Aileen Niizawa : : Art Director | Brand Designer
Specializing in brand storytelling, packaging,
and integrated marketing campaigns
My Résumé
April 2022 to Present
AVP / Art Director
First Northern Bank | Sacramento, California
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Lead creative direction and brand consistency across all marketing channels including print, digital, social media, and environmental graphics.
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Design and manage campaigns for community partnerships, sponsorships, and events - reinforcing the bank’s local brand identity.
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Develop visual concepts for advertising, web banners, email campaigns, signage, collateral, and promotional materials for 14 branch locations.
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Collaborate with executive leadership, marketing staff, and external vendors to ensure timely, on-brand, and cost-effective execution of creative projects.
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Manage multiple concurrent deadlines, maintaining high design standards and production accuracy.
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Provide art direction and creative support for video, photography, and event branding initiatives.
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Coordinate print production and vendor relations including quotes, proofs, and press checks.
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Uphold accessibility and brand standards while evolving the visual identity to reflect growth and community connection.​
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February 2011 to February 2022
Art Director, Graphic Designer, and Social Media Manager
Matchbook Wine Company | Zamora, California
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Partnered with owners and president to shape the company’s brand identity and voice through creative marketing and design.
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Designed and oversaw all visual materials for 7 wine brands including labels, packaging, advertising, social media, websites, POS, DTC sales materials, and sales presentations.
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Collaborated with winemakers, tasting room managers, and national sales teams to align creative output with strategic goals.
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Managed production workflow - prepared final files, attended press checks, and coordinated with vendors on pricing, production, and timelines.
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Hired, trained, and supervised art department staff; supported creative team goal-setting and execution.
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Provided basic IT support for both Mac and PC systems within the department.
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Managed social media campaigns - designed posts and ads, tracked analytics, and optimized engagement and sales.
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Created chalkboard signage and event graphics for tasting room promotions and special occasions.
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November 2002 to January 2011
Art Director, Graphic & Product Designer
Limited Treasures | Folsom, California
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Designed and developed consumer products for a gift and specialty retail company, transitioning from Graphic Designer to Art Director.
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Created original artwork and collaborated with licensing partners including Disney and MIG Collegiate Licensing to produce brand-compliant designs.
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Designed a wide range of products - furniture, apparel, holiday gifts, children’s toys, and collectibles - from concept through final production.
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Oversaw product development lifecycle, ensuring design integrity, quality, and adherence to production timelines.
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Produced sales and marketing materials including catalogs, brochures, packaging, and point-of-sale displays.
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Contributed to website design and updates, maintaining brand consistency across digital and print platforms.
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Partnered with vendors, printers, and internal teams to ensure accurate color, materials, and production standards.
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February 1997 to September 2002
Graphic Designer
Mindshare Creative | Orange, California
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Began as an intern and was later hired full-time into the agency’s in-house art department.
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Collaborated with the marketing and design team under the guidance of the Art Director on clients across industries including restaurants, health clubs, insurance, and home décor.
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Contributed to concept development and campaign presentations, including idea boards and visual strategy sessions.
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Designed a wide range of creative materials such as logos, brand identities, point-of-sale displays, advertisements, and marketing collateral.
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Gained strong foundational experience in branding, print production, and creative collaboration within a fast-paced agency setting.
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Software Knowledge:
» Adobe Creative Suite • Illustrator • Photoshop • InDesign, Premiere Pro• Acrobat Pro, etc.
» Microsoft Office • Word • Excel • Powerpoint
» Social Media Apps & Channels • Instagram • Facebook • X • LinkedIn • Yelp • YouTube, etc.
» Mac OS preferred​
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Qualities:
• Creative • Dependable • Professional • Motivated • Friendly • Respectful • Problem Solver
• Organized • Multitasker • Detail-Oriented • Individual & Team Player • Positive
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Education:
Bachelor of Art, Graphic Design | California State University, Fullerton, 2006
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Affiliations
» Sacramento Kendo Dojo, Current Member & Instructor • 4-Dan, 4th Degree Black Belt
» Sakura Gakuen Japanese Language School • Board Member
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Recent Awards:
» 2024 Team Spirit Award, First Northern Bank