Karen M Miller

Designed stylish bucket hats for ladies, using public domain artists samples of artwork. After seeing the catalog of products, I started branching off into designed shoes, and just started designing wedding accessories such as clutches, slippers hair pieces etc. That is still a work in progress.

• Spearheaded cross-functional initiatives to improve overall company performance in the retail sector.
• Enhanced customer satisfaction by providing efficient and accurate retail processing services.
• Ensured store compliance with company policies, safety regulations, and local laws governing retail operations.
• Implemented visual merchandising techniques that maximized retail space utilization while showcasing products effectively.
• My store was just getting started; I had no sales yet. Started rewording my text using AI. and saw improvement in visits.

• Researched the needs of elderly in products for education and entertainment.

• I used my mother as a model; she had a massive stroke at age 50 and was totally paralyzed on her right side. Prior to her stroke her favorite past time was working large puzzles with small pieces. Afterwards, she was unable to pick up the small pieces and was very frustrated because she couldn't participate in her favorite past time.

• I had one goal in mind, to make a puzzle my mother could handle easily and enjoy the process.

• I was free lancing at this time, had very little money, couldn't get a loan, because it was kind of a wild idea. So, I did baby steps.

• I knew my puzzles had to be small, so patients could keep them in front of them to work on.

• The pieces had to be large and easily handled.

• I designed a wooden puzzle - 6"x8" - 1/4" thick.

• 6 piece; 12 piece

• I purchased a scroll saw and learned how to cut the puzzles myself.

• I found a gentleman who sold his puzzles and he made my protocols.

• I took them into a Alzheimer's group to get their opinion.

• Received positive comments, some of the points on the puzzles were too sharp or pointed had to watch that, not wanting to have any injuries.

• Then the decision of what images to use for the face of the puzzle.

• This was difficult, because wanted it to be different and interesting, but not what I saw being used for elderly entertainment. They were too childish, I know my mother didn't like working on childish images, because it made her feel like a child and she wasn't.

• I ran across one of Norman Rockwell's books at the library and I knew right away this is what I wanted and needed.

• I contacted the publishing company, told them about my idea and able to obtain the license to use Norman Rockwell and other artists images on my puzzles. I had the choice of images, would put in a request and they would send me the files to use.

• It was ironic when I first spoke with the manager, his wife father had just been diagnosed with the disease.

• In my mind, I had the perfect size puzzle, and the best image for the elderly to identify with.

• I hired a gentleman to cut the puzzles for me and we worked together until I retired the business.

• We made a few samples with Norman Rockwell images and met with the Alzheimer's group again and they were excited about the puzzles, thought they were perfect.

• What was amazing when I would take my puzzles into different facilities, most would recall Norman Rockwell and his paintings. It was very rewarding.

• I designed and maintained our website, wrote content, packaged and went to post office.

• I packaged the puzzles in reusable clear bags, flat so they could see the puzzle together right away.

• The size was perfect for shipping inexpensively.

• I never got rich, but that isn't what I was doing it for.

• When I retired the business I didn't owe anyone a dime. I gave some puzzles away to facilities, kept a few for my family along with the notebooks, trial and errors along the way. It was the best job I ever had.

• Enhanced user experience by designing visually appealing and intuitive web interfaces.
• Developed custom graphics for websites, ensuring consistent branding and visual identity across all platforms.
• Implemented responsive design techniques to ensure optimal viewing on multiple devices and screen sizes.
• Designed interactive multimedia presentations to effectively communicate complex concepts during client meetings.
• Increased website traffic by optimizing design elements for search engines and mobile devices.
• Analyzed website analytics data to make informed design decisions based on user behavior patterns.
• Provided ongoing support and maintenance for client websites after launch, addressing any technical issues or design updates as needed.
• Increased overall brand awareness through the creation of eye-catching logo designs and cohesive visual identities.
• Conducted usability testing on website designs to identify areas for improvement before final implementation.
• Streamlined site navigation with user-friendly layouts and clear, concise content organization.
• Collaborated closely with developers during the coding phase to ensure designs were accurately translated into functional websites.
• Redesigned outdated websites to improve aesthetics, functionality, and accessibility for various audiences.
• Assisted in the development of comprehensive style guides for clients, outlining proper use of logos, typography, color schemes, and other design elements.
• Stayed current on industry trends and emerging technologies, applying new techniques to continuously improve design quality and efficiency.
• Developed creative design for print materials, brochures, banners, and signs.
• Created digital image files for use in digital and traditional printing methods.
• Completed final touches for projects such as images sizes and font selection.
• Employed design fundamentals when selecting typography, composition, layout, and color in design work.
• Met with customers to present mockups and collect information for adjustments.
• Conceptualized creative designs for print materials, banners, and signs.
• Completed final touches for projects before rollout.
• Proved successful working within tight deadlines and a fast-paced environment.
• Liaised with other departments to discuss ideas and create unified goals.
• Created sequences under tight deadlines and seamlessly integrated with other components.
• Combined technical and artistic abilities to accomplish challenging animation objectives.
• Used [Software] to create computer-generated effects and simulations.
• Worked alongside writers and producers to create unique designs to translate artistic vision into visual medium.

• I took a course at Columbia College in 2002 in animation, but I didn't actually get to work in the field.