Summary
Overview
Work History
Education
Skills
Websites
Timeline
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Laura Shears

Laura Shears

Graphic Designer
Wauwatosa,WI

Summary

Seasoned graphic design professional with years of both print and digital knowledge and experience. Deadline-focused Graphic Design Specialist with broad skill range including collateral design, web design and project management.

Overview

31
31
years of professional experience

Work History

Communications Coordinator

CHRIST KING PARISH & SCHOOL
01.2016 - Current
  • Identify and disseminate pertinent information and facilitate creation and implementation into appropriate print or digital marketing or internal communications vehicle(s).
  • Oversee initial development of website and maintain content, graphics, images and video updates using content management systems and associated plugins.
  • Design and oversee production of printed materials; letterhead, internal and external letters, memos, cards, newsletters, special event flyers, brochures, posters, direct mailer, etc.
  • Engage 20 staff, volunteers or outside vendors for photographs, copy, graphics, etc., for integration into marketing or internal communication collateral pieces.
  • Take photographs and videos during special events for promotional materials and social media pages.
  • Maintain master collection of all logos and manage proper dissemination and usage in any print or digital collateral pieces, ensuring integrity of overall brand.
  • Manage photo and graphics library collection.
  • Collaborate with work of parish/school marketing committee.
  • Create visual assets such as infographics and presentations to enhance message retention among target audiences.
  • Skilled at working independently and collaboratively in team environment.
  • Create social media content across multiple platforms according to content calendars and promotion schedules.
  • Copyedited, proofread and revised company advertisements, print materials and press releases before dispersal.
  • Assist with planning, production and execution of weekly email blasts.

Owner, Print & Digital Graphic Design Services

SHEARS-CREATIVE, LLC
01.2013 - 01.2021
  • Logo design & branding
  • Print collateral: business cards
  • Letterhead, note cards, direct-mail postcards, brochures, booklets, sell sheets, folders
  • Digital Graphics: website, email, social media
  • Developed and maintained strong relationships with clients, resulting in repeat business and referrals.

Freelance Graphic Design Services

Self-employed
01.1998 - 01.2013
  • Provided graphic design services to over 20 clients, with 10 clients remaining Logo design & branding
  • Print collateral: business cards. letterhead, note cards, direct-mail postcards, brochures, booklets, sell sheets, folders
  • Digital Graphics: website, email, social media

See website for client work

Graphic Designer

Circular Marketing
06.1993 - 07.1998
  • Developed creative design for print ads.
  • Maintained image and graphics collection
  • Researched and implemented current design trends and software applications
  • Managed and troubleshot existing hardware and installed updates

Education

Bachelor of Fine Art - Graphic Design

CARDINAL STRITCH UNIVERSITY
Fox Point
12.1993

Some College (No Degree) - Fine Art

UNIVERSITY OF WISCONSIN MKE
Milwaukee

Skills

    • Logo design
    • Branding
    • PC and Mac platforms
    • Web Design
    • Company Logos
    • Branding and Identity
    • Production Coordination
      • Image Sourcing
      • Mastery of Adobe Creative Suite
      • Typography Expertise
      • Print design
      • Website graphics
      • Adobe Systems Software
      • Layout Design

Timeline

Communications Coordinator

CHRIST KING PARISH & SCHOOL
01.2016 - Current

Owner, Print & Digital Graphic Design Services

SHEARS-CREATIVE, LLC
01.2013 - 01.2021

Freelance Graphic Design Services

Self-employed
01.1998 - 01.2013

Graphic Designer

Circular Marketing
06.1993 - 07.1998

Bachelor of Fine Art - Graphic Design

CARDINAL STRITCH UNIVERSITY

Some College (No Degree) - Fine Art

UNIVERSITY OF WISCONSIN MKE
Laura ShearsGraphic Designer