Nice to meet you!

 

I’m Kara, a vibrant, ambitious, enthusiastic Creative! Oh yeah, I’m also a career communicator: primarily, a graphic designer, campaign planner, event manager, marketer and overall problem-solver. I tackle whatever it takes, and strive to get each job done efficiently and professionally!

 

Since 2012 I have had the privilege of providing communications & marketing to the Cayman Islands Government; working with clients ranging from the Governor, Deputy Governor, Premier, Ministers and their ministries, Departments and statutory bodies; and always keeping at the forefront the ultimate clients – the members of the public.

 

This job has allowed me the opportunity to be a part of exciting, unique team. Many projects were routine (such as adverts & signage) but many more assignments were challenging, demanding and some even downright unusual!

 

In all this, I have been privileged to meet and work with amazing civil servants, including MLAs, Chief Officers, to 911 Call Dispatchers .. as well as interesting collaborations with a range of private-sector agencies from across the Cayman Islands – and internationally.

 

I love my job! Even when things get crazy, I remind myself of how lucky I am to have such a successful career in design; even though it has been comparatively short to other professionals I know.

 

Before joining the civil service I spent four years in the private sector in the communications & publishing industries. I have been fortunate to jumpstart my career in 2010 with Acorn Publishing Ltd. where I had the task of completing three major magazines in seven months. This is where I gained my real experience which help to develop my savvy problem solving skills, polish my organization qualities and handle very tight deadlines without losing my cool.

 

I then moved on in 2011 to a local newspaper, where I gained management experience. Working with a team of three designers, I really discovered my self-worth, while demonstrating my expertise and dedication. I wore many different hats at there: editor, graphics manager, IT specialist, production manager and even assisted at times with HR matters.

 

Since I realise I have not as yet discussed specifics on how I would contribute as a member of your team, I welcome your specific questions or comments.

 

Frequently Asked Questions

 

Q: How long have you been a Graphic Designer?
A: Over 8 years. But I have always been a creative person.

 

Q: Do you have a degree in art and design?

A: Yes.  My career is unique, as it is partially technical knowledge, and partially creative expression. I have an Advance Diploma (Honours) in Graphic Communication, from Seneca@York, Toronto Canada. I’m currently in my dissertation portion of a Masters of Science Degree in International Management from the University of Liverpool.

 

Q: Where/How do you find inspiration for design projects?
A: Over the years, I’ve acquired a collection of websites, books, images, and objects that I find fascinating.
 

Before I begin sketching design ideas for a project, I gather these items that might relate or connect to the project’s subject or target audience.

Looking at these items helps me come up with a new design idea that suits the project’s/ client's needs.

 

Q: What would you consider your niche?

A: Over the years I rely on my Caymanian culture to help connect to my target markets. Growing up in Cayman I have had to learn to adapt quickly to modernization and embrace all cultures to Cayman.

This has helped me to become highly adaptable in my field and able I understand what it takes to make those unique connections.

 

Q: What do you do when you have creative blocks?

A: I use several methods to cure my creative block. Most of the time, I will just take a nice, long walk.

There are so many interesting things to see where I live in the Cayman Islands; I’m bound to witness something to shake me out of a creative block.

 

Q: What is your favorite part about your job?

A: There are so many things I love about my job—which is why I keep doing it! I could go on and on about the reasons I enjoy my work especially when it comes to client satisfaction. But the thing that has me hooked is the ability to creatively solve problems by analyzing the situation, looking at what might go wrong and find the best solutions.

 

Thanks for spending some virtual time with me and I look forward to meeting you in person soon!