01 Who I am
Hi! I’m Gwen.
I was born and raised on the Outer Banks of North Carolina (and no, my childhood was nothing like what is depicted on the TV show). After attending college at UNC-Chapel Hill, I settled in Charlotte, where I currently reside with my husband and energetic toddler.
Professionally, I have extensive experience straddling the digital and print worlds of design. I am always thinking about the user experience and the end product and am currently pursuing Google’s UX Design Professional Certificate (completion expected April 2023). I am well-versed in everything from UX design and web design to email marketing and social/digital ad campaigns. I am no stranger to the struggles of the ever-changing digital landscape and enjoy the challenge of responsive design.
In the print realm, I have created on every scale — from pocket cards and posters to billboards and bus wraps. With a background in journalism, I am passionate about distilling data-heavy content into successful infographics and following AP Style. (Death to the Oxford comma!) I also dabble in motion graphics, video editing and digital illustration.
02 Skills
Email marketing
I am experienced in both custom-coded, responsive email design as well as utilizing email marketing software such as MailChimp, Salesforce and Constant Contact.
Digital illustration
I use Adobe Fresco on my iPad for all custom illustrations, fonts and various hand-drawn design elements.
Specialties
Layout • UX design • Web design • Prototyping • Animation • Infographics • Email marketing • Typography • Branding • Social media • Video editing • Illustration • Project management • Presentations/Pitches • AP Style
03 Experience
Senior designer | ABZ Creative Partners
Charlotte, NC • January 2011 to present
- Spearhead all website and digital projects by creating prototypes following best UX design standards; work in tandem with developers to build landing pages, microsites and websites for clients using WordPress or custom code.
- Execute all email marketing design for the firm, creating responsive email journeys and e-newsletters through clients’ CRMs and email platforms or by using HTML/CSS.
- Produce illustrative animations, motion graphics and animated digital ads, developing storyboards and wireframes.
- Collaborate with marketing team to produce multi-piece campaigns across print and digital platforms, including ads, billboards, social media, emails and more.
- Tackle design and layout challenges daily by creating complex brochures, flyers, direct mailers, billboards, bus wraps, infographics and print and digital ads.
- Develop branding for clients using innovative logo designs, fonts and color palettes.
Freelance designer | Gwendolyn Belle Design
January 2010 to present
- Manage projects from concept to production, working directly with stakeholders to assess each company’s needs.
- Create and curate clients’ social media accounts; fashion custom social content.
- Establish new branding for clients by designing logos, websites, business cards, letterhead and other marketing collateral.
- Conceptualize miscellaneous print pieces per client’s vision, including merchandise and T-shirt designs, posters, book covers and more.
Graphic designer | BIESSE America
Charlotte, nc • December 2010 to February 2011
- Worked as a part-time designer for an international manufacturing company.
- Collaborated with marketing director to design flyers and brochures.
- Updated HTML email templates and coded and deployed internal eblasts.
Design intern | USA TODAY
McLean, VA • June to august 2009
- Worked as part of the design team for a national, multi-platform news and information media company.
- Created illustrative “snapshot” charts and infographics for the print edition of the newspaper.
- Archived and analyzed data and website traffic for the online edition USA TODAY.
04 Education
Google Career Certificates
ONLINE • Expected April 2023
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Google UX Design Professional Certificate
The University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill
Chapel HIll, NC • 2006-2010
- Bachelor of Arts in Journalism | Graphic design concentration
- Bachelor of Arts in Studio Art | Painting and drawing concentration
- GPA 3.9 | Graduated Magna Cum Laude
Study abroad programs
- Journalism Storytelling Team – Graphic Design
Pontificia Universidad Católica | Buenos Aires, Argentina
June to July 2010 - Studio Art
Lorenzo de Medici | Florence, Italy
January to May 2008
05 Art
Offline endeavors
Sometimes I need to create with my hands, away from the computer and alone with my paintbrushes and pencils. Below are some of my original paintings and drawings.
