Adobe Illustrator
Michelle Karina Echevarria Retamar
Graphic Designer, Coordinator, Event Planner & Stylist
CMR 480 Box 1979 APO, AE
Summary
Driven Multi-Passionate Creative with over 9 years of collective experience across different fields involving graphic design, events, coordinating and community building. Detailed oriented with excellent business acumen, creativity and leadership skills. Seeking to use acquired diverse experience to support, innovate and empower others. Seeking a role utilizing strong skills to contribute to the goals aligned with the company's commitment to excellence.
Overview
8
8
years of professional experience
1
1
year of post-secondary education
2
2
Languages
Work History
Independent Business Owner
Hybrid Creative Studio L.L.C.
6 2021 - Current
- Strategic and results-oriented: Implemented process improvements, introduced new systems, and conducted feasibility studies to optimize efficiency, increase profitability, and achieve long-term growth.
- Financial expertise: Prepared budgets with controls, analyzed data to forecast needs, managed cash flow, and negotiated contracts for better terms.
- Marketing and sales savvy: Utilized social media to generate leads, build brand identity (100k followers), and promoted products through various channels. Increased sales and targeted new markets.
- Strong leadership and team management: Designed business plans, trained and guided teams, fostered high performance metrics, and cultivated lasting client relationships.
- Excellent communication and customer service: Resolved escalated problems, interacted effectively with clients, identified customer needs, and closed profitable projects.
Corporate Event Planner & Day of Event Coordinator
Naval Family Branch Clinic Iwakuni
06.2022 - 06.2022
- Successfully executed a large-scale event (124th Hospital Corpsman Ball): Managed logistics, operations, and budgets in collaboration with a committee.
- Strong organizational and planning skills: Coordinated schedules, timelines, and tasks for various teams involved in the event setup.
- Financial management: Created and maintained event budgets and ensured accurate expenditure tracking and approvals.
- Leadership and teamwork: Trained and supervised volunteers and staff, fostering collaboration towards event success.
- Client-focused approach: Consulted with the committee to understand objectives and ensure their requirements were met.
- Project management skills: Utilized job-related software to manage event details and timelines.
- Attention to detail: Inspected event facilities to confirm they met client expectations.
- Creativity: Brainstormed and implemented innovative event concepts and themes.
CYP Program Assistant
MCCS
08.2020 - 06.2022
- Developed and implemented engaging educational and recreational programs by collaborating with staff to create activities that cater to children and youth.
- Strong leadership and teaching skills, demonstrated through facilitating creative play, art programs, and various activities for children.
- Experience working with diverse groups, as evidenced by leading programs like the SAC Art Show and Youth & Teen Art Show, effectively catering to children and youth from different backgrounds and learning styles.
- Focused on child development by creating safe and stimulating learning environments, documenting growth and development, and fostering emotional and social skills in children.
- Excellent communication and collaboration skills, honed through experience working with parents, guardians, co-workers, and teen staff.
Lead Graphic Designer
Custom Prints
07.2017 - 10.2019
- Strong Design Skills: Developed creative designs for various media (print, apparel, signage, etc.) and ensured final touches for project completion.
- Team Player: Mentored junior designers and collaborated with colleagues to create high-quality visuals.
- Client Focused: Worked with clients to understand their needs, presented mockups, and incorporated feedback.
- Technical Expertise: Utilized Adobe Creative Suite, Microsoft Office Suite, and kept up-to-date with design software and trends.
Sales Associate
Hibbett Sporting Goods Inc.
07.2016 - 02.2017
- Created a welcoming and positive environment for all customers, fostering loyalty and building rapport.
- Contributed to a strong store presentation by maintaining visual appeal and promoting merchandise.
- Demonstrated excellent customer service skills by solving problems, offering solutions, and processing transactions accurately.
- Thrived in a fast-paced environment, managing tasks independently and collaborating with management for continuous improvement.
Education
Certification - Event Planning & Banquet Management
Auburn University
Auburn, Alabama 10.2020 - 07.2021
Bachelor of Science - Graphic Design
Southeastern University
Lakeland, Florida 04.2019 - 06.2019
Skills
Recruiting and training
Accomplishments
April 2022 - Awarded the Marine Corps Community Services, MCAS Iwakuni Lighthouse Appreciation Award.
April 2022- Awarded Employee of the month at the Youth Center.
February 2021 - Awarded Employee of the month at the School Age Care Center.
November 2020 - Awarded Employee of the month at the School Age Care Center.
Software
Adobe Photoshop
Adobe InDesign
Microsoft Office Suite
Volunteer Experience
Event Decoration and Management:
- Led the decoration and styling of the MAG 12 S-1 Christmas Party (Dec 2021), including layout creation and volunteer management.
- Collaborated with businesses to decorate venues for community events like "Curls, Coffee & Conversation" (Mar 2022) and "Purple Up" (April 2022), enhancing branding and event experience.
- Managed logistics and planned details for the Lifeline Ministries Iwakuni Thanksgiving Feast (Nov 2020), including budget creation and volunteer coordination.
Volunteered labor and donated materials to create engaging decorations for the SAC 2021 Art Show (April 2021), promoting excitement for children and families.
Youth Leadership:
- As Youth Leader for the Elohim Adonai Church of God (2018), planned and coordinated a successful fundraiser to enable youth camp attendance.
Designed and produced identifying apparel (t-shirts, hats) for the church youth camp (2018), fostering group identity.
Volunteered as a camp counselor and managed trip logistics for youth safety (2018).
Timeline
Corporate Event Planner & Day of Event Coordinator
Naval Family Branch Clinic Iwakuni
06.2022 - 06.2022
Certification - Event Planning & Banquet Management
Auburn University
10.2020 - 07.2021
CYP Program Assistant
MCCS
08.2020 - 06.2022
Bachelor of Science - Graphic Design
Southeastern University
04.2019 - 06.2019
Lead Graphic Designer
Custom Prints
07.2017 - 10.2019
Sales Associate
Hibbett Sporting Goods Inc.
07.2016 - 02.2017
Independent Business Owner
Hybrid Creative Studio L.L.C.
6 2021 - Current
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