Hi, I’m Kathryn.
Design Director, strategic creative partner, and creative leader dedicated to turning business challenges into beautiful, functional design solutions.
For over 13 years, I've partnered with businesses across industries including automotive, fintech, SaaS, healthcare, and nonprofits to translate complex goals into cohesive visual systems and strategic design solutions. I'm equally comfortable defining creative direction for enterprise brands and getting hands-on with pixel-perfect details.
I lead with curiosity, ask the right questions, and believe that great design starts with understanding the business problem first. My approach balances creative excellence with strategic thinking, ensuring every project delivers measurable impact alongside aesthetic achievement.
My Approach
Strategic Thinking
Design isn't decoration—it's a tool for solving problems. I dig into business goals and user needs before picking up a pencil, ensuring every decision serves a purpose.
Creative Leadership
I thrive leading talented teams, mentoring emerging designers, and fostering creative cultures where bold ideas flourish. I'm hands-on without being a bottleneck.
Craft & Excellence
High standards aren't negotiable. From brand strategy to final execution, I obsess over consistency, quality, and the details that separate good work from great.
Adaptability
Whether designing event experiences, digital products, marketing campaigns, or brand systems, I bring the same strategic rigor and creative energy across disciplines.
Career Journey
Design Director | M3 Group (2021 – Present)
Leading a multidisciplinary creative team across branding, digital, web, UX/UI, print, and experiential design. I define creative direction aligned with business strategy, own projects from concept through execution, and partner cross-functionally with marketing, product, and leadership teams to translate business goals into design solutions. I mentor emerging talent while remaining hands-on in high-visibility work.
Freelance Senior Graphic Designer | Krol Designs (2022 – Present)
Delivering senior-level design support for agencies and brands across event design, digital campaigns, motion graphics, and presentations. I lead visual development for large-scale events including stage design, signage systems, and animations while managing multiple concurrent projects with rapid turnaround.
Graphic Designer | RJM (2015 – 2021)
Managed design projects across branding, web, print, video, and marketing campaigns for a diverse client roster. I balanced multiple daily projects while maintaining consistent brand representation and collaborating closely with account teams.
Early Career | Mi Padrino & Media Graphix (2014 – 2019)
Early roles that built foundational skills in branding, print design, event production, and client communication. Oversaw in-house printing workflows and coordinated vendor relationships.
Recognition & Commitment to Growth
Awards
My work has been recognized with industry awards including Hermes Gold (Print Media), ADDY Silver (Web Design), and multiple MANNY Awards across branding, digital, and print disciplines.
Continuous Learning
In 2024, I completed Miami Ad School's Creative Director Program to deepen my strategic thinking and leadership capabilities — a commitment to staying sharp and bringing fresh perspectives to every project.
What I Bring to Your Team
Strategic Design Leadership
Creative direction that aligns with business goals, not just aesthetic preferences
Diverse Skill Set
Proficiency across branding, UX/UI, web, print, motion graphics, and experiential design
Team Building & Mentorship
Experience leading and elevating creative teams while maintaining hands-on excellence
Cross-Functional Partnership
Fluent in collaborating with marketing, product, strategy, and leadership teams
Adaptability & Speed
Comfortable juggling multiple projects across industries while maintaining quality standards
Problem-Solving Mindset
I ask tough questions first, then create solutions that drive business impact