Marissa Garcia
 

Marissa Garcia

Who is she?

I’m a photographer, graphic designer, videographer and all around creative. I’ve worked in the aviation, non-profit and retail sectors, perfecting my design skills and social media prowess. I love traveling, reading, dancing and taking on new challenges. When I’m not working, you can find me near my laptop, as I’m always immersed in the digital world.

If you’re someone who is looking to freshen up a brand or bring a new perspective to a project, I’m your girl. ✌🏼

 
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When life gives you lemons, make orange juice and leave the world wondering how you did it.

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What has she done?

Brand Recognition: Grew social engagement by 20% and boosted media following from 76K to 94.3K at ONT by increasing consumer outreach; analyzed trends, refocused the branding strategy, and created audience-oriented content.

Consumer Engagement: Elevated DFW’s national engagement ranking from #8 to #2 amongst mega-hub airports by revamping the marketing campaign strategies; modified and tailored channel content to satisfy niche segment requirements.

Strategic Planning: Increased Casita Copan’s financial support by 10% and secured first international sponsorships via social media by improving social presence; reinvented and improved the brand identity through an Instagram overhaul.

Education

master of Arts (m.A.) in graphic design, cambridge school of visual & performing arts, 2021

Bachelor of Arts (B.A.) in Public Relations, Advertising & Applied Communication, University of Houston, 2008

Experience

creative director, pixel paz
2020 – current

Launched creative design agency targeting startups, non-profit organizations and small businesses. Designed to assist in branding, marketing and social media efforts, capitalizing on photography and videography skills within content creation.

• Spearheaded visual identity of beverage start-up, curating style guide and product packaging design; developed cohesive messaging frameworks and ensured language consistency amongst customer touch points.
• Designed vehicle billboard templates and developed content for outdoor advertising start-up; customized presentations engineered to gain company sponsorships and new national partnerships.
• Assessed strategy and content creation within social marketing campaigns in order to facilitate innovative YouTube series; introduced, edited and produced series furthering brand recognition and featuring company recipes, capitalizing on younger, international demographic.
• Managed communications and marketing efforts at international non-profit, amplifying mission and fundraising goals; launched motion graphics and in house digital video productions.
• Modernized and improved marketing collateral for client on-boarding within nationally known talent agency; instituted branding and logo design of brand-new agency entity.

Digital creative specialist, Ontario Intl’ airport (ONT)
2018 – 2020

Led all aspects of marketing, branding, and graphic design. Established cohesion between marketing elements by acting as a liaison for creative decisions and reviewing overall branding and content strategies. Identified improvement opportunities and executed multiple artistic projects, such as implementing 15 water stations across 2 terminals. Created in-depth presentations for executive conferences.

  • Established a strong online presence by facilitating website redesign; created a mock-up visual layout and content strategy.

  • Rebranded the on-site therapy dog program to showcase as an integral part of the airport; created logo and trading cards.

  • Increased airport recognition and community engagement by creating items in promotional goodie bags handed out at company events and conceptualized and implemented interactive selfie walls to encourage passersby to capture memorable airport moments.

  • Ideated the branding strategy for an influencer project to optimize app promotion and led art direction for videos.

  • Built a strong brand presence by revamping the social media platforms; produced themes for marketing materials, pictorial and video content, and terminal signage; streamlined media management by utilizing an efficient organizational tool.

communications & marketing content specialist, dallas Fort Worth intl’ airport (dfw)
2017 – 2018

Developed a social media marketing and management strategy and managed the conceptual design phase; created daily content related to photos, press releases, website, social channels, and newsletters; produced engaging presentations and content topics. Built brand presence and consumer engagement by strengthening community relationships; collaborated with the AvGeek community group to showcase their work on the company media networks and establish a social bond.

director of communications, casita copan
2016 – 2017

Augmented marketing operations, elevated the corporate profile, and increased regional awareness through cohesive branding efforts; solicited sponsorships and donations by rebranding the company mission to showcase progressive community reform. Streamlined communications by implementing communication platforms such as Slack and SmugMug. Designed sponsorship outreach material, bi-monthly emails, and annual reports.

  • Revamped web presence; produced pictorial and video content, directed photo shoots, and updated marketing materials.

  • Planned and coordinated up to 7 online and offline fundraisers; secured donations through smart marketing tactics and uniquely themed events; augmented event promotions by expanding direct marketing efforts.

senior graphic designer, melrose family fashions
2014 – 2016

Optimized brand awareness and advertising efforts by modernizing outdated direct marketing solutions; provided art direction for marketing materials. Managed back-end organization for fashion shows, including model assemblage and location selection.

  • Increased vendor efficiency; maintained operational schedule and strict budgetary adherence by actively coordinating with various printing companies and a local contractual photographer; produced alluring photography for store signage.

  • Elevated social media performance by redesigning the graphic content; generated buy-in for content overhaul.

  • Shifted the marketing focus to optimally highlight retail options and attract a broader consumer base.