About me
Hey there! I’m Ella, and I am a senior at the University of Florida, currently working toward a BFA in graphic design and minors in mass communication studies and sociology. With my focus on design and background in marketing, I hope to work as a graphic designer for a boutique creative advertising agency upon graduating this spring. I would also love to move out of Florida after college. At the moment, I am interested in Colorado because of its diverse nature and the activities it has to offer.
In addition to my involvement with UF’s graphic design program, I also currently serve as a student representative for the College of the Arts Awards Committee, and work for UF Study Abroad as a marketing intern. Although school is central to my life right now, I always remember to pay attention to myself and partake in my hobbies: hiking, traveling, yoga, cooking, and playing with my adorable cat named Rosie. In today’s world, it is easier than ever to let school or work take over one’s life—that’s why it is crucial for me to maintain a strong work/life balance and always focus on the things that I love most.
Over the course of my four years at UF, I have sought to expand my global knowledge and develop international perspectives. By taking international courses through UF, studying abroad, and attending various events promoted by the International Center, I believe I have met my goals and am now more knowledgeable about our world than ever. I hope you enjoy browsing my ePortfolio and learning more about me and my global experiences.
Resume
Education
University of Florida
August 2019–May 2023
Gainesville, Florida
Bachelor of Fine Arts in Graphic Design
Minors in Mass Communication & Sociology
Utrecht Summer School
July 2022–August 2022
Utrecht, Netherlands
Involvement
International Scholars Program
October 2022–Present
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UF College of the Arts Awards Committee
August 2022–Present
Honors
Florida Bright Futures
Medallion Scholarship
August 2019–May 2023
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UF College of the Arts Dean's List
Fall 2022, 2021, 2020, 2019
Spring 2022, 2021, 2019
Summer 2022, 2021, 2020
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UF President's Honor Roll
Spring 2020
Marketing Intern
January 2023–Present
UF Study Abroad
Gainesville, FL
Assisted with UF Study Abroad's outreach & marketing efforts (both print and digital), designed and produced social media posts, handouts, website content, and graphic design work.
Graphic Designer
January 2022–April 2022
UF Mint Design Studio
Gainesville, FL
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Worked alongside fellow UF graphic design students to redesign the University of Florida’s Student Success program, created various deliverables using visual elements from the new brand guidelines, and regularly communicated with clients and designers to strategize designs and ensure successful products.
Creative Intern
June 2021–August 2021
Shepherd Agency
Jacksonville, FL
Communicated with agency designers and advertisers daily to ensure project quality, revised various jobs for 30+ clients, learned the agency’s professional service software and programs, and assisted with initial design steps of several large projects by generating ideas, gathering visual inspiration, and sketching.
Restaurant Hostess
July 2017–March 2021
Napoli's Pastaria
Ponte Vedra Beach, FL
Built relationships with fellow employees, fostered a positive team working environment, developed communication and technical skills by accurately customizing orders in person and over the phone, and trained approximately 10 new team members on company policies and food service techniques.
Freelance Designer
April 2020
Mental Health Hundred
Ponte Vedra Beach, FL
Strategized various design approaches for the fundraiser's identity, rendered multiple versions of logo designs/color palettes/typography, and collaborated with the fundraiser creator to consider suggestions and cater event identity to their preferences.
Skills
During my time in the International Scholars Program, I have developed several important skills that have contributed to my personal, professional, and academic growth.
Adaptable
When I studied abroad, I faced various situations where I needed to adapt. I had to navigate different languages, cultures, and academic environments in each location, while also making the most of my experience. To do so, I quickly adapted to new situations and found creative solutions to challenges. For example, when I first arrived in Florence, I found it challenging to communicate with locals due to the language barrier. Instead of getting frustrated, I decided to learn Italian words and phrases to get by. When I moved on to Utrecht, I found myself living with new roommates. I made an effort to connect with them and establish a positive living environment, even though it was different from what I was used to. Finally, when I arrived in Berlin, I encountered a different academic environment than that of the US. I adjusted my study habits and sought out additional resources to succeed. By being adaptable, I was able to fully immerse myself in each location and get the most out of my study abroad experience.
