Question 1

Recognition | Awards | Publications

Accepted Answer

Published in Colorful Colorado Weddings Blog Unique Wedding Venue and Design November 2015   Melissa was honored to be published in the Colorful Colorado Weddings blog. She designed the remember the date magnets, wedding invitations, rsvp cards, envelopes, cake table signs, and website for her own wedding. Mrs. Zier also managed the set up and execution of the live-streaming of the event in addition to creating the video slideshow for the rehearsal dinner. To view the work for this project, please visit http://www.be.net/melissadzier and select the Wedding Print Design and Wedding Media folders.

Read Colorful Colorado Weddings blog.  ​_____________________________________   Yelp Elite Review of the Day Singapore, Southeast Asia   June 2016 August 2015 June 2015 March 2015 November 2014 October 2014 August 2014   Rather than applying for a Yelp Elite position, Melissa was recruited by the Yelp community manager to join as an elite member due to the quality and volume of reviews she posted during her time in Singapore.   ​_____________________________________ ​   Sarah W. Woolrich Fund For Faculty St. Francis Episcopal School March 2014   In 2013, Head of School Susan B. Lair, PhD, challenged the St. Francis community to find ways to empower students to venture out into the world and truly be people for others. As a result, the Children Actively Remaking Economic Situations (CARES) initiative was born. As a springboard step in the development of this anti-poverty program, two members visited Rio de Janeiro on a scouting trip to create connections and address the logistical concerns of future aid efforts to the impoverished segments of this South American city. Back at home, Melissa worked with students and faculty in all divisions to integrate education on the causes of local and global poverty and implemented social outreach to help alleviate the issue. Ms. Zier connected St. Francis students with students in India, Australia, China and Brazil via Skype and collaborated with faculty to weave global poverty education into curriculum and extra curricular activities.

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​_____________________________________   Lead to Feed World Hunger Leadership Challenge St. Francis Episcopal School March 2014   Ms. Zier collaborated with faculty and students to integrate poverty and nutrition education into curriculum using the Adobe Creative Suite and iMovie in support of the YUM! Brands Foundation Lead2Feed World Hunger Leadership Challenge, which resulted in a grand-prize $25,000 contribution to hunger relief in 2013 and runner-up $5,000 contribution in 2014. ​_____________________________________   TheJournal.com From Twitter to Edmodo: Schools Collaborate With Social Media February 2013   Melissa was contacted by David Raths, a Philadelphia-based freelance writer focused on information technology, to be interviewed for an article based on my experience integrating technology into the classroom. Raths writes regularly for several IT publications, including Healthcare Informatics and Government Technology.

Read more>>> ​_____________________________________   Interscholastic League Press Conference Award of Honor St. Francis Episcopal School—The Howler 2012–2014    Read more>>> ​_____________________________________ ​   Columbia Scholastic Press Association Yearbook Gold Circle Index Award St. Francis Episcopal School—The Howler 2012–2013 ​_____________________________________ ​   Balfour Junior High Yearbook Workshop First Place Grand Prize in Theme Development St. Francis Episcopal School—The Howler 2014 ​_____________________________________ ​ ​ Balfour Junior High Yearbook Workshop Certificate of Excellence in Color and Font Selection St. Francis Episcopal Day School—The Howler 2013 ​_____________________________________   Balfour Junior High Yearbook Workshop Presenter: How to Effectively Use QR Codes in Your Publication St. Francis Episcopal Day School—The Howler 2012   Featured presenter at the 2013 Balfour Junior High Yearbook Camp on QR codes and their many uses in publication design. Covered video uses, creation, QR code management tools and linking. ​_____________________________________ ​   Art Directors Club Of Denver Student Show Best in Category—Crayola Ad Campaign 2007 ​_____________________________________ ​   The Art Institute Of Colorado Runner Up at Graduation Portfolio Review 2007 ​_____________________________________ ​ ​ Celestial Seasonings Package and Promotion Design Winner 2006 ​_____________________________________ ​ ​ The Art Institute Of Colorado Merit Scholarship 2004-2007 ​_____________________________________ ​ ​ Toyota Honorable mention in Toyota Scholarship Competition 2004

Question 2

Contract | Freelance Experience

Accepted Answer

BusyMo Media & Design Creative Professional October 2005 - Present | Denver, Colorado - Houston, Texas - Singapore 
Melissa has consistently managed projects for many freelance clients in addition to maintaining full-time positions at other companies. Her recent move has granted her the opportunity to follow her dream of doing more contract and freelance work.

