Kristen Leitao

BRANDS: Kleenex, Huggies, Windex, Shout, Raid, OFF!, Scrubbing Bubbles, Cottonelle, Snapdragon (Qualcomm), OraVet, NexGard, Heartgard, Frontline, Vetmedin, Metacam, Senvelgo, and more • Lead the design and execution of client projects, blending attention to detail with delivering solutions aligned with industry best practices. • Inspire and mentor junior team members, fostering collaboration and elevating visual design quality across projects. • Prepare and deliver persuasive client presentations, demonstrating how design strategies address business goals and drive results. • Stay current with updates, technology, tools, and techniques to continually grow and refine my design expertise. • Design a wide range of assets for online retailers, including Amazon brand stores, carousel images, enhanced content (A+, both standard and premium), brand stories, display ads, merchandise units, and custom search images. Additionally, create designs for online marketplaces like Chewy, Walmart, PetMeds, Allivet, and more.

• Provide comprehensive design services spanning branding, social media assets, email marketing campaigns, marketing strategy, and both digital and print design. • Ensure brand consistency across all channels, delivering cohesive visual identities that resonate with target audiences. • Design and build user-friendly websites on platforms such as Wix, Shopify, and Squarespace, tailored to meet client needs. • Consistently meet deadlines with a strong focus on detail and quality. • Known for a friendly, collaborative approach that makes projects enjoyable, productive, and educational for clients. Clients: San Diego Parks Foundation, Impact Housing, Kimberly Irene Salon, Knowtion Health, Wicked Fit, Ortega's Bistro

BRANDS: Huggies, Kleenex, Bioré, Cottonelle, Frontline, OraVet, John Frieda, Duracell, Hisense, Accu-Chek, Depend, U by Kotex, and more Designed a wide range of assets for online retailers, including Amazon brand stores, carousel images, enhanced content (A+), brand stories, display ads, merchandise units, and custom search images. Additionally, create designs for online marketplaces like Chewy, Walmart, PetMeds, Allivet, and more.

Managed all aspects of large-scale events from concept to execution, combining creative direction, operational expertise, and partnership management. Creative Direction & Marketing: • Developed and executed comprehensive marketing calendars tailored to each event. • Designed all digital and print marketing materials, including event apparel, finisher medals, signage, wayfinding systems, and online assets. • Strategized and delivered email marketing campaigns, website designs, and social media content to drive engagement and registration. • Crafted and refined copy for marketing materials, ensuring clear and compelling messaging. Race Director / Event Operations: • Oversaw all event operations, managing staff, vendors, sub-contractors, sponsors, and volunteers to ensure high-quality execution. • Designed event layouts and flows to optimize participant and sponsor experiences. • Navigated real-time problem-solving to address on-site challenges effectively. Directed events requiring 6–12 months of planning and coordination, ensuring every detail was addressed. Sponsorship Management: • Cultivated strong relationships with sponsors and partners, securing valuable collaborations and product donations. • Negotiated sponsorship agreements, handling logistics to ensure mutual success. Due to the impact of COVID on the events industry, this job was eliminated in March 2020.

• Managed events and activations to transform a newly constructed downtown San Diego public park into a vibrant destination for residents, professionals, and tourists. • Activated the space with a variety of events, including concerts, private events, outdoor markets, seasonal celebrations, and family-friendly activities. • Partnered with local businesses, artists, and community groups to create dynamic programming that showcased the park’s potential. • Ensured all events aligned with the park’s mission of creating a welcoming, lively space for diverse audiences. Clients: Samsung, Vans, Tony Hawk, Pokemon Go, Etsy

Managed event marketing and operations across 16 luxury apartment communities in the San Diego region. • Assisted in planning and executing engaging events to enhance resident satisfaction and foster a sense of community at luxury apartment properties. • Coordinated event logistics, including vendor management, venue setup, and scheduling, ensuring seamless execution across multiple locations. • Helped develop event concepts tailored to the preferences of residents, from social gatherings to seasonal celebrations. • Promoted events, including calendar management, text/SMS campaigns, word of mouth, and flyers. • Maintained consistent branding across all materials, reflecting the high-end image of Irvine Company properties. • Provided on-site event support, troubleshooting and resolving issues to maintain high-quality experiences for attendees.

Blended creative and operational expertise to elevate brand presence and ensure smooth restaurant operations. Graphic Design & Marketing: • Designed digital and print materials, including signage, menus, email marketing, internal pieces, and promotional assets, ensuring brand consistency. • Managed social media platforms to drive engagement and increase customer traffic, creating eye-catching content and campaigns. • Developed and executed marketing strategies to promote the restaurant, banquet services, and special events. Front-of-House Management: • Oversaw daily operations of the restaurant, bar, and banquet services, ensuring exceptional customer experiences. • Managed and trained cross-functional teams to maintain high standards of service and efficiency. • Collaborated with kitchen staff and leadership to coordinate special events and private functions seamlessly. • Proactively addressed guest concerns to foster loyalty and satisfaction.

As a top performer in design school, I was selected by a professor for this internship program at Seattle Metropolitan Magazine (now Seattle Met). • Designed recurring monthly features with a playful and creative approach, enhancing the magazine’s visual appeal and reader engagement. • Assisted art directors and creative directors, ensuring alignment with the magazine’s creative vision. • Partnered with copywriters to transform content into visually compelling layouts. • Conducted stock photo research to source imagery that aligned with editorial themes and design standards. • Coordinated with local businesses featured in the magazine to obtain high-quality photos, fostering professional relationships. • Met tight deadlines in a fast-paced publishing environment. • Gained valuable experience in the creative process, from concept development to final production.