Ada Ruiz 2024
Art Director / Graphic & Web Designer
CREATE | IMAGINE | DESIGN
ABOUT
Are you familiar with the saying, “it’s not what you know, but who you know”? In most aspects of life, networking is key! I am a go-getter, and I never stop moving. I am constantly finding new ways to make life simpler, fun and more beautiful. I get a superb joy out of knowing that I helped make someone’s life easier/happier. Wherever I go, I collect contact information from everyone I meet. It’s a subtle way that allows me to build stronger relationships and quality knowledge bases. Knowledge to me is key to a fruitful life. I want to share that with you.
I have worked for large places like NASA, The Pentagon, 3M, CareFirst, and Dale Carnegie as well as small marketing firms and start-ups from around the world. I have been on 3 US Tours (as bassist for Red This Ever) and was co-owner and Art Director of a graphic/web design/web hosting firm named Retrofit Design. My school background includes skills learned in the field of Graphic Communication, Marketing Management, Advertising Art, Computer Science, and Psychology.
I bring to the table a wealth of experience as a seasoned marketing professional, specializing in the development and execution of impactful strategies to enhance online attendance. Proficient in leading and managing cross-functional teams, I have a proven track record of delivering successful outcomes.
Possessing a Master’s in Marketing, a Bachelor’s in Graphic Communication, and a Web Security and Design Technical Degree from Learning Tree International, I distinguish myself as a unique designer who seamlessly blends creativity and technical prowess while maintaining a deep understanding of client needs.
My strength lies in constructing visually captivating and innovative designs that effectively convey messages, consistently pushing boundaries in a dynamic design landscape.
So what better thing to do with all of my knowledge than put it all together for others who need help in life? Don’t go at it alone. Contact me today.
EXPERIENCE
2024 - Present | Graphic Designer
Maryland Department of human Services
Duties include creating and designing a diverse range of materials for the State of Maryland, including (but not limited to) flyers, forms, brochures, business cards, pamphlets, and billboards. Additionally, using Microsoft Power BI to oversee the development of interactive web pages, enhancing data visualization and user engagement.
2022 - 2023| Director of Marketing
Capital View Baptist Church
My goals included using social media and marketing strategies to build and grow attendance online. Responsible for directing, developing, and implementing overall strategy. Compiling analytics (META and Buffer) to create marketing materials our target market craved.
2008 - 2022 | Art Director
Retrofit Design
Providing Graphic Design, Desktop Publishing, Web Design/Development. My skills within this industry (of over 20 years), allow me to flourish in my abilities to run and maintain a well-organized graphic/web design shop. Retrofit Design markets its graphic in-house via direct marketing and through established artist distribution channels. Designing fliers, postcards, social media ads, customized websites, etc. for clients that include NASA, Capital Teas, Chabad Jewish Center (US & Canada), Dale Carnegie, AARP and more.
2004 - 2008 | Art Director
Carefirst blue cross Blue Shield
Acting as the Creative Services Art Director. Responsibilities were to implement new standards and production regulations. Duties included compiling brochures, books, cut sheets, bulletins, and other marketing materials. Collected art for output and delivered to the vendor that was chosen from the best of three quotes. Used Quark Express, Adobe Illustrator, Adobe Photoshop/Image Ready, and Adobe Acrobat on a daily basis.
2000 - 2003 | Art Director
KNC Marketing
Worked with clients to understand and push limitations of designs; worked with Marketing Dept. and Account Executives to improve marketing tools. Challenged staff to problem solve proactively and think outside of the box. Created websites, marketing pieces, corporate identities, brochures, magazines, and more. Lead marketing meetings to brainstorm, write and create ad campaigns for hot-prospective clients.
2000 - 2000 | Web Designer
IT Contractor
Created site for Lutheran Brothers Church, upgraded and cleaned up ReliaStar’s (Insurance) site, and updated Ecolab’s website. Created graphics, layout, and design, and integrated sites with different databases Worked with HTML, ASP, Java, and more. Updating, creating, and enhancing templates for extranet, internet, and intranet sites within the companies.
1999 - 2000 | Sr. Web Developer
US Pentagon
Developed a number of sites under a subcontract provided by Metters Industries, Inc. as well as redesigning three of Metters’ own sites. Acted as Project leader for implementing and designing four major sites for The Under Secretary of Defense.
1997 - 1999 | Graphic Designer
NASA
Maintained Goddard Space Flight Centers website, as well as provided graphics and posters for the visitor activity center. Prepared annual reports, manuals and more for a variety of divisions within the center.
1994 - 1997 | Editor in Chief
The Melodia
Ran a staff of 18 journalists, photographers, editors, artists, and clerks at The Melodia (a music publication with a distribution of 20 thousand throughout MD, DC, and VA) and 4 store clerks for Sub-Skin (a retail store containing eccentric items). The paper’s office resided in the back of the store. I alone laid out, designed, and prepared the print files of an 11″ x 17″ newsprint magazine that ranged from 36-42 pages.
Skills
Portfolio
Achievements
Learning the latest marketing strategies, as well as the foundations of solid management practices. Courses include:
- Organizational Theory and Behavior
- Statistics for Managerial Decision Making
- Marketing Legal and Ethical Issues
- Consumer Behavior
- Brand Management
- Marketing Research and Analytics
- International Marketing Management
- Digital and Direct Marketing
- ... and more
Mastered skills and technology to compete in today's rapidly changing visual arts environment through courses such as, Typography and Layout, Digital Media, Motion Graphics, Professional Branding, Graphic Communication...and more
The NSLS is an organization that provides a life-changing leadership program that helps students achieve personal growth, career success, and empowers them to have a positive impact in their communities. With 700+ chapters, the NSLS currently has over 1.2 million members nationwide.
2019 - 2020
Dean's List ALL Semesters.
2008 Best Web Developer in Minneapolis, MN Aquent Talent Award. Award was given to the employee that was recognized as the cream of the crop in the city and is possibly one of the most acknowledged way to gain recognition within Aquent.
CONTACT