Carolyn Burnett
Santa Clara,CA
Summary
Graphic designer specializing in sports branding and visual storytelling across social, digital, and print platforms. Proven experience developing cohesive visual identities and high-impact creative within fast-paced, deadline-driven environments. Sole designer leading all creative execution across 18+ NCAA D1 athletic programs, overseeing production workflows, brand consistency, and all athletics visual content.
Overview
3
3
years of professional experience
Work History
Director, Athletics Graphic Design
Santa Clara Athletics
Santa Clara, CA
07.2024 - Current
- Serve as sole graphic designer and creative lead for all visual communications across 18+ NCAA Division I athletic programs within Santa Clara Athletics.
- Direct end-to-end creative production using Adobe Creative Suite, including concept development, design execution, and final delivery of creative assets across digital, social, print, and in-venue platforms.
- Develop and maintain cohesive visual identity systems to ensure consistency across all athletic programs, campaigns, and communications.
- Collaborate cross-functionally with athletics communications, marketing, and coaching staff to translate program objectives into strategic visual storytelling.
- Supervise and mentor graphic design interns, providing creative direction, feedback, and workflow oversight.
Creative Services Lead Graphic Design Intern
UC Irvine Athletics
Irvine, CA
03.2023 - 06.2024
- Conceptualized and designed original graphics and visual content for 18 NCAA Division I athletic programs, creating engaging assets that strengthened team branding and audience engagement.
- Collaborated closely with the Lead Creative Services Director to support department-wide creative initiatives and execute high-volume design projects in a fast-paced collegiate athletics environment.
- Developed and delivered visual assets aligned with UC Irvine Athletics brand standards and overall creative direction, utilizing Adobe Creative Suite to ensure consistency and quality across all platforms.
Education
Bachelor of Arts - Psychological Sciences
University of California, Irvine
Irvine, CA06-2024
Skills
- Graphic Design
- Brand Identity & Visual Branding
- Layout Design
- Typography
- Digital Design
- Sports Branding & Campaign Design
- Adobe Creative Suite (Photoshop, Illustrator, InDesign)
- Fast-Paced Content Creation
- Creative Collaboration
Accomplishments
June 2026 - SkullSparks26 Speaker & Creative Leader
Selected to speak on creative journey and athletic branding at the SkullSparks26 Conference, presenting to a national audience of collegiate sports creatives.
Timeline
Director, Athletics Graphic Design
Santa Clara Athletics
07.2024 - Current
Creative Services Lead Graphic Design Intern
UC Irvine Athletics
03.2023 - 06.2024
Bachelor of Arts - Psychological Sciences
University of California, Irvine