I'm a hopeless romantic designer.
"There is no limit to what we can be hopelessly romantic about, to what we can choose to love and care for most in this world. Every one of us should go through life with that improbable, intoxicating infatuation for something — even if that something will never quite say “I love you” in return. Because even if your dedication proves difficult, or ultimately impossible to attain, the moments where you feel most alive will always be when you love with no regard for moderation. You don’t need to love romantic comedies and fairy tales and wedding magazines to be a hopeless romantic — you only need to be in love with life."
Chelsea Fagan, Thought Catalog.
Take Chances,
Make Mistakes and Get Messy
Ms. Frizzle Magic School Bus
Charles + Linda
I can't introduce myself without explaining my name, which at this point you might have figured out. My dad's name is Charles, my mom's name is Linda, and yeah you guessed it they named me Charlinda. I was born and raised in South Minneapolis, Minnesota both my parents enriched my life with all mediums of art. Throughout my adolescents, I was involved in dance, theater, music, and various art courses. My fondest memories are of when my mom would take me to the rose garden near the lakes and we’d paint watercolors of the roses.
Education
BFA in Graphic Design
Minor in Spanish and German
University of Wisconsin - Stout
Study Abroad Programs:
ITESM - Cuernvaca Mexico
HAWK Gestaltung (Design) - Hidesheim, Germany
I started off as an Apparel Design major for 2 years before making the switch to Graphic Design at UW-Stout. I was able to enrich my love for languages by studying Spanish for a semester at ITESM in Cuernavaca, Mexico. Once accepted into the Graphic Design concentration program at Stout I was able to apply to an immersive 1-year residency at HAWK a German Art & Design School in Hildesheim, Germany. While studying design (in mostly German-only spoken courses) at HAWK I was able to also double minor in German. Having this experience really allowed me to expand the way I look at Design, especially outside of the US.
As a creative, I strive to keep challenging myself to
find fun creative ways to express ideas. I charge my creative battery through traveling, taking walks in neighborhoods that are waiting to be explored and coffee...always coffee.
I love to work in a positive enriching environment that allows for independent projects and team collaboration. I value the opinions of those around me and welcome input on projects that help it successfully grow. I find communication, focus, and curiosity all important assets that I can contribute to a workplace.
I am Marie Kondo approved, if you hire me I will spark joy in your office.
Recently have dabbled in story-telling check out my article Prince and The Revolution
Work Experience
download resume here
2022 to Present
Black Heart Emoji, Inc.
Art Director
(contract - projct based)
Black Heart Emoji, Inc is an agency owned and managed by a collective of creatives providing a range of services to their clientele. Charlinda was brought on as a web designer for a client project at the start of 2022 and later joined be an owner towards the end of the year. My roles have mainly been leading clientele in their web design needs providing UX/IX skills for event pages, accessibility adjustments, re-branding websites, and more.
Present
Drawlinda LLC
Owner/Illustrator/Art Direction
(contract - projct based)
In 2022 I began the journey to invest in my creative ability by starting an LLC. However, Drawlinda has been in works far beyond 2022, as I I have taken on many projects for clientele for Logo and Brand Identity, Webdesign, and Illustration work since 2012.
2019 to Present
Mustache Agency
Senior Graphic Designer
(contract - projct based)
At Mustache, I have created multiple creative pitch decks for clients in the Entertainment industry. Since the fall of 2020, I was brought back more regularly to focus on creative assets for clients Social Media Platforms, and Creative Pitch Decks for Clients. Currently, I continue to work with Mustache as needed to continue to help with creative social and pitch deck needs.
2020 to 2022
ADin NYC Agency
Senior Designer/Art Director
ADin's clientele focuses on healthy living and producing products that advocate sustainable living. During my time at ADIN, I've created more dynamic and engaging visual digital content for their clientele. From conception to final delivery, I have enjoyed being hands-on in every aspect of the projects you see below. I even dabbled in storytelling check out my article Prince and The Revolution
2016 to 2018
L'Oreal - Redken
Junior Graphic Designer
I worked closely with the US Visual Merchandising Marketing team to bring their marketing strategies to life. Part of my day-to-day was working with printers, approving visual merchandise proofs before final print to stores, creating unique die-cuts for visual merchandising displays, working with digital to create visuals for color campaign launches, and designing for L'Oreal Redken Marketing events across the country.
2013 to 2015
Acolyte LED
Graphic Designer & Marketing
In 2013 I was brought on to help Acolyte's Product Designer to complete their catalog for clients. I was then brought on full-time to help them re-brand their website and continued to build their creative department as juggled many roles focusing on both Print and Digital Design for Social, Packaging, Trade-show Marketing Material, Youtube Video Tutorials, Photography, and Editorial design.