Graphic Designer

Resumé

Hi, there. I’m Sara Custer: a graphic designer, visual artist, and photographer. I am, at my heart-of-hearts, a fixer of issues, an explorer of new ideas, and an analyzer of the details. I enjoy the pursuit of knowledge and new concepts, enabling my creative wellspring to grow deeper and become more full. My education and work as a designer, my formal background in photography, and my artistic instincts, all provide me with a unique approach to my creative process. Helping brands communicate is what I do; being a problem-solver is who I am.

Software & skills
InDesign · Illustrator · Photoshop · Lightroom · Muse · Premier Pro
Digital & Film Photography · Darkroom · Watercolor · Pen & Ink
Education
Appalachian State University
Boone, North Carolina
Bachelor of Science, Photography, 2003
Central Piedmont Community College
Charlotte, North Carolina
Associates in Applied Science, Advertising & Graphic Design, 2017
Design experience
Positec Tool Corp
Digital Designer | Senior Digital Designer
Charlotte, NC, hybrid, 2019-present
As a designer on the in-house marketing team, I have worked on various projects including, but not limited to, website landing pages, on-site gift guides, in-store POP displays, product packaging, direct-mail catalogs, and a full-product line catalog, utilizing all of our brand assets while also creating new assets, depending on the need.
I was promoted in April of 2024 to Senior Digital Designer, furthering my resposibilities on the marketing team to training new hires, reviewing other's design work, and ensuring adherance to brand guidelines. My roles also has me communicating frequently with our ecom team and other departments to implement new design assets and maintain brand integrity. 
Freelance | Contract Graphic Designer
2017-present
Clients include: AXA (Charlotte,NC), Greenworks Tools (Mooresville, NC), Big Idea Group (Matthews, NC), Samurai Sportswear, US (San Fransisco, CA), Tattoo Projects (Charlotte, NC), and Nordic Tombstone (Charlotte, NC). Service provided:
Digital design           Apparel surface design
Print design               Photography
Logo design              Video editing
Illustration                 Website editing & management
Central Piedmont Community College
Graphic Design & Arts Intern
Charlotte, NC, 2015 – 2017
Collaborated with CPCC marketing and Wray Ward to create full set of print collateral for the 2016 and 2017 Sensoria Festival of Literature & the Arts. Worked alongside CPCC IT Department to populate the Festival’s website. 
Postnet
Graphic Designer
Mooresville, NC, 2013 – 2014
Provided printing and design services. Design work included business cards, fliers, résumés, banners, signs and logos.
Additional experience
Freelance Photographer 
Lake Norman, NC, 2007 – 2017
Weddings                            Bridal & engagement
Maternity & newborn         Residential real estate
Family portraits                    Business head shots
Go Portraits | PCA – CPI Corporation 
District Manager | Studio Manager | Photographer
The Piedmont of NC, 2003 – 2007 | 2009 – 2013
Studio Photographer for international portrait company. Promoted to District Manager in 2010. Provided leadership and management to 30+ associates in multiple locations of the NC Piedmont. 
Awards & associations
AIGA member, Charlotte chapter, 2016–present
President’s List, Central Piedmont Community College, 2016
TheCurious!, Central Piedmont Community College’s A+GD Club, Portfolio Enhancing Projects (PEP) Coordinator, Advertising Coordinator, 2016–2017
Professional Photographers of America member, 2013–2015
Photographer’s Forum Best of College Photography Annual, photograph published, page 183, 2001
The Scholastic Art & Writing Awards, Silver Key for Excellence in Visual Arts, 1999
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