Portfolio
Valerie has successfully completed several projects for my company re-brand and she was very patient and responsive throughout the entire process. Her work is creative, she meets deadlines and she’s fun to be around. Working with Valerie on my graphic design needs is a pleasure. I highly recommend her!
Pat Altvater, CEO, AFP Marketing
I’ve had the privilege of working with Valerie on several projects and she has proven to be a very professional, talented and creative designer that delivers quality services based on the client’s needs. She is very easy to work with and is skilled in developing design solutions that hit the mark every time. She is also very good at providing quality consultation even when the client’s vision/goal isn’t entirely thought out. I was very impressed with the speed in which she completed projects and is skilled at troubleshooting issues in order to deliver a quality product on time.
Adero Robinson, Chief of Staff, City Year Columbus
Valerie is a bright, articulate and an exceptional young professional. On two separate occasions, I chaired a large community event and was impressed with Valerie’s creativity, ingenuity and ability to design the total package (i.e., souvenir booklet, invitation, response card, advertising) producing them as needed in ‘real-time.’ She pays close attention to details and especially the budget. She provided insight on how to ‘brand the event’ while at the same time be cost-efficient. In my business, I network and make referrals, Valerie is at the top of my list.
Laneta Goings, Vice President, AMI Printing & Graphics
Valerie was hired by me to put together our first sales brochure. It was a long, creative project that required her to be like my right hand woman although we were communicating only on email. I’ve never met Valerie in person, but her ability to pull off what we wanted was right on the mark despite the miles separating us. She is a great designer, business person, and marketer.
Emma Coulson, Digital Production Manager, Longevity Medical Clinic
Valerie’s design work and attention to detail is second to none. Her ability to take an idea from a conversation and bring it to life digitally was spectacular and so creative that I’ve been a fan of her work ever since. I see great design work all the time in my line of work, but I always recognize her designs among a crowd. Her creativity, punctuality and professionalism are worth the investment.
Andre Lampkins, Director of External Relations, Association of Independent Colleges and Universities of Ohio
Resume

Valerie Thompson
806 Chesbrough St.
Toledo, OH 43605
Phone: 419-304-0083
Email: valerie@leapgraphics.com
I am a creative graphic designer with over 13 years of experience designing print and web graphics. I can concept quickly, design with excellence and coordinate production.
I have extensive experience in print design, multi-media design and design installations, am an organized team-player with strong written and oral communication skills, and am talented at multi-tasking while maintaining efficiency and attention to detail.