Creative
During my time in Berlin, I was tasked with completing a presentation on a German art movement as part of my art history class. I chose to focus on the Bauhaus movement, as I am a graphic design student, and found the movement's emphasis on functionality and modernism to be particularly interesting. However, I didn't want to just create a basic presentation that would only cover the basic information about the movement. To make my presentation stand out and reflect my abilities, I designed the entire presentation in Bauhaus style. I used bold, geometric shapes and primary colors to create a cohesive visual theme throughout the presentation. I also incorporated interactive elements such as animations and videos to engage the audience and make the presentation more dynamic. My presentation was well-received by my classmates and professor, and I was commended for my creativity. My ability to think outside the box and apply my graphic design skills to a new medium allowed me to take the presentation to the next level, and I was proud to have created something that was both informative and visually engaging.
Adventurous
While studying abroad last summer, I was excited to fully embrace the adventurous spirit of exploring new places and cultures. My task was to navigate and explore three different cities across Europe: Florence, Berlin, and Utrecht, while also studying art history. I embraced the challenge by actively seeking out unique and off-the-beaten-path experiences. For example, in Florence, I hiked to the top of Piazzale Michelangelo to see the breathtaking view of the city, and in Utrecht, I explored the city's canals and cafes, trying new foods and meeting locals. In Berlin, I took a street art tour to discover the city's vibrant urban art scene. By being adventurous, I gained a deeper appreciation for the cultural and historical significance of the cities I visited, and I developed new skills such as navigating unfamiliar places and communicating with locals.
Detail-Oriented
As part of my current marketing internship with the Study Abroad program, I have various responsibilities, including photographing events, brainstorming ideas to solidify Study Abroad's visual identity, and redesigning the Global Gators Blog. With a focus on being detail-oriented, my task is to ensure that each aspect of my work is completed with precision and accuracy to enhance the overall quality and impact of the Study Abroad program. To do so, I pay close attention to every detail of my work, from the composition of each photograph to the smallest design choices of the blog website. I take the time to carefully review and edit my work to ensure that it meets the program's high standards and effectively communicates the message we want to convey. As a result of my detail-oriented approach, the Study Abroad program has seen improvements in the quality of its visual content and visual identity. The photographs I have taken have been used on social media, and the new design of the Global Gators Blog has received positive feedback thus far.
Collaborative
As an UF International Program scholar studying abroad, my study abroad friends and I were tasked with attending various Global Campus Life events, including a screening of the German film "Mazel Tov Cocktail" and participating in a group conversation about antisemitism after the film. The task was to attend the event and engage in a meaningful and productive conversation with my peers. I took a collaborative approach by contributing to the group's conversation, listening to the diverse perspectives of my peers, and contributing my own thoughts and ideas. By being collaborative, I was able to deepen my understanding of complex issues and build meaningful connections with those around me. I contributed to a productive and respectful conversation about antisemitism and gained valuable insights from the diverse perspectives in the group.
Organized
During my time as a student at UF, I took a number of international courses, including Geography of Africa and Art History of the Late Renaissance. In order to succeed in these courses, it was essential for me to stay organized. There were a lot of readings, assignments, and exams to keep track of, and I knew that if I wasn't careful, I could easily fall behind. To ensure that I stayed on top of things, I developed a system for staying organized. I used a planner to keep track of deadlines and important dates, and made sure to break down larger assignments into smaller, more manageable tasks. I also made sure to set aside dedicated time for studying and completing coursework, and prioritized my work based on its level of importance and urgency. Thanks to my organizational skills, I was able to succeed in these challenging international courses. I never missed a deadline, and I always felt prepared for exams and other assessments. By staying organized, I was able to reduce stress and anxiety and maximize my academic potential.