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

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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