Melissa handles a large variety of needs for her clients, who are in many different industries. These services include but are not limited to graphic design, website maintenance, trade show graphics, stadium graphics, publication design, and marketing via direct mail, HTML email campaigns, and social networking.    Below are several clients Ms. Zier has worked with.  _____________________________________   Zavala Texas Law Freelance Web and Graphic Designer March 2016 - Present | Houston, Texas, United States   Melissa established an online presence for Zavala Texas Law by creating a logo and branding that was applied to the development of an optimized and responsive WordPress website. Ms. Zier consulted with Mr. Zavala regarding the best practices for implementing a social media campaign that utilized LinkedIn, YouTube and Facebook to increase website traffic and aid in his SEO goals.   _____________________________________   Watford City Municipal Airport Freelance Graphic Designer October 2015 - Present | Watford City, North Dakota, United States   Melissa was sought out by Watford City Municipal Airport to generate a logo, website and branding to be implemented prior to the grand opening of new terminal building. She created advanced online presence by utilizing Google My Business and Facebook to advertise events and a social media campaign to involve community. _____________________________________   Tranquil Salon & Spa Suites Freelance Web and Graphic Designer April 2015 - Present | Houston, Texas, United States   Melissa collaborated with owner of Tranquil Salon and Spa Suites to develop a logo, branding and a cohesive print and online marketing plan that targeted her key demographic and resulted in suite rental conversions. Ms. Zier implemented Google Analytics, Google My Business and Google Search Console to improve SEO tracking and conversions as a result of an optimized website and strategic social media marketing plan that included campaigns on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, Google, and Yelp. _____________________________________   Krell Dentistry Freelance Graphic Designer May 2012 - Present | Houston, Texas, United States   Ms. Zier developed a logo, which was applied to the layouts of a business card, stationery, print ad, signage and promotional items that were given to patients. _____________________________________   INCA Refining Freelance Graphic Designer December 2011 - Present | Houston, Texas, United States   Melissa developed map property line graphics for an oil refining company that resulted in a "David and Goliath" win in a lawsuit against Union Pacific Railroad. _____________________________________   McKenzie Energy Partners Freelance Web and Graphic Designer January 2016 - April 2016 | Watford City, North Dakota, United States Melissa developed a new logo for McKenzie Energy Partners based on geographical boundaries of their service and implemented new design in branding carried throughout a website redesign resulting in better UI, SEO and responsiveness. She established accounts for Google Analytics, Google My Business, and Google Search Console to aid in the tracking of, which was not possible with original website. _____________________________________   Continent Project Technologies, Pte. Ltd Freelance Web and Graphic Designer July 2015 - February 2016 | Singapore, Southeast Asia Melissa strengthened Continental Project Technologies’ online presence with the creation of a WordPress website with updated branding, images, and enhanced meta descriptions and title tags. Established accounts for Google Analytics, Google My Business, and Google Search Console to aid in the tracking of conversions three months prior to implementing new page. Show >500% increase in traffic on all pages to date. _____________________________________   A Finishing Touch Freelance Apparel Graphic Designer January 2015 - June 2016 | Houston, Texas, United States   Ms. Zier was recruited by the president of A Finishing Touch to conceptualize and design custom, licensed Peanuts® and National American Miss™ pageant apparel graphics for application on hair bows, hair bands and t-shirts. Contracted to develop new apparel graphic offerings for sale in national airports, zoos, and aquariums.    _____________________________________   Rise Broadband (Formerly Skybeam High-Speed Internet & Digital Phone Services) Freelance Graphic Designer April 2010 - July 2015 | Loveland, Colorado, United States   Melissa was contracted to conceptualize and create direct mail marketing campaigns. She provided the design for SKYBEAM’s best response rated direct mail piece to date. Due to this success, she was given projects for several of SKYBEAM's sister companies including T-6, Rhino, Prairie iNet, and JAB Wireless. _____________________________________   Dare Boutique Freelance Graphic Designer August 2009 - August 2016 | Evergreen, Colorado, United States   Melissa was contracted to create and maintain the brand identity of a high-end women’s clothing boutique. Collaborated with owner to develop effective logo, website layout, e-vites and HTML email blasts to enhance brand exposure in a challenging economic climate. _____________________________________   Garb, Inc Freelance Graphic Designer & Creative Consultant January 2011 - August 2011 | Denver, Colorado, United States   Melissa was the Senior Graphic Designer for the industry leader in children’s sportswear from February 2008 until January 2011 when she moved to Houston. She was then contracted to help during this transition to new leadership and played a key role in maintaining consistent print production for the screenprint department. Please see the "Full-Time Employment" drop-down menu for more information on her responsibilities while employed with Garb, Inc. _____________________________________   Artful Journey Schools Fine Art Teacher October 2008 - February 2011 | Greenwood Village, Colorado, United States   Mrs. Zier taught K-8 children art theory through projects in varying mediums. She was responsible for lesson plans, classroom management, and behavior reinforcement. This opportunity provided her a new perspective on professional projects. She states that, "the kids were great and I found that I had just as much to learn as I did teach!" _____________________________________   Purple Sage Design Intern / Freelance Designer January 2007 - May 2007 | Denver, Colorado, United States   Melissa was hired as an intern in January of 2007 and became a contracted designer in late March. She developed cost-effective corporate identity, logos, invitations, brochures, flash websites, front-end web design and copywriting for numerous businesses in the Denver-Metro area. Mrs. Zier played a key role in developing the agency’s branding & marketing strategy and designed several new self-promotion pieces while handling select client presentations. _____________________________________   Moss Printing & Packaging Freelance Designer, Print Production Specialist & Customer Service Associate January 2005 - December 2005 | Denver, Colorado, United States   Provided customer service support, project management and production assistance. Operated electric binding, folding, cutting and drilling equipment. Packed and shipped domestically and internationally through Fedex, UPS, DHL and USPS.