Education
B.A. Degree in Graphic Design/Marketing
G.P.A. 3.5 – 2005
University of Toledo, Toledo, Ohio
Societies:
- National Honor Society
- Golden Key Society
Experience
ProMedica – Toledo, Ohio
02/2013 – Present
Graphic Designer
Illustrated concepts by designing rough layout of art and copy regarding arrangement, size, type size and style, and related aesthetic concepts. Completed projects by coordinating with internal printing department and other external vendors. Provided marketing campaign concept creation for key service lines and facility art installations that included brainstorming, story boarding and presenting before decision makers. Maintained technical expertise by attending design workshops, reviewing industry publications and participating in professional trade organizations.
Key Achievements:
- Won Silver Addy Award (American Advertising Federation, Toledo) for ProMedica Downtown Steamplant Overlay
- Awarded Healthcare Advertising Awards’ Bronze for “Beyond the Frame” jumbo photo installation at Toledo Children’s Hospital (2012)
- Was chosen to become on-camera talent and provided voice-over talent for educational videos about current medical issues and promotional employee messaging
Columbus State Community College
Columbus, Ohio – 09/2010 – 12/2011
Adjunct Instructor
Designed curriculum for Intro to Computer Design course, which included the components: multi-media, print media, typography, design theory, education, and practice. Facilitated learner-centered instruction while managing the classroom environment and relating industry experience to learning. Oversaw student’s personal and professional development as well as student evaluation.
Key Achievements:
- Constructed a lesson plan that increased retention by 10% based on results from student surveys that addressed concerns and skills relevant to their future career goals.
- Consistently received above average scores on all student evaluations.
- Based on essay identifying opportunities where diversity could be highlighted within current curriculum, was awarded a scholarship to participate in Summer Institute for Ohio Teachers in Tel Aviv, Israel to redevelop current curriculum.
Through Mind’s Eye
Columbus, Ohio – 06/2010 – 05/2012
Graphic Design Instructor (Volunteer)
Developed innovative graphic design curriculum compliant with Columbus City Schools teaching guidelines. Analyzed progress from previous students and varying skill level of new recruits to redevelop initial curriculum. Established memorable branding strategy and effective print and web-based promotional campaign to recruit more students.
Key Achievements:
- Constructed graphic design curriculum that was approved by Columbus City School Board within 2 days instead of the standard 3 weeks.
- Redeveloped initial curriculum to accommodate 50% more students compared to the previous school quarter, during the same 8-week session. Program is currently being reviewed for several grants based on participant success rate.
- Launched branding strategy that helped to increase enrollment by 60% Spring Quarter 2011 compared to the previous school quarter.
Triple Crown Publications
Columbus, Ohio – 06/2008 – 12/2010
Art Director, Assistant Production Manager
Oversaw the artistic design of all new books as well as supporting advertisements and promotional print materials. Successfully managed relations with photographers, authors, printers, distributors and media to reach target audience. Strategized social media campaign including the creation of Twitter, Facebook and LinkedIn presence as well as other publishing and urban fiction blog sites to promote new titles. Developed advertising campaigns for new releases including print & web marketing, outdoor signage, and industry trade show presence.
Key Achievements:
- Was recognized by upper management for successfully improving book production efficiency and promoted to collaborate with Production Manager to produce all new titles.
- Increased Facebook following from 500 followers to 2000+ within 3 months. Twitter & LinkedIn accounts grew to 200 followers/connections within first month.
PS Print
Oakland, CA – 07/2009 – 10/2010
Professional Blogger
Created interesting educational graphic design blog posts for online printing company. Researched popular graphic design topics and updated blog 3 times weekly with new posts to gain exposure in the online design community. Developed writing strategy that promoted reader interaction and encouraged repeat visitation.
Key Achievements:
- Increased traffic to website by 10% within the 3rd month of launch through informative, entertaining blog posts
- Posts consistently made the list of the top 10 most read blog posts of the site.
- Was offered promotion to contribute daily to the parent website’s Resource Guide.
Leap Graphics
09/2007 – Present
Freelance Graphic Designer
Design and produce various print and multi-media projects for wide range of clients. Identify client requirements and budget to successfully strategize marketing approaches and maximize client exposure. Manage relations with vendors, printers, media and other contributors as well as pre-press production timeline. Implemented innovative public and private educational sessions on graphic design for aspiring artists at various skill levels. www.leapgraphics.com
Key Achievements:
- Notable clients include: Columbus Urban League, Girls, Inc., N.A.A.C.P., Call & Post, U.S. Census Bureau, University of Toledo, Ohio Democratic Party and United Way of Greater Toledo.
- Nominated for “2009 Micro Entrepreneur of the Year” award by Increase Community Development Corporation. Columbus, Ohio.
- MBE Certification through State of Ohio and Nationally through the Ohio Minority Supplier Development Council
Street Speech Newspaper
Columbus, Ohio – 03/2008 – 09/2010
Sr. Graphic Designer (Volunteer)
Constructed initial layout for newly formed, grant funded street newspaper and maintained updates for each monthly issue. Coordinated production schedule with staff including photographers & writers. Designed marketing material for all efforts surrounding the newspaper including community events and fundraising.
Key Achievements:
- Design created for 1st anniversary led to issue selling out & being reprinted due to demand.
- Trained Jr. Designer to maintain newspaper updates and over see pre-press operations.
- Received The Columbus Coalition for the Homeless’ “2010 Volunteer of the Year” Award for maximizing grant dollars.
Hipolocy Magazine
Columbus, Ohio – 09/2005 – 05/2008
Jr. Graphic Designer
Collaborated with creative team to design and produce initial magazine layout. Managed article and advertisement design schedule as well as pre-press production timeline for 3-member design team. Designed successful promotional print and web-based advertisement campaign to increase sales and readership.
Key Achievements:
- Design team received statewide recognition from Ohio Senate.
- Over 500 magazine subscriptions were generated and Facebook following increased from 30 to 600+ fans within first 2 months.
- Was recruited by parent firm Miller Public Relations to design promotional material for new clients.

Skills
Platforms:
- Mac OS X / Windows 7
Applications:
- Adobe Creative Suite (CC)
- MS Office Suite
Additional Skills:
- Strong understanding of HTML
- Public Speaking
- Teaching (graphic design)