Melanie Dogan

Graphic Designer

Raleigh, NC, USA
With experience in corporate, agency, and freelance roles, I have over 22 years of experience as a graphic designer and now art director, guiding print, interactive, and digital projects to success. From local branding projects to nationwide marketing campaigns, I've worked with startups, small businesses and large corporations.

Highlights of my skills include:
- Brand management
- Creative direction
- Logo & corporate identity design
- Print design & marketing materials
- Digital & animated banner ads
- PowerPoint presentation &
- template design
- Website & email graphics
- Social media graphics
- Trade show & exhibit design
- Signage & vehicle graphics/wraps
- Package & label design
- Illustration & infographics
- Photography & photo editing
- Video creation & editing

My keen perspective allows me to see opportunities where others may not, guiding my decisions and leading to innovative solutions. Combined with my strong leadership skills, I foster collaboration and inspire teams to exceed expectations. Additionally, my meticulous attention to detail ensures that every aspect of a project is carefully considered and executed to the highest standards. I prioritize effective communication and thrive in collaborative environments to ensure optimal customer satisfaction. I began freelancing during my college years, gradually building a strong client base. This journey culminated in the establishment of Vigor Creative design studio in 2004, showcasing my commitment to quality and creativity.

Work Experience

1-800-Pack-Rat

INTERACTIVE WEB DESIGNER

I worked with the digital and UX team to create graphics for the 1-800-PACK-RAT and Zippy Shell websites, animated digital ads (Facebook/Instagram, Google, X, LinkedIn, etc.). I designed and managed the brand guidelines for the 5 brands within the company. I created ads, flyers, brochures, and other printed marketing materials, as well as exhibit/trade show booth designs, promotional items, and more. I assisted with photo/video shoots, editing photos/videos and created new videos, shorts and animated videos.
February 2020 - December 2023 North Carolina, United States

Vigor Creative Inc.

SENIOR GRAPHIC DESIGNER

I founded and was lead designer/director at Vigor Creative Inc. I worked in collaboration with a team of graphic and web designers on projects which include brand development/management, logo and corporate identity design, print marketing collateral, signage, exhibit, and vehicle graphics, Word & PowerPoint templates, website design and development, social media design and management, illustration, photography and more. As director, I oversaw designers and interns, created and managed project scopes and timelines, managed and held client meetings, and designer assignments. I managed communication and collaboration with vendors, including photographers, website developers, and printers.
March 2001 - North Carolina, United States

Page Progressive, LLC.

GRAPHIC DESIGNER

I collaborated with a team of designers, developers and copywriters. Led or assisted with a variety of graphic and web design projects which included: logo creation or refreshing, flyers, brochures, postcards, ads, product labels, vehicle wraps, web mock-ups and social media graphics, website design and maintenance using Balsamiq Mockups, HTML/CSS, FTP, WordPress, and Divi. Managed communication with clients directly or through ticket management system. Picked up tickets for small projects and website updates through the ticketing system.
August 2008 - Present North Carolina, United States

Looking Glass Communications, Inc.

SENIOR GRAPHIC DESIGNER

I managed the majority of design projects from brainstorming sessions to completion in a fast-paced PR agency setting. Projects included logo design/brand development/management, business card & stationery design, brochures and unique print marketing pieces, signage and vehicle wrap design, package design, PowerPoint presentation & template design, and custom illustration. I assisted with web design, event planning/set-up, and photography. I collaborated with other designers, photographers, and vendors.
May 2010 - November 2013 North Carolina, United States

Education

Living Arts College

Digital Media Diploma

Graduated with a 3.9 GPA | Diploma includes certificates of Graphic Design and Web Design | Received "Top Dog" award for best portfolio in my class, as voted by my peers
August 2000 - May 2002 North Carolina, United States

Wake Technical Community College

Associate of Arts

Graduated with a 3.6 GPA | Honors: Phi Theta Kappa International Honor Society Scholarship winner and National Dean's List recipient | Activities: Phi Theta Kappa (Beta Alpha Zeta Chapter) President-elect, Drama Club President, and Science Club Treasurer
August 1997 - May 2000 Raleigh, North Carolina, United States

Languages

English (Native),

Skills

Adobe Acrobat, Adobe Dreamweaver, Adobe Illustrator, Adobe Indesign, Adobe Photoshop, Adobe Premiere, Balsamiq Mockups, Creative Direction, CSS, Figma, HTML, Illustration, Jira , Microsoft Office, Photo Editing, Photo Manipulation, Photography, Powerpoint, SharePoint, Video Editing, WordPress,