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About

Izzy Merickle

Izzy Is a graphic designer from Tennessee. She currently works as the lead artist of her apparel company "Cactus Grove Designs." She also does freelance design work in her community. Her specialties include Typography, Layout Design, Digital Illustration, and Digital Photography.

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Email: izzymerickle9@gmail.com

WV wildflowers 1.jpg

Design Philosophy

I am an observer of the world around me. I mostly observe aspects of the natural world, including living organisms, rocks and minerals, and the beautiful, big-picture landscapes that hold them both. This is where most of my artistic inspiration comes from. In my personal design work, I tend to gravitate towards more muted color palettes with patterns, textures, and repeating imagery that can be found throughout nature, including leaf patterns, rock textures, feathers on a bird, or scales on a reptile. I also often create busy or full compositions that balance all of these elements together.

 

In addition to observing nature, I also try my best to observe and cater to other people as best as I can. As a Christian pursuing a career in art, it is my mission to spread joy and love through my designs. Art has always been a piece of my life that brings me happiness and contentment, and I strive to share that peace with everyone who views my work. When working with clients, I try to listen to their needs of wants and give them a concept that is most similar to what they are asking for. Then, through observation, I try and see the underlying ideas of a client and put together a few out-of-the-box designs, because sometimes you don’t know what you want or don’t want until you see it. At the end of the day, I want whoever is seeing my designs, whether it is a client, a buyer of my products, or a random bystander on the sidewalk, to feel happy and understood.

Design Experience

Co-Owner and Lead Artist of Cactus Grove Designs (2022-Present) 
Co-founded a screen-printing apparel brand. Creates most of the artwork and designs for the brand as well as manages social media accounts and helps decide other important aspects for the future of the brand. 

 

Freelance Graphic Designer (2022-Present)
Works with various clients to create logos, posters, t-shirt designs, business cards, and more.
   
Student Intern at Skyhawk Printing (Fall 2022-Fall 2024)
Worked on the finishing end of jobs using equipment to cut, score, spiral bind, drill, glue, and/or wrap and package paper after a job had been printed. 

 

Art Editor for The Switch Literary and Fine Arts Magazine (2023-2024 school year) 
Created fliers, posters, and other creative-based items for marketing and sharing information for the magazine. Was responsible for putting together the finalized layout for the Spring 2024 issue.

 

League of Striving Artist Public Relations Officer (2023-2024 school year)
Created graphics and edited photos for organization’s social media platforms as well as posters, fliers, and other advertisements to print. Helped host events and service projects for members. Attended weekly meetings and weekly officer meetings.

 

Skills

Adobe Suite; Proficient in Photoshop, Illustrator, and InDesign

Screen Printing: design work and color separating, silk screen burning, silk screen printing, apparel folding and packaging

Digital Photography: taking and editing photos

Social Media Management: creating graphics and captions, as well as understanding what and when to post for different audiences, depending on the client

Awards and Certifications

Selected as a Who’s Who Among Students at the University of Tennessee at Martin (2024)

Completed the “Muck Rack Essentials” Certification for Public Relations (2024)

Completed the Social Media Certification from HubSpot Academy (2024)

Received an Honorable Mention award for “Sweet Summer” acrylic painting in the 2024 LSA Art Exhibition       “Transitory”

Received 1st Place in the category of Printmaking and Book Arts for “Raw Beauty” Artist’s Book in the 2023 Annual VTA Student Art Show

 

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