Hanna Michalak

Senior creative with experience in leading design and branding initiatives across a variety of industries. Proficient in both print and digital design, including large print, logo design, layout, reports, social media videos, animations, email design, website wireframe.

I possess strong organisational skills, alongside excellent communication and interpersonal abilities. My career has been marked by successful leadership in design projects and initiatives across diverse settings, teaching me that the success of a design project hinges on collaborative creativity and a mission-driven approach.

Stepping down from my recent role as a brand manager to senior graphic designer reflects a deliberate choice driven by my passion for hands-on creative work. While brand management has provided me with valuable insights into strategy and overall brand direction, I find immense fulfilment in the actual design process and the ability to shape visual narratives. This shift allows me to immerse myself in the creative aspects I truly love, contributing directly to visual storytelling.

Gleeds

Brand and Creative Manager

May 2022 - November 2023

- Led multiple projects simultaneously, delivering high-quality results on schedule through effective management and precision

- Partnered with stakeholders to understand their design needs, delivering creative solutions that met branding and communication goals

- Drove the creative direction of the brand, overseeing aesthetic, concept, and design which led to increased brand awareness

- Increased brand awareness by collaborating with global brand and bid ambassadors

- Provided strategic creative leadership to the global bid team resulting in winning prestigious clients

- Directed digital collateral production on the Foleon platform, including guidance and training, which led to greater and time efficient interactive content production 

- Line managed the graphic design team towards success, promoting professional development and ensuring collaborative teamwork

- Co-ordinated with creative agencies for collaborative projects and searched skilful freelancers to take on project jobs

- Organised and managed corporate photoshoots, maintaining the internal photo library

- Developed innovative creative briefs for the Monday.com platform, optimising project management and communication.

Gleeds

Graphic Designer

June 2017 - April 2022

- Managed design projects from start to finish, including concept development and production, to create strong visual stories

- Initiated the creation of animations and videos in-house, boosting social media content and engagement

- Designed and implemented various branded templates for adverts, presentations, social media, bid presentations, and internal platform assets, maintaining brand consistency

- Developed the branding for the Gleeds internal platform, Interact, to improve communication and engagement

- Led the design efforts for an annual global conference, producing visuals that aligned with event goals

- Advised and monitored Gleeds UK offices (London, Manchester, Bristol, Glasgow and Nottingham) refreshment ensuring consistency and on brand

- Kept design assets well-organised, ensuring easy access and consistent usage across projects.

Exodus Adventure Travels

Graphic Designer

June 2016 - May 2017

- Refreshed the Exodus logo, brand colours, and guidelines, and updated all related materials for a unified brand appearance

- Worked closely with internal teams to ensure design alignment with company goals

- Handled the creation of online and offline marketing materials, broadening brand reach across various channels

- Prepared graphics for large-scale printing projects, maintaining high visual standards

- Supported the motion graphics designer with graphic design, adding visual depth to video content

- Conducted training in InDesign, Photoshop, and Microsoft Publisher for marketing, product, and customer service teams, boosting their design capabilities

- Managed all aspects of print production, ensuring quality and timely delivery of materials.

World Cancer Research Fund

Graphic Designer

January 2013 - February 2016

- Created designs for print and web within brand guidelines, accurately meeting project managers’ briefs

- Branded and designed a digital calorie calculator prototype and liaised with the web team to build it

- Assisted with brand refreshment and collaterals updates

- Organised photoshoots, ensuring high-quality imagery for various projects

- Documented internal events through photography, capturing key moments and details

- Worked with external suppliers and sourced new ones to maintain high standards and efficiency

- Trained colleagues across the organisation, providing them with professional and friendly support in design-related tasks.

Your PRSS Ltd

Graphic Designer

April 2012 - February 2015

- Developed web graphics tailored for diverse market sectors including sport, education, trade, and community, enhancing sector-specific online presence

- Created logos and banners featuring calls to action for each website, driving user engagement

- Produced tutorial presentations for end users, facilitating easier platform navigation and usage

- Conducted research on various market sectors to inform effective design strategies

- Collaborated closely with the head of design in Phoenix, Arizona, ensuring design consistency and quality

- Supported the sales team by designing mock-up website pages for specific topics, assisting in sales presentations

- Oversaw and trained design interns, providing guidance and professional development opportunities

- Recruited and managed remote artworkers located in Europe and India, coordinating a global design team.

Parallax Graphic

Internship

October 2011 - December 2011

- Designed a variety of marketing materials including leaflets, brochures, posters, and banners, contributing to diverse promotional campaigns

- Communicated with clients over the phone and via email, ensuring their design requirements were met and maintaining professional client relationships. 

2009 to 2011

Postgraduate Diploma in Graphic Design

The London College UCK, London

2006 to 2008

MA in European Social Communication

Adam Mickiewicz University, Poznan, Poland

2002 to 2005

BA in European Social Communication

Adam Mickiewicz University, Poznan, Poland