Professional Experience

  • IUP Diversity, Language, Inclusion Summit 2022 & 2023, Art Director and Presenter

  • Start-up, Atlas Art Press, LLC, Featured in Pittsburgh Post-Gazette, Stroll Magazine, NH Magazine

  • University of Pittsburgh, Award-winning designs for Executive-level/Chancellor, School of Engineering, School of Law, Graduate School of Public and International Affairs and Departments

  • 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

RECENT CAREER HIGHLIGHTS


CREATIVE DIRECTOR, GRAPHIC DESIGNER, CURRICULUM + COPY WRITER, INSTRUCTOR (Founder & Owner)

Atlas Art Press  |  2017-2023  |  Pittsburgh, PA + National Presence

  • Founded arts initiative to improve mental health and wellness through multi-faceted therapeutic workshops, education, and products to diverse communities and non-profits.

  • Featured in the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette, Stroll Magazine, North Hills Magazine

  • Indiana University of PA Selected Presenter for Language, Diversity, and Inclusion Summit 2022

  • 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 copy writing into engaging products for stress-relief, wellness, and overwhelming mental health issues


CREATIVE DIRECTOR, GRAPHIC DESIGNER, COPYWRITER, (Founder & Owner)

Sarah Nelsen Design  |  2007-2020, 2023-Present
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.

  • Bilingual Design and Marketing for Organizations in Southern California and Wyoming

  • Created branding and 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

University of Pittsburgh, University Marketing Comm.  |  2008-2012
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

National Museum of Wildlife Art of the United States  |  2003-2007
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