TECHNICAL SKILLS
Indesign
Photoshop
Illustrator
Elementor
Sketch and Figma
Illustration
After Effects
WORKING KNOWLEDGE
Page layout
Ad design
Logo and branding
Package design
Mock-up and project presentation
Color theory
Photo retouching
Complex clipping masks
File conversion and management
Pre-Press
Soft SKILLS
Leadership
Communication
Problem Solving
Multi-tasking
Workflow Optimization
Karen Roberson is a cat enthusiast who lives in the land of the proper crab cake. She has a BA in Graphic Design from UMBC and brings more than 15 years of experience in promotional marketing design and corporate branding. Karen specializes in brand design and management, swag production, illustration, and UX/UI design.
Experience
2021–2025 | bixal | Brand designer
Brought the Bixal vision to life by translating the brand into compelling visuals and inspirational messaging. Collaborated closely with cross-functional teams to ensure the consistency necessary to effectively communicate brand stories. Responsible for the creation and distribution of internal and external templates, printed collateral, and social posts and campaigns, as well as developing and producing swag (shirts, notebooks, new hire initiatives), managing and approving brand materials, and curating photography.
2018–2021 | HZ | Designer, Production
Crafted integrated national marketing campaigns for major corporations and nonprofits, including VW of America, NVR, NEA, Sunrise, Ryan Homes, and 2U. Worked with both creative and production teams to deliver production-ready files for the entire spectrum of web assets and print collateral, drawing on a diverse skill set, from original illustration to photo retouching.
2011–2018 | RLPG | Senior Graphic Designer
Created brochures, catalogs, postcards, magazine ads, and other promotional pieces for an independent publisher specializing in academic publishing and government data. Worked closely with editorial and marketing departments to curate content for multiple academic areas, publishing imprints, and partnerships.
2014–2018 | BronyCon | Designer and artist
Worked with an experienced team to deliver art and product design for guest announcements, program books, signage, merchandise and more. Helped ensure BronyCon was a wonderful and well-kerned experience for its 10,000+ attendees.
2011–present | freelance
Provide full branding package and product launch services, including signage, invitations, brochures, landing pages/websites and t-shirts.
Education
University of Maryland, Baltimore County Bachelor of Arts, Graphic Design, 2011