1. kaylamccraren.com
My name is , and I am passionate about what I do. Currently I am
studying to get my BFA in both Graphic Design + Photography from the
University of Illinois at Urbana Champaign. With a world-class staff of
professors, I truly learn something new everyday. I am taught that it is not
just enough to make something look aesthetically appealing, but for it to
have a real purpose behind design.
I stay inspired through my photography. There are so many natural wonders
in everyday life it is difficult not to create new work all the time. Well versed
in the studio as well as outdoors, I have been shown how working with light
is the basis of all photography. The most beautiful images are made when
light is used in just the right way. Also, classically trained in the dark room,
my skills in the Adobe Suite are backed by my understanding of developing
and printing film. My understanding of photography as well as design,
combine in amazing ways that create visually stimulating work.
Design, in my eyes, is something that is not just done, but does. To break it
down, I truly believe that active and effective design comes from a mindful
place, where every line, every form, and every typeface was thought out
carefully and intentionally to make the consumer react in a very specific way.
Design can be life changing. Every chance there is to design, there is a
chance to innovate. Especially intrigued with branding, I strive to emulate
the values and morals of a company or product through the way they are
represented in the real world. From a logo to a SnapChat GeoFilter to a
blog, consumers are interacting with the world in so many unique ways,
giving the modern day designer more opportunities for legendary solutions.

2. 847 400 7692
kayla.mccraren@gmail.com
kaylamccraren.com
Mesa Verde National Park
Visual Communications Intern, Summer 2016, Mesa Verde, Colorado
Designed and developed visual information including posters, museum boards and
digital work. Established a defined presence for the park on social media (Facebook
and @usinterior Snapchat), within the standards of the National Park Service.
Worked closely with interpretive rangers to organize and direct a collective voice for
all visual communication.
Finish Strong Athletics Sports Camp
Photographer + Videographer, Summer 2015 Lake Forest, Illinois
Created energetic weekly videos showcasing highlights of camp, to increase
presence on social media and engage campers parents. Operated two cameras
during camp hours, organized footage and edited videos.
Illinois Leadership Center
Videographer, August 2016 - Present, Champaign, Illinois
Compile and organize video footage of leadership workshops and programs. Edit
together dynamic videos promoting the values of the Illinois Leadership Center, as
well as what the ILC has to offer.
Student Alumni Ambassadors
January 2014 – Present, Champaign, Illinois
Vice President of Communications 2015
Publicity Co-Director 2014
Developed a new brand for the premier student organization at UIUC. Planned and
organized large scale campus events, while delegating tasks to peers. Executed
integral communication in both print and digital space, including a wide reach
through social media.
DESIGN EXPERIENCE
University of Illinois Division of Intercollegiate Athletics, Football