Question 3

Education

Accepted Answer

The Art Institute Of Colorado Bachelor of Arts in Graphic Design Denver, Colorado, United States 3.8 GPA

Question 4

Professional Development

Accepted Answer

• Balfour Junior High Yearbook Camp (2011-2014) • Balfour Yearbook Adviser’s Spring Forum (2011-2014)
• CPR Certified (2011-2014) • Finalsite U (2011-2013, 2017) • Safeguarding God’s Children (2011-2013, 2017) • Texas Computer Education Association (2012-2014)

Question 5

Pro Bono Projects | Skills-Based Volunteering

Accepted Answer

McKenzie County Community Coalition Watford City, North Dakota December 2017 Donated 25 hours to design a campaign poster to promote ID scanner use to reduce and eventually eliminate underage drinking. _________________________________ Citizens for Animal Protection Houston, Texas  May 2017 Donated 40 hours to design an invitation, RSVP card, envelope and poster to promote a fundraising gala. _________________________________ Blessing in a Backpack Houston, Texas March 2017 Donated 20 hours to revise and edit a promotional video for use during a fundraising event. _________________________________ World Missions Possible Houston, Texas February 2015 to Present Dedicated 100+ hours to redesigning non-profit organization’s website to be mobile responsive and more user-friendly. Continue to maintain updates to their website and make social media posts as needed. _________________________________ St. Francis Episcopal School Houston, Texas March 2011 to 2014 Founding member of St. Francis CARES (Children Actively Remaking Economic Situations). Established in spring 2013, the student-driven St. Francis C.A.R.E.S. (Children Actively Remaking Economic Situations) program is making a difference by tackling the global challenge of poverty. The Middle School students who participate in the program are people for others who are inspired by the St. Francis cornerstones of faith, scholarship, courage, and honor. In an effort to reduce poverty, members of the St. Francis C.A.R.E.S. program volunteer for numerous outreach efforts in addition to creating their own. The program also supports charitable organizations that feed and clothe people in need across the globe. The St. Francis C.A.R.E.S. program needs your help in two ways. First, as we establish relationships with organizations that work to reduce poverty, we appreciate any information from our community about local or international organizations that need our support. Second, we need financial donations that will enable us to support the programs that most help families in need. If you'd like to become a donor, please contact us. E-mail: sfcares@sfedstechnology.org Phone: 713.458.6464 Mail: St. Francis Episcopal Day School Attn: C.A.R.E.S. Program 335 Piney Point Road Houston, Texas 77024

