Ada Ruiz 2026

Art Director / Graphic & Web Designer

CREATE | IMAGINE | DESIGN

ABOUT

You’ve probably heard the saying, “It’s not what you know, but who you know.” In my experience, both matter—and when they come together, they create real momentum. I’m a natural go-getter with an instinct for making things simpler, more engaging, and more beautiful. Helping others genuinely energizes me, whether that means streamlining a process, solving a complex challenge, or creating something that brightens someone’s day. Wherever I go, I build meaningful connections and knowledge networks that enrich not only my own work, but the people and communities around me.

Throughout my career, I’ve collaborated with organizations large and small—from NASA, The Pentagon, and 3M to boutique marketing firms and global startups. I’ve toured the U.S. three times as the bassist for Red This Ever, co-owned and served as Art Director for Retrofit Design, and built hands-on experience across graphic communication, marketing management, advertising art, computer science, and psychology. These diverse paths have shaped a well-rounded, adaptable approach to creative problem-solving.

With a Master’s in Marketing, a Bachelor’s in Graphic Communication, and a Technical Degree in Web Security and Design, I bring a rare blend of creativity, strategy, and technical expertise. I focus on creating visually compelling work that does more than look good—it connects, communicates, and inspires. I thrive at the intersection of big-picture thinking and thoughtful execution, where ideas turn into results.

So why keep all of that to myself? I’m here to collaborate, solve problems, and help bring your vision to life. Let’s create something meaningful together—reach out and let’s get started.

EXPERIENCE

2024 - Present | Senior Graphic Designer

Maryland Department of human Services

Overseeing the creation of a wide range of visual materials that support the agency’s public outreach, internal communications, and statewide initiatives. This work includes designing billboards, movie screen ads, postcards, brochures, flyers, logos, and digital graphics for social media and web platforms. I collaborate directly with senior officials and department leaders to visualize complex data through accessible and visually engaging charts and infographics. I also manage and assign incoming creative requests to a team of designers, ensuring timely delivery and maintaining quality control across all projects. Additionally, I maintain brand consistency while adapting designs for diverse audiences across Maryland and support public service campaigns that promote safety, well-being, and access to critical human services. This role blends hands-on creative design with project coordination, data visualization, and strategic communication.

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 graphics 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 included implementing 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 and used Quark Express, Adobe Illustrator, Adobe Photoshop/Image Ready, and Adobe Acrobat daily.

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 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 several 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 Center’s 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

Adobe Photoshop
Adobe Photoshop 93%
Adobe Illustrator
Adobe Illustrator 94%
Adobe InDesign
Adobe InDesign 96%
Adobe Animate
Adobe Animate 77%
Adobe DreamWeaver
Adobe DreamWeaver 93%
Corel Draw
Corel Draw 91%
Microsoft Power BI
Microsoft Power BI 70%
Microsoft PowerPoint
Microsoft PowerPoint 90%
Adobe Acrobat
Adobe Acrobat 95%
HTML | PHP | CSS | JAVA
HTML | PHP | CSS | JAVA 85%
CPanel | Apache
CPanel | Apache 85%
WordPress
WordPress 94%
Maryland Public Notary
Maryland Public Notary 100%
Section 508 Certified
Section 508 Compliant 100%

Portfolio

Achievements

Nov 2023
Masters
Masters in Marketing

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
Nov 2021
Bachelors
Bachelors, Graphic Communication

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

Sep 2019
The National Society of Leader Ship and Success (NSLSS)
Became a Member

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.

Oct 2019
University of Maryland
UMUC Dean's List
G.P.A 4.0
2019 - 2020
Dean's List ALL Semesters.
Aug 2008
AQUENT
Aquent Talent Award

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

240.535.0979

adaretrofit@gmail.com

Baltimore, MD 21223