Suzanne Baumann

Design | Illustration | Collaboration

Suzanne Baumann

Creator | Designer | Illustrator
Hamtramck, MI 48212
EMAIL | PORTFOLIO | LINKEDIN

A creative professional with print and digital experience in diverse design and production environments including corporate, agency, and small business settings; collaborating internally and with clients. History of quality output under tight deadlines in various industries such as publishing, advertising, and education. Cartoonist, illustrator, community arts leader. Life-long learner committed to good work.

Core Skills

• Graphic Design: Creating concepts, layouts, typography
• Illustration & Visual Arts: Digital illustration, vector design, hand-drawn
• Branding & Identity: Logo design, campaign assets
• Technical Proficiency: Variable data publishing, web design (HTML/CSS), and digital asset management
• Prepress & Production: Print-ready formatting, packaging, proofing
• Communication: Writing, copy editing, visual storytelling
• Community Leadership: nonprofit organization, event coordination

Professional Highlights

Designer & Illustrator – Self-Employed
2004 – Present

  • Designed and illustrated for clients across publishing, civic, and fine arts sectors.
  • Produced branding and promotional materials for individuals and fledgling businesses.
  • Retouched photographs for large-scale art collections.
  • Balanced client work with self-directed comics projects and creative exploration.

President, Board of Directors – Hatch Art Center
2006 – Present | Hamtramck, MI

  • Co-founded a community arts organization, transforming a neglected space into a thriving gallery and artist studio community.
  • Designed promotional materials, coordinated events, and participated in fundraising drives.
  • Maintain the organization’s website and manage its weekly newsletter. Contributed social media posts.
  • Key player in the rehabilitation of the art environment Hamtramck Disneyland, combining preservation with new vision.

Graphics Specialist – Wolverine Solutions Group
2015 – 2020 | Detroit, MI

  • Designed and prepared high-quality graphic materials for print and digital communications, including direct mail campaigns and corporate assets.
  • Collaborated with clients such as FCA Group and Bresser’s Marketing, delivering tailored projects.
  • Led creative and production processes, including HTML email templates, print collateral, and app prototypes.
  • Enhanced project quality through meticulous proofing and technical expertise in variable data layouts.

Graphic Designer – Aquent Talent
2013 – 2021 (various contracts)

  • Worked onsite and remote with diverse array of clients to provide design and production assistance for marketing materials, print ads, and direct mail campaigns.
  • Designed brochures, newsletters, posters, and in-store displays while adhering to client and brand specifications.
  • Collaborated with organizations across industries such as Oakland University, Dykema, and HoMedics, delivering high-quality service under tight deadlines.

Creative/Production Developer – Avanzado
2008 – 2012| Farmington Hills, MI

  • Communicating closely with marketing and IT teams, worked to create interactive web interfaces for ad-building software.
  • Produced assets and advertising templates for clients like Verizon, General Motors and Sherwin Williams.

Cartoonist & Publisher – Fridge Magnet Concoctions
1995 – Present | Hamtramck, MI

  • Published and distributed original webcomics and print comics, and merchandise, cultivating a loyal audience.
  • Oversaw all stages of production, from conception to distribution.
  • Created and maintained websites, blogs, and online shops for personal and professional projects.

Education

Bachelor of Arts, Studio Art – Kalamazoo College
Minor in English | GPA in Major: 4.0

Study Abroad: University of Swaziland, eSwatini
GLCA New York Arts Program

Certifications & Workshops

Design Systems & Accessibility Training
Typography in Motion
Figma for Prototyping

Selected Skills & Tools

  • Adobe Creative Suite: Photoshop, Illustrator, InDesign, Acrobat
  • Affinity Suite: Designer, Photo, Publisher
  • Web Design: HTML, CSS, WordPress
  • Project Management Tools: Trello, Mailchimp, Slack
  • Microsoft Office: Excel, PowerPoint, Word
  • Data Publishing Platforms: XMPie, GMC Inspire Designer

Design Philosophy

Adaptability Meets Craftsmanship
I thrive in environments that balance creative freedom with structured challenges. Whether it’s creating visually engaging marketing materials or distilling complex ideas into clean designs, I aim for clarity, beauty, and functionality.

Problem-Solving Through Design
Every project presents unique challenges; I approach these with curiosity and a holistic perspective, zooming in on details and out to see the big picture.

Collaborative Leadership
As a designer and community leader, my goal is to guide diverse ideas to cohesion and make connections to create something greater than the sum of its parts.

Personal Touch

I bring curiosity, adaptability, and purpose to every project. Admittedly, my career journey has not been a direct route, but every detour has brought me back refreshed, full of new perspectives, and ready for another adventure. There’s something to be learned from every failure. With a bit of creative repair, reuse or recycling, new life can arise from the discard pile. I believe that maintenance is as important as innovation—revitalizing what’s old and tired is as rewarding as creating something new.