Question 6

Full-Time Employment

Accepted Answer

St. Francis Episcopal School
Webmaster - Part-Time August 2017 - Present | Houston, Texas, United States    As a member of the senior staff under the Head of Technology, I provide onsite support for all divisions and departments of the school in regards to the website. My responsibilities include but are not limited to maintaining public content with photos, copywriting, videos, and interactive community activities. I create and apply digital marketing strategies that align with the Marketing Department and facilitate social growth and engagement within the community. __________________________________________   St. Francis Episcopal School
Technology and Communications Specialist November 2016 - September 2017 | Houston, Texas, United States    As a member of the senior staff under the Head of Technology, I managed the communication of innovative learning solutions within the school’s learning management system (LMS). My primary responsibility was to train the community in the effective use of student’s digital portfolios to align with the St. Francis portrait of a graduate vision and to support the Advancement, Business, and Marketing offices with the school’s use of its information systems and digital forms. __________________________________________   St. Francis Episcopal School
Middle School Technology Content Chair and Yearbook Advisor March 2011 - June 2014 | Houston, Texas, United States  Melissa took the position in the beginning of March, facing the challenge of finishing a 232 yearbook that only had 48 pages published. She quickly organized the eighth-grade class and took charge to get all of the recognition ads completed by parents to reach an April 1 deadline while also teaching technology to grades 5-7. The curriculum of these classes included work in the most recent versions of the Microsoft Office Suite, the Adobe Design Suite, iLife, Web 2.0 tools, video creation, edits and much more.   She accepted the position of the Middle School Technology Chair just six months after joining St. Francis and spearheaded flipped classroom projects and further integration of technology into the 21st-century classroom.   She worked closely with the Marketing & Communications Department throughout the school year and during the summer to update the school's website and handle other pressing projects. She also helped adjust print materials within the Adobe CS6 Suite. __________________________________________   Garb, Inc Senior Graphic Designer February 2008 - January 2011 | Denver, Colorado, United States   • Senior graphic designer for the industry leader in children’s sportswear. Create artwork exclusively for the USGA, USTA, PGA, LPGA, NASCAR, and professional teams such as the Orlando Magic and Denver Nuggets. Designed presentation layouts that resulted in contracts with Amazon, Barnes and Noble, Nordstrom, and Ping. Oversee graphics and licensing of 150+ schools for the collegiate pre-book program.
• Develop seasonal catalog concept. Redesigned layout format to be more customer-friendly and worked directly with regional sales reps to improve flow of information. Oversee model photo shoots and manage digital photography library.  
• Responsible for website management and online networking. Developed successful online retail sales as a result of increased SEO and traffic from HTML email blasts and blogging. 
• Gained intimate knowledge of the process of screen-print and the many techniques involved in conception and production of marketable designs.  
• Responsible for the reorganization of the screen-print department. Digitized the order to remittance process resulting in a minimum 25% daily productivity savings to the graphic design department while increasing productivity reducing the potential for escaping defects in the ordering process during the hand-off between departments. __________________________________________   Colorado Wholesale Group Graphic Designer July 2007 - February 2008 | Denver, Colorado, United States   Colorado Wholesale Group is an innovative plastics company, and while there, Melissa developed brand identity, packaging and marketing materials for a new line of window tint. She established print vendor relations and managed the production of marketing materials. Ms. Zier created a graphic standard for pad printing on innovative plastic golf tees and implemented a marketing strategy for golf tees that led to an online retail sales account with Susan G. Komen Breast Cancer Foundation.

Question 7

Technology & Softwares

Accepted Answer

Adobe CS6 Suite (Dreamweaver, Illustrator, InDesign, Photoshop) AtomicLearning.com ConstantContact.com Dropbox Finalsite Web Editing Platform Google (AdWords, Analytics, Drive, My Business, Search Console, Tag Manager) iLife (iMovie, Garageband, PhotoBooth) Learning.com Mac OS X Magento Admin Panel Magnus Healthcare Microsoft Office (Excel, PowerPoint, Word) Microsoft One Drive QuickTime Video Recording Schoolcast Broadcast Software Senior Systems Database Twitter.com Vimeo.com Windows Wix.com WordPress.com YouTube.com

Question 8

Professional Skills

Accepted Answer

Advertising Art and Creative Direction Brand Development Copywriting and Editing Corporate Identity Event Planning Graphic Design Licensing Marketing Strategy Marketing Materials Package Design Pre-Press Production Project Management Publication Design Screen Print Separations SEO (Search Engine Optimization) Social Media Marketing Stadium Graphics Storyboarding Tradeshow Design Web Design and Maintenance Video Conferencing (Skype, etc.) Video Production