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

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

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

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

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

SARAH NELSEN • Art Director • Graphic Designer • Illustrator