About | Ciara Potter

My Career (so far )

Screenshot 2025-02-13 at 4.49_edited.jpg

2018

From Fine Arts to Foundations in Human-Centered Design

Creating has always been central to who I am—from drawing elementary school play posters with crayons to painting on my parents’ carpet (sorry, Mom!) These early creative explorations, along with classical art training during my childhood and higher education, shaped the way I approach design today.

My design journey began in 2018 as an illustrator for Cypress Magazine, where I quickly expanded into journalism, copywriting, and creative direction. Immersed in research and storytelling, I wrote blog articles, directed spreads, arranged interviews, and led photoshoots—balancing storytelling with visual design. These experiences sharpened my investigative skills, audience engagement, and ethical responsibility, all of which now inform my human-centered approach to design.

2022

Creative Growth and Digital Expansion

As my career progressed, I took on award-winning design projects for film festivals, record lounges, and editorial spreads, gaining recognition for my creative work. At Rust Media, I developed marketing materials for event venues and led promotional ad campaigns under industry mentors.

Shifting toward digital-first experiences, I became Graphic Designer for a California-based tech startup, creating assets for social media, email marketing, and web platforms. This role deepened my understanding of technology’s role in design and broadened my reach to diverse audiences.

In 2023, I transitioned fully into digital product design with an internship at AutoZone, leading initiatives for a large-scale e-commerce platform. This experience sharpened my ability to blend creativity with strategy, balancing brand, UX, and business needs. Building on this momentum, I launched and managed e-commerce stores for small businesses, handling everything from brand strategy and product design to website development and supplier logistics—solidifying my expertise in digital design, user experience, and scalable brand execution.

2020

Bridging Design, Production, and Strategy

After two years at Salted Advertising and Cypress Magazine, I pursued a BFA in Graphic & Interactive Design with a minor in Mass Communication: Advertising, combining hands-on experience with formal training in user experience, interaction design, and creative strategy.

What sets me apart is my interdisciplinary approach—balancing artistic vision with production feasibility. I understand how design translates across digital and physical mediums, ensuring concepts are both innovative and executable. As Design Editor for my university’s student-led media agency, I led over 20+ print and digital spreads, managed a special section recognized with MCMA awards, and guided a team of photographers and designers. This experience honed my ability to oversee end-to-end digital experiences, merging storytelling, usability, and strategic execution to create impactful, user-centered designs.

2024

Mastering Design Strategy

With six years in the design industry, I became increasingly drawn to creative leadership and the strategy behind impactful design. I wanted to move beyond execution—to shape design solutions that drive real results. In 2024, I took a pivotal step by enrolling in the Master of Design program at the University of Cincinnati, a STEM research-based program that has sharpened my ability to merge creativity with strategy, UX research, and data-driven decision-making.

Working in design labs and research centers, I’ve gained hands-on experience in user experience, branding research, and prototype testing, refining my ability to create, validate, and optimize digital products. To further my expertise, I am completing a Post-Baccalaureate Digital Marketing Certificate, bridging the gap between design, business growth, and user engagement.

Now, I bring a powerful combination of creative vision, strategic thinking, and hands-on execution—ready to lead high-impact design initiatives that elevate brands and user experiences. Let’s create something extraordinary together!

About Me

I'm a Cincinnati-based designer specializing in branding and user interface solutions to help businesses enhance their visibility. With a multifaceted background, I manage projects from concept to completion—conducting research, developing strategies, creating content, overseeing photoshoots, and delivering both print and digital designs.

I hold a Bachelor of Fine Arts in Graphic and Interactive Design from Southeast Missouri State University with a Minor in Mass Communication: Advertising. I'm currently pursuing a Master’s Degree in Design at the University of Cincinnati. Outside of work, I’m a dog-lover, music fanatic, habitual snacker, and professional binge-watcher.