Maren Nelson

Maren is a Minneapolis-based designer, art director, writer, and cat mom.

profile

> Driven / invested / innovative

> Thorough / big ideas / detailed execution

> Collaborative / excellent communicator / relationship builder

> Ready to rock / flexible / thrive under pressure

> Lifelong learner / cat mom / musician / change agent

> Design
Brand Development, Web Design, Print + Layout, Typography, Exhibit Design, Project Management

> Communication
Strategy Development, Copywriting, Social Media, Website Management, Email Marketing, Public Speaking

> Tools
Adobe CC, Procreate, Microsoft Office, Wordpress, Squarespace, Mailchimp, Later, Asana

Freelance
Graphic Designer, Art Director, Strategist / 2015–Present

Collaborates with diverse clients to understand their design needs and deliver tailored solutions.
Provides art direction and design expertise for a variety of projects include brand development, digital and print marketing, exhibit design, web design, and event identities and collateral.
Manages end-to-end project lifecycles, ensuring timely delivery of high-quality design assets within budget constraints.
Operates as an independent contractor, showcasing strong self-motivation, time management, and organizational skills, and allowing for direct communication and close connection with clients.
Communications work includes assisting with copywriting, brand and marketing strategy, and increasing organizational capacity.

Pivot Strategies
Creative Lead / 2021–2022

Oversaw creative team producing internal communications projects for Fortune 500 and Fortune 100 companies.
Art directed and designed project branding, reports, newsletters, corporate decks, infographics, web design, storyboards, and video.
Successfully adapted to various industries, understanding and incorporating industry-specific trends and requirements into design concepts.
Led expansion of Pivot’s graphic identity and new marketing materials.
Managerial responsibilities: project management, developing and streamlining internal processes, team member development, and leading creative strategy and ideation.

Way to Grow
Senior Designer / 2020–2021
Designer / 2016–2020

In-house creative lead responsible for all art direction, brand management, and design.
Work included devising communication strategy and designing promotional materials, web design and graphics, motion graphics, event collateral, and all copywriting responsibilities.
Webmaster and digital communications manager.
Coordinated print production and vendors.
Major projects: annual reports, event identities, and fundraising campaigns.

Minnesota Association of Museums (MAM)
Managing Coordinator / 2015–2017

Marketing, design, and event strategist.
Designed all graphics and external communications, including a brand expansion, website overhaul, promotional materials, and conference identities.
Organized and executed major programming and subsequent communications for three Annual Conferences, regular workshops, networking events, and Minnesota Museums Month.

Wallin Education Partners
Alumni Relations & Communications Coordinator / 2013–2015

Designed for print and web including annual reports, promotional materials, social media graphics, and event collateral.
Standardized branding across all media.
Responsible for writing and executing annual communications plans and program messaging.
Website and social media management resulted in increased engagement.

Ethel Morrison Van Derlip Award
2019 / Minneapolis College of Art & Design

Master of Arts
2018 / Minneapolis College of Art & Design
Graphic & Web Design

Post-Baccalaureate Certificate
2017 / Minneapolis College of Art & Design
Graphic Design

Bachelor of Arts
2009 / Concordia College - Moorhead, MN
Pre-Professional Art History (emphasis: museum studies),
Music