Tiffany Richardson
Summary
Innovative and impact-driven graphic designer with over a decade of experience in delivering impactful, creative solutions for federal and private sectors. Successfully completed 200+ design projects with a 96% on-time completion rate, leading visual direction for strategic initiatives. Expertise in developing brand messages and producing high-quality graphic content. Recognized with multiple awards for design excellence, specializing in transforming complex ideas into effective visual communications.
Overview
11
11
years of professional experience
Work History
Visual Information Specialist / Lead Graphic Designer
United States Department of Defense
Washington D.C. Metro Area
06.2019 - Current
- Directed design and production of high-visibility publications and campaigns, achieving minimal revisions.
- Served as Art Director during leadership absences, ensuring operational continuity and quality control.
- Streamlined project intake and delegation through the work order system, optimizing workflows to meet customer priorities.
- Reviewed and approved design deliverables for adherence to the National Geospatial-Intelligence Agency (NGA) visual identity standards.
- Achieved a 96% project completion rate across 166 projects while exceeding customer and leadership expectations.
- Mentored contractor personnel, enhancing design skills and quality assurance within the Office of Corp Comms Visual (OCCV) team.
- Authored and led the comprehensive overhaul of NGA’s Visual Style Guide, integrating updated branding standards, accessibility guidelines, and modern design principles.
- Designed a suite of standardized communication templates (letterhead, briefing papers, reports, and digital layouts) to reinforce agency-wide consistency in visual identity.
- Developed training materials for staff on information management systems.
- Collaborated with cross-functional teams to streamline information sharing protocols.
- Implemented security measures to protect sensitive government information assets.
- Analyzed program design and logic, making recommendations to support the development of a new or enhanced project management tool.
- Collaborated with cross-functional teams to create cohesive brand visuals.
- Recognized with many OCC monetary awards for outstanding design support on high-profile initiatives, including the AI/CV Summit, NGA’s first AI Strategy, and the NGA Support Team (NST) Communications Toolkit.
- Designed creative assets for flagship events and ceremonies, including the Military Service Intern Program (MSIP) Graduation and Director’s Recognition Ceremony.
- Guided production troubleshooting, provided constructive feedback, and supported contractor team leads in resolving design challenges.
- Coached and onboarded new government design staff, providing mentorship in visual tradecraft and workflow processes.
- Leveraged continuous professional development through LinkedIn Learning, Adobe Max, and federal design forums, applying new creative and technical skills to strengthen NGA’s communication impact.
- Applied expert knowledge in graphic and web design principles to consistently deliver polished, brand-compliant products, with minimal revisions required. Partnered with the PR team on design and branding for the NGA.mil website and social media platforms, ensuring a unified and professional public-facing digital presence.
Director of Graphic Design / Co-Founder
Urban Anime Lounge LLC
Royal Palm Beach, United States
08.2018 - Current
- Led creative direction for integrated marketing campaigns across social, digital, and print platforms, building a recognizable brand identity for a community of over 12,500 members.
- Developed social media content strategies (graphics, short-form videos, ad creatives, and event promos) that drove engagement growth and boosted community participation.
- Designed high-impact digital ads, web graphics, and campaign visuals, resulting in increased event attendance and online engagement metrics.
- Partnered with IT teams to improve website functionality and design, optimizing user experience, navigation, and conversion opportunities.
- Enhanced brand visibility through targeted digital campaigns, aligning visuals and messaging to expand reach, and attract new community members.
- Strengthened community growth by creating interactive social media initiatives, such as art challenges, member spotlights, and user-generated content campaigns.
- Supported community management by vetting and onboarding new members, ensuring positive engagement, and fostering a sense of inclusivity.
- Created event marketing packages—including social promotions, digital flyers, and live-event branding—to increase both in-person and online participation.
- Designed branded merchandise and apparel graphics (T-shirts, event apparel, promotional items) that complemented digital marketing campaigns, and reinforced brand recognition across channels.
Freelance Graphic Designer
STRich Designs
Alexandria, United States
06.2015 - Current
- Developed and executed 50+ tailored projects encompassing brand kits, social media content, product packaging, and event materials, enhancing client recognition and market presence.
- Developed unique brand kits and visual identities that elevated client visibility across web, social, and print platforms, driving stronger customer engagement, and retention.
- Produced and optimized digital and print-ready assets for campaigns, packaging, websites, and presentations, ensuring high-quality output across all mediums.
- Created and presented mockups and design concepts to clients, incorporating feedback to align with brand strategy, marketing goals, and audience needs.
- Oversaw full project lifecycles from discovery and consultation through design execution, delivery, and billing, maintaining professionalism and client satisfaction.
- Built templates, reusable design assets, and style guides to streamline workflows and ensure brand consistency across future campaigns and collateral.
- Executed multi-medium creative projects using Adobe Creative Suite (InDesign, Photoshop, Illustrator), Figma, Canva, and After Effects, as well as traditional media (watercolors, ink, and acrylics).
- Designed custom illustrations and tattoo concepts that blended traditional artistry with digital production techniques to expand creative service offerings.
- Experienced in preparing design files for both digital deployment and print production, ensuring accuracy, quality, and adherence to technical specifications.
Information Security Specialist / FOIA
United States Department of Defense
Washington D.C. Metro Area
12.2014 - 06.2019
- Oversaw compliance with the Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) and the Privacy Act (PA), adhering to federal law and agency policy.
- Reviewed sensitive documents, applying FOIA exemptions to safeguard national security and organizational interests.
- Conducted interdepartmental research to fulfill records requests efficiently.
- Supervised FOIA casework, ensuring quality assurance and providing training for team members.
- Tracked case metrics and delivered weekly backlog updates to leadership.
- Provided insights on FOIA/PA procedures to refine policies, and enhance operational efficiency.
- Collaborated with cross-functional teams to enhance overall information security posture.
Education
Associate of Science - Web Publishing / Front End Coding
American Public University
Charleston, WV05-2019
Bachelor of Arts - Graphic Communications
University of Maryland Global Campus
Adelphi, MDSome College (No Degree) - Design and Visual Communications
Virginia State University
Petersburg, VASome College (No Degree) - Media Art and Animation
The Art Institute of Washington
Arlington, VASkills
- Digital marketing strategies
- Graphic design and branding
- Visual identity standards
- Creative direction and quality assurance
- Attention to detail
- Social media graphics and engagement
- Publication and presentation design
- Infographic and logo design
- Project management skills
- Adobe Creative Suite proficiency
- Client consultation expertise
- Brand consistency and identity design
- User experience design
- HTML and CSS proficiency
- Packaging design
- Constructive feedback
Hobbies and Interests
- Cosplayer
- International Travel
References
References available upon request.
Timeline
Visual Information Specialist / Lead Graphic Designer
United States Department of Defense
06.2019 - Current
Director of Graphic Design / Co-Founder
Urban Anime Lounge LLC
08.2018 - Current
Freelance Graphic Designer
STRich Designs
06.2015 - Current
Information Security Specialist / FOIA
United States Department of Defense
12.2014 - 06.2019
Associate of Science - Web Publishing / Front End Coding
American Public University
Bachelor of Arts - Graphic Communications
University of Maryland Global Campus
Some College (No Degree) - Design and Visual Communications
Virginia State University
Some College (No Degree) - Media Art and Animation
The Art Institute of Washington