Updated: September 2024
Resume PDF: Marina’s Resume 2025
OBJECTIVE
Design, in my mind, is focused on the uniqueness of creativity. Without motivation and challenge, there is no passion behind the solution. I challenge myself to experiment with as many different solutions as possible in order to create successful designs. I am known to be a hard worker and will stop at nothing to achieve the very best. I can take constructive criticism very well and always welcome and encourage to be challenged.
EDUCATION
Minnesota State University, Mankato. May 2016 – B.F.A. with a concentration in Graphic Design, Marketing Minor
GPA: 3.7
EXPERIENCE
Diedrich RPM
Graphic Designer
October 2017 – September 2024
- Project experience: Website mockup design and UX, Google display and digital ads, social media graphics, video creation and photography, branding and corporate identity campaigns, logo design, print brochures and inserts, direct mail, large print media, trade show promotional materials.
- Responsibilities: Currently the only graphic designer at this small Marketing/Research firm. High-level communication and collaboration with Account Managers, Digital and Copywriters to develop ideas and create mock-ups. Ability to work in high-energy and fast-paced environments. Collaborative participation in the development of marketing planning and strategy. Create brand collateral including catalogs, brochures, direct mail. Presenting design work and rationale to clients through branded PowerPoints with graphics and other visuals. Punctual and organization of logging hours associated with client work.
- Leading a Creative Team: 2 copywriters and 1 part-time graphic designer. Hosted weekly meetings on company updates and discussed workloads. Responsible for hosting individual quarterly performance reviews and helped establish core performance objectives, SMART goals, and evaluated a “happiness” score.
Marina Nastepniak Designs
Freelance Graphic Designer
Part-Time Current
- Responsibilities and Experience: Collaborate with clients one-on-one and via email. Knowledge of back-end Website work. Social media graphic development. Rebranding and designing logos.
- Clients Include: Renovation Training LLC. (rebrand and website design – start to finish) and Cashmere BodyWork (logo and brand guide)
Taylor Corporation
Innovation Architect (with an emphasis in Graphic Design & Marketing)
October 2015 – October 2017
- Managed projects for new research, product, website development, and corporate branding initiatives
- Designed blog images and clip art for LifePics
Habitat for Humanity
Graphic Design Intern
September 2013 – December 2013
- Designed informational place matts for special events, trade-show banners, brochures, and annual report booklet
- Assisted as the secretary
KOHL’s
POS, Sales, Customer Service, and Jewelry Assistant
September 2013 – October 2015
- Cashier
- Cleaned dressing rooms and took out freight
- Answered the phone for departments and talked with customers
- Fixed and sized jewelry
JMN Builders
Contractor’s Assistant
June 2010 – August 2014
- Remodel homes
- Discussed interior design options with homeowners
LEADERSHIP
AIGA Vice President & President @ Minnesota State University, Mankato
May 2015 – May 2016
- Organized meetings with student officers and faculty to plan events
- Actively participated in AIGA local and state events: Design Camp, Art Shows, & Visiting Artist Campus Talks
SKILLS & OTHER INTERESTES
- Adobe Suite: Illustrator, Photoshop, InDesign & After Effects
- Software: WordPress, Microsoft, Excel, & PowerPoint. Some understanding of HTML & CSS
- Former natural bikini competitor / bodybuilder
- 1-on-1 personal training for friends in my free time