A Creative Director, Designer, and Photographer.
CV
Professional Summary
Hi, I’m Emma. I’m a designer who knows how to get things built.
I’ve spent the last 12+ years working across experiential, B2B, and AEC, designing everything from brand systems to full-scale environments for companies like Google, Salesforce, Perkins&Will, and JLL.
My work lives in that space between idea and execution. I design, I manage, I organize, and I make sure things actually happen the way they’re supposed to. Sometimes that means building a brand from scratch. Sometimes it means wrangling hundreds of assets and multiple teams to pull off a massive event.
Either way, I like solving messy problems and making things look really good.
Work Experience
May 2023 - Present
Graphics Project Manager | George P Johnson
This is where everything came together.
I lead graphics for large-scale experiential events like Google Cloud Next and Dreamforce. That means managing hundreds of assets, multiple teams, and a lot of moving parts at once.
I sit right in the middle of it all, working between creative, engineering, production, and vendors to turn ideas into something real. It’s part design, part logistics, part problem-solving, and a lot of making sure nothing falls apart under pressure.
Somehow, it all comes together onsite.
Work I’ve supported here has been recognized by Event Marketer and Chief Marketer, but honestly, the scale and complexity are what make it exciting.
June 2022 - September 2022
Senior Visual Design Manager | The Channel Company
I was brought in to build something that didn’t really exist yet.
I helped stand up the in-house creative studio, put structure around how work came in and moved through the team, and led a small group of designers and videographers through a period of a lot of change.
Part design, part operations, part people management.
We built strong workflows, improved visibility across projects, and raised the overall quality of the work before the business shifted direction and the studio was ultimately dissolved.
November 2020 - May 2022
Senior Graphic Designer, Manager | Jones Lang LaSalle
This role was all about precision.
I designed offering memorandums and pitch materials for high-value real estate deals, where everything needed to feel sharp, clear, and completely buttoned up.
I worked closely with brokers and leadership to turn dense information into something visually compelling, while managing deadlines that didn’t move.
A lot of detail. A lot of trust. No room for errors.
September 2019 - October 2020
Senior Marketing Coordinator | Perkins&Will
I led marketing for the Mixed-Use studio, which meant owning proposals, presentations, and how projects were positioned to clients.
I worked with teams of architects, designers, and leadership to shape the story behind each pursuit and make sure everything came together on time.
Fast-paced, deadline-driven, and a great lesson in balancing strategy, design, and coordination all at once.
May 2019 - August 2019
Graphic Design Manager (Contract) | TM Capital
Short project, big impact.
I led a full brand refresh across digital and print, helped reposition the firm visually, and built templates and systems that made their team faster and more consistent.
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LinkedIn impressions up 500%
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Website traffic more than doubled
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Production time cut from 12 hours to 4
Then I handed it off so they could keep running with it.
November 2020 - May 2022
Senior Graphic Designer | Smartegies
This is where I really grew up as a designer.
I moved from execution into leading projects, building brands, mentoring designers, and running point on proposals and marketing efforts.
I worked across a mix of industries, designing everything from identity systems to campaigns to event materials, while also helping teams get more efficient and organized behind the scenes.
September 2019 - October 2020
Graphic Designer & Marketing Coordinator | Portman Architects
This role gave me a bit of everything.
I worked across print, digital, video, and photography, helping evolve the firm’s brand and marketing materials while also getting deep into production.
I partnered closely with printers, experimented with materials and finishes, and helped bring a more elevated look and feel to the work.
August 2013 - April 2014
Marketing Consultant | Atlanta Fine Homes Sotheby's International Realty
I worked directly with agents to help them market both themselves and their listings.
That meant building marketing plans, designing print and digital materials, and elevating property imagery so everything felt polished and competitive in a high-end market.
A lot of fast turnarounds. A lot of different personalities. Great experience.
January 2013 - August 2013
Junior Graphic Designer | THERMA-TRU
I balanced this role with a full course load and a full-ride scholarship, which meant learning how to manage my time very quickly.
I worked on product catalogs, marketing materials, and photography, helping maintain consistency across a large volume of assets while supporting the broader marketing team.
Education
2009 - 2013
Bowling Green State University
Visual Communication Technology, Graphic Design & Photography Specializations
Cum Laude | 3.52 Overall GPA | 3.66 Major GPA
Sidney A. Ribeau President’s Leadership Academy, 2009 Cohort
The Sidney A. Ribeau President's Leadership Academy (PLA) is a four-year leadership development scholarship program that engages scholars in classes, workshops, experiential learning, and community service activities.
Activities and Societies:
Presidents Leadership Academy: Aug 2009 - May 2013, Photographer
Student Employee Advisory Committee: Aug 2011 - May 2012, Building Services Representative, Marketing Chair
Packaging & Display Research Group: Aug 2012 - Dec 2012, Student Representative
BG24 News: Aug 2009 - Dec 2010, Graphics Designer, Director, Writer
Interests
Architecture History Technology Equality Archeology Astrophysics Exploration Cameras Learning