the institution by collaborating with various departments to strengthen message retention and impact.
Create and manage motion graphic posts for social media platforms, driving increased traffic and engagement.
Facilitate design feedback sessions with marketing and web teams to ensure high-quality deliverables; collaborate with in-house clients and external contractors to produce final designs.
Conduct research and prototype development to drive innovative product campaigns across NOVA's multiple campuses.
Special project: Partner with Virginia Community College Systems (VCCS) to redesign the SIS platform using FLUID, focusing on wireframes and UX/UI recommendations to create a user-friendly digital environment.
Manage commencement preparations and oversee major NOVA-sponsored events, ensuring seamless execution and memorable experiences.
Design and produce dynamic motion graphics for social media campaigns, increasing audience engagement and platform traffic through visually compelling content.
Lead meetings with senior stakeholders, including the Office of the President, to align on project objectives and deliverables.
Develop and maintain production schedules, ensuring timely completion of projects, even under tight deadlines.
Otto Nájera Designs
Springfield, VA | Freelance Graphic Designer | February 2014–March 2021
Springfield, VA | Freelance Graphic Designer | February 2014–March 2021
Manage and execute diverse graphic design projects from initial concept to final delivery, achieving exceptional results through expert application of color theory and typographic hierarchy.
Develop creative solutions for brand identity, editorial design, advertising, web, video, packaging, information graphics, and environmental design for businesses across Northern Virginia and Washington, D.C.
Craft comprehensive and strategic marketing plans tailored to meet clients' objectives and deliver impactful design solutions.
Lead UX/UI projects by conducting user research, designing wireframes and prototypes, and creating visually appealing interfaces to enhance user engagement.
Perform usability testing and implement iterative improvements to optimize functionality and user experience.
Build and style responsive, user-friendly websites using HTML and CSS, ensuring visually compelling and functional web experiences.
OTHER EXPERIENCE
JetBlue
Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport
Airport Operations, Ground Operations, Station Operations | June 2016–August 2019
Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport
Airport Operations, Ground Operations, Station Operations | June 2016–August 2019
Provided support for all airport and flight teams, monitored air traffic control, prepared for flight disruptions, and ensured that all teams were ready to meet dispatch aircraft.
Provided outstanding customer service, check-in customers, verified their identification, verified flight reservations, and assisted customers with special needs. Responsible for meeting and assisting with flight arrivals and departures.
SKILLS
Figma
HTML & CSS
Photoshop
InDesign
Illustrator
Dreamweaver
After Effects
Adobe XD
Adobe Acrobat
Bootstrap (Basic Knowledge)
JavaScript (Basic Knowledge)
Microsoft Word
Microsoft Excel
Microsoft PowerPoint
Agile and Waterfall Methodologies
Proficient in Mac and PC
Excellent drawing skills
Fluent in Spanish
Letterpress Experience
HONORS AND AWARDS
2nd place for Annual Report at the 2024 Virginia Community Colleges Association
3rd place for social media at the 2024 Virginia Community Colleges Association
Spring 2021 Guest Speaker at University of South Dakota
Fall 2019 Guest Speaker at George Mason University
Spring 2017 College of Visual and Performing Arts Dean's List
Fall 2017 College of Visual and Performing Arts Dean's List
Spring 2018 College of Visual and Performing Arts Dean's List
Fall 2018 College of Visual and Performing Arts Dean's List
Winner of the Jim Cote Scholarship for Communication Design
Customs and Border Protection recognition for outstanding service and assistance