Available Now Let’s chat. I’m a designer who loves talking shop and exploring new ways to create great work.
Email Sarah@getaloadofper.com
My career has consistently woven together Graphic Design with a focus on UX Design, allowing me to create compelling experiences and products that are inspired by understanding how people expect to engage. I achieve this through a fusion of research, strategy, and Design.
Skills
Journey Mapping
Information Architecture
Research
Behavioral Psychology
Data Visualization
User Flows
Wireframing
Prototyping
Illustration & UI
Usability Testing
Design Systems
Competitive Analysis
Design Thinking
Agile Methodology
Comfort with Ambiguity
Graphic Design
Strategic Thinking
Content Strategy
Service Design
Accessibility
Interaction Design
Interface Design
Visual Design
Print Design
Running Workshops
Experience
M&T Bank
Senior Product Designer
Buffalo, NY · 2019 – 2024
At M&T Bank, I progressed from User Experience Designer II to Senior UX Designer, and ultimately to Senior Product Designer. My work encompassed developing a self-service digital platform for Business Banking Account Opening, implementing a One-Time Passcode (OTP) capability, and contributing to the digital migration of new banking clients. As Senior Product Designer, I engineered data-driven visualizations for decommissioning the legacy online banking platform and initiated a QA audit of UI bugs, leading to significant efficiency improvements.
GlobalQuest Staffing Solutions, Inc.
User Experience Designer; M&T Bank (contract-to-hire)
Buffalo, NY · 2018 – 2019
As a contractor at M&T Bank, I led the adoption of design thinking for the UX team, which expanded from 5 to over 70 members. I developed and tested digital banking products, impacting more than 300,000 users. My contributions led to a full-time employment offer.
Buffalo Rising Inc.
Advertising Sales & Marketing Director / Graphic Designer
Buffalo, NY · 2015 – 2017
Buffalo Rising is an independent digital publication that provides editorial and critical reviews on all topics that relate to Buffalo, NY to 1.2 million readers annually. The site was in need of a UX overhaul, so I collaborated with Parkway Digital on a comprehensive redesign and platform migration. By identifying clear advertising positions and CPM rates, we were able to maximize impressions through a completely rebuilt Google DoubleClick account. Plus, with my compelling display ads I designed, in tandem with A/B testing and conversion tracking, the publication’s advertising revenue has grown over 100% since launch.
American Society of Tax Problem Solvers (ASTPS)
National Marketing & Membership Director / Graphic Designer
Williamsville, NY · 2011 – 2015
ASTPS specializes in equipping tax professionals with education and resources to master tax resolution. I directed their website redesign initiatives, achieving significant brand lift, increased membership, and higher seminar registration. I also optimized email marketing practices and coordinated over 80 seminars and webinars across major metropolitan areas.
Garrett Creative
Graphic Designer
Pittsburgh, PA · 2010 – 2011
Garrett Creative is a branding and website design agency located in Pittsburgh, PA. My focus there lied in applying UI principles and aesthetic to design engaging and intuitive websites. I contributed significantly to securing a high-profile account through the development of compelling headline copy and strategic color application for outdoor directories, signage, sophisticated GUI elements, and intuitive mobile application designs. I also successfully led a TV campaign for Conley Golf Resort, completing it within the stipulated timeframe and budget.
Clients included: UPMC, Station Square, Cioppino Restaurant Group, Humane Society of Pittsburgh, Conley Golf Resort, TSG Partners.
The Advantage Company
Advertising Director / Graphic Designer
Williamsville, NY · 2007 – 2010
Managed unpredictable advertising needs by keeping lines of internal communication in sync between design team and retail specialists. Prepared weekly highly detailed Gusto ad, accompanied by engaging POP displays & literature. Independently established brand identities for several apparel lines, plus continuously created new t-shirt designs for House of Cotton’s national B2B accounts. Joined a select group of designers to take on the renowned annual catalog. Organized elaborate pagination, quickly adapted to abrupt direction pivots, and greeted the formidable challenge with grit and guile.
Education
Mercyhurst University
BFA: Art / Concentration: Graphic Design
Erie, PA · 2002 – 2006
Academy of Art University
Summer elective courses
San Francisco, CA · 2005 – 2005
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