Hi, I'm Eliza Smyka
I'm a children's book illustrator and book jacket designer. I graduated from Grand Valley State University with a degree in Developmental Psychology. I know what children are drawn to at each developmental stage, so I know what will get your book SOLD!
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Let's bring your project to life!
Services
Type Design
Print & Collateral
Iconography
Editorial Illustration
Art Direction
Branding & Identity
About Me.
To become a children’s book illustrator and book jacket designer at a publishing company in West Michigan where I can be creative and have variety in my day, I want an employer who compensates and treats their employees well, allowing me time to better develop my skills and spend time with my ever growing family. As a preschool teacher turned illustrator, I've experienced the difference in how kids respond to material that they feel represented and validated in. I have an eye for graphic design and l and can bring my organizational and teaching skills, my knowledge of developmental psychology, and Adobe Creative Cloud skills to any team.
Education
2014 - 2018
Bachelor of Science
Grand Valley State University
Major: Psychology
Minor: Studio Art, Hospitality and Tourism Management
Design Experience
2020 - Present
Freelance Projects
Michigan Cares for Tourism
• Designed layout of March 2021 issue of Michigan Giving Magazine
• Given articles and photos
• Designed in InDesign and prepped for printing process
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“Special to Me”
• Children’s book 2021-2022
• 18 Central page designs
• 7 Characters plus backgrounds
• Vector art in Adobe Illustrator and Fresco
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Book Cover Re-Designs
• Favorite books and movie posters
• Wanted to refresh previous designs to broaden audience
• Vector Art in Adobe Illustrator and Fresco for texture variation
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Lighthouse Online Investments
• Logo design, created for marketing materials for a startup in West Michigan
• Given color scheme and general vision
• I created six designs and narrowed down what they liked/disliked from there, then made final edits for approval
• Vector Art in Adobe Illustrator
Custom Portraits
• May 2020- present
• Couple’s portraits and pet portraits designed from multiple photo references
• Vector Art in Adobe Illustrator
Promotional Posters
• National and State Parks
• Geometric designs Inspired by: “See America - A Celebration of Our National Parks & Treasured Sites”
• Vector Art in Adobe Illustrator
Logo Design Mock-ups
• Random prompts and color schemes given for inspiration
• Vector Art in Adobe Illustrator
Work Experience
Ingalls Pictures
Social Media & Business Development Coordinator, October 2021 to Present
• Handle all social media audits, posting, analysis
• Use analytic tools to consistently manage Ad campaigns leading to new clients
• Research potential prospects, find new markets to break into, make new business connections, and handle initial client meetings
• Lead internal meetings to keep everyone on the same page and organize meeting documents
• Produce videos and helping with Preproduction for videos
• Created a Social Media Distribution plan for our clients to increase video engagement from their client base
Miss Design Berry
Illustrator, April 2021 to October 2021
• Vector art for custom couples and pet portraits
• Creating alternative guest books, wedding and nursery décor
• Email communication with clients about edits and distributing designs
• Use of Adobe Illustrator, Slack, Hubstaff, and Google Suites
• Collaborate with team in an assembly line work space while working remotely
• Prepping files for print
Harbor Humane Society
Adoption Counselor, November 2020 to April 2021
• Arrange adoptions and animal meetings
• Calling clients, reviewing applications, answering emails, office filing
• Ensure animals are matched with the right families that can meet their specific needs