WELCOME TO MY WORLD

Hi, I’m Lissa

Grab some tea and take a scroll with me through my portfolio of designs, paintings and doodles. But first, you shall see my skills, resume and list of services. If you’d prefer to skip to my portfolio, there’s a link in the menu.

About Me

Beyond my professional work, I have a deep love for painting intricate textures and capturing complex, yet abstract, details from nature, especially in close-up studies. My murals, in contrast, embrace a more free-flowing, spontaneous style, allowing for creative expression on a larger scale. When I’m not designing, you can usually find me walking or playing with my beagle, as my life revolves around him. 😉

I’m Lissa Waitley

A Graphic Designer Based in Ohio

A passionate and curious designer with a continuous drive to learn new tools, software, and techniques to enhance my craft. With a well-rounded background in both digital and print design, I have hands-on experience spanning from concept to completion as a production artist, graphic designer, and art director. I’m known for my efficiency and ability to communicate effectively both visually and verbally, always striving to optimize workflows.

Download CV

Skills

My Skills

ADOBE INDESIGN

INDESIGN 96%

ADOBE PHOTOSHOP

PHOTOSHOP 90%

ADOBE ILLUSTRATOR

ILLUSTRATOR 80%

ADOBE PREMIERE RUSH

PREMIERE RUSH 35%

ADOBE WORKFRONT

WORKFRONT 70%

PAGE PROOF

PAGE PROOF 30%

MICROSOFT 365

MICROSOFT 365 75%

XD 25%

CANVA

CANVA 15%

HTML

HTML 30%

CSS

CSS 20%

WORDPRESS

WORDPRESS 20%

Resume

My Resume

Summary

Lissa Waitley

I have more than 20 years of experience in the world of print, working in romance publishing, data management and catalog industries. Along the way, I have also explored the digital realm, focusing on front-end web and email design, as well as creating social media assets.

Stow, Ohio
lissa@eq4d.com

Education

BACHELOR OF FINE ARTS IN GRAPHIC DESIGN

1999–2002

THE UNIVERSITY OF AKRON, Akron, OH
Mary Schiller Myers School of Art
GPA: 3.093

VISUAL COMMUNICATION

1995–1998

KENT STATE UNIVERSITY, Kent, OH
GPA: 3.08

Studied liberal education requirements as well as fine arts and visual communication, then transferred to The University of Akron.

Professional Experience

GRAPHIC DESIGNER

2/2023–9/2024

UNIVERSAL SCREEN ARTS, INC., Hudson, OH

Managed art direction for holiday photography
Adapted static and video ads for social media using Photoshop and Premiere Rush
Photo-manipulation and color correction
Designed banner ads for 'What on Earth' website and emails
Rebranded and designed 'What on Earth' catalog
Designed layouts for 'Shop PBS' catalog

GRAPHIC DESIGNER II

1/2018–2/2023

AMERIMARK DIRECT, LLC, Cleveland, OH

Managed art direction for catalog designs and photography
Adapted static and video ads for social media using Photoshop and Premiere Rush
Designed shoe, apparel and health product catalogs
Photo-manipulation and color correction

PRODUCTION ARTIST

12/2016–1/2018

AMERIMARK DIRECT, LLC, Cleveland, OH

Assisted designers in making catalog corrections requested by merchant teams via Adobe Workfront
Assumed responsibility to maintain the brand direction for a new catalog, 'Adora Luna'
Conducted photography review meetings
Prepared catalogs for print production

Designer/GMC Inspire™ Programmer

2/2010–12/2016

INNOVAIRRE (F.K.A. International Data Management)
Akron, OH

Created identity (for IDM) which included a logo, business cards, letterhead, brochures, trade show banners, website, digital billboard and various other marketing materials
Designed transactional HTML emails with inline CSS using Adobe Dreamweaver and Bronto software
Programmed variable acknowledgment packages using GMC Inspire™ for clients in the fundraising industry

Graphic Designer/Production Artist

11/2004–10/2009

JASMINE-JADE ENTERPRISES, LLC, Akron, OH

Designed paperback and e-book cover graphics and typography for the romantic publishing industry
Photo-manipulation and color correction
Designed marketing materials such as business cards, letterhead, trade show banners, posters, playing cards, pens, magnets and more
Designed PowerPoint presentations for conventions