IVANA VAVAKOVA

I spent 23 years in New York City as a Senior Graphic Designer and Art Director, working for leading corporations such as Brooks Brothers, Estée Lauder, Clinique, Chanel, and Scott Kay. I have a broad range of design experience in various industries, including apparel and fashion, makeup, skincare, luxury goods, jewelry, automotive aftermarket accessories, and rail transportation. In addition to graphic design, I provide artistic direction to photographers, videographers, and stylists.

In 2014, I moved to Portland, OR, where I worked for Bushwacker, Inc. Two years later, Lund International acquired the company, and I accepted a relocation package to Atlanta, GA. In addition to graphic design, I supervised an employee in photography and videography. In 2022, Norfolk Southern's communication director approached me on LinkedIn and offered me a Design Manager position.

I bring my employers the best in clean and modern design sensibility, high-end aesthetics, and a deep understanding of corporate culture and global business.

Prague, Czech Republic is my birthplace; I am bilingual and have always been passionate about art and travel. I hand-build ceramic vessels using coiling and paint them in my free time. I quickly adapt to new environments, industries, and projects and have a unique flair for successfully managing junior designers. I am a self-motivated self-starter who is flexible, dependable, and detail-oriented in producing high-quality work. I pride myself on staying up to date with the latest trends in design and technology.

I hold a Bachelor of Arts degree from Cleveland State University with a Dean’s Recommendation of Honor. Additionally, I am a member of the American Institute of Graphic Arts (AIGA) and runner-up in the 2017 Marta Hackathon: Rider Experience and Design Thinking competition.

I currently live in Atlanta and New York City.