Charles + Linda
I can't introduce myself without explaining my name, which at this point you might have figured out. My dad's name's 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 began my academic journey as an Apparel Design major for two years, but I eventually switched to Graphic Design at UW-Stout. During my time at UW-Stout, I had the opportunity to further explore my passion for languages by studying Spanish for a semester at ITESM in Cuernavaca, Mexico. After being accepted into the Graphic Design concentration program at Stout, I applied for an immersive one-year residency at HAWK, a prominent Art & Design School in Hildesheim, Germany. While studying design at HAWK, I also pursued a double minor in German. This invaluable experience opened my eyes to different perspectives on design, especially beyond the boundaries of the United States.
As a creative, I'm always looking for new and exciting ways to express ideas, whether it's through traveling, exploring new neighborhoods, or indulging in my love for coffee. These experiences often inspire me and fuel my creativity.
I thrive in positive and enriching environments that encourage independent projects and team collaboration. I value the input and opinions of those around me, as they help me develop and grow my projects. Communication, focus, and curiosity are some of the key assets that I bring to any workplace.
In addition to my creative pursuits, I'm also passionate about storytelling. I've had the pleasure of working at various theater companies where I learned how storytelling can create a sense of community.
If you're looking for someone who brings positivity, energy, and a unique perspective to your office, then look no further - I'm Marie Kondo approved!
Work Experience
download resume here
2022 to Present
Black Heart Emoji, Inc.
Executive Creative Designer
(project based)
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Branding
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Logo Design
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Web Design
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Digital Design
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.
2022 to Present
Drawlinda LLC
Art Director
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Illustration
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Branding
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Logo Design
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Web Design
Since 2012, I have been actively involved in the creative realm, taking on various projects for clients seeking logo and brand identity development, web design, and illustration work. In 2022, I decided to take a significant step in my creative journey by establishing Drawlinda as an LLC. This venture builds upon years of experience and a proven track record of delivering exceptional design solutions to a diverse clientele.
2019 to Present
Mustache Agency
Senior Graphic Designer
(contract - projct based)
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Social Campaigns
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Digital Design
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Illustration
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Pitch Decks
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Content Creation
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Collaboration
Based in Brooklyn, New York City, Mustache is a content-focused agency specializing in serving established brands in the entertainment industry. Over the years, I have cultivated a strong and collaborative relationship with Mustache, making every project a personal favorite. From crafting compelling pitch decks for campaign launches to designing engaging social assets, I have had the pleasure of working with esteemed clients including Netflix, Viacom, Quibi, Universal, and Amp (Amazon). Collaborating with Mustache has consistently been a joyful and fulfilling experience, fueling my passion for creating exceptional content.
2020 to 2022
ADin NYC Agency
Art Director
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Art Direction
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Social Campaigns
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Book Campaigns
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Web Design
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Photography
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Digital Design
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Illustration
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Pitch Decks
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Content Creation
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Video Editing
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Package Design
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Copywriting
At ADin, our focus is on serving clients dedicated to promoting healthy living and sustainable products. Throughout my tenure at ADin, I have had the privilege of crafting vibrant and captivating visual digital content for our clientele. From the initial conceptualization to the final delivery, I have relished being involved in every stage of the projects showcased below. Additionally, I have ventured into the realm of storytelling, and I invite you to explore my article on "Prince and The Revolution." It has been a fulfilling experience to contribute my creative expertise and bring impactful narratives to life.
2016 to 2018
L'Oreal - Redken
Junior Graphic Designer
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US Visual Merchandising
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Event Signage
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Campaign Launches
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Holiday Merchandising
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Collaboration with Marketing, Digital, Copywriters, and Printers.
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Proofing Printed Material
Throughout my time at L'Oreal, in charge of developing monthly visual merchandising campaigns, highlighting a diverse range of products, and specializing in Color Campaign Launches. I also had the privilege of creating captivating visual displays for renowned retailers such as JCPenney, Ulta, and more. Additionally, our team played a pivotal role in designing impactful signage for large-scale Redken events across the globe. Among my most fulfilling experiences were the campaign launches, which consistently earned acclaim from both the creative department and marketing leaders. These projects allowed me to showcase my creative expertise and make a lasting impact within the organization.
2013 to 2015
Acolyte LED
Graphic Designer & Marketing
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Art Direction
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Social Campaigns
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Book Campaigns
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Web Design
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Editorial Design
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Photography
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Digital Design
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Illustration
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Pitch Decks
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Content Creation
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Video Editing
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Package Design
In 2013, I joined Acolyte as part of the team assisting the Product Designer in finalizing their catalog for clients. Recognizing my valuable contributions, I was soon offered a full-time position to spearhead their website rebranding initiative. As part of my role, I took on multiple responsibilities and played a pivotal role in expanding their creative department. This encompassed a diverse range of tasks, including Print and Digital Design for social media, packaging, trade-show marketing materials, YouTube video tutorials, photography, and editorial design. Juggling these various roles allowed me to demonstrate my versatility and contribute to Acolyte's overall creative vision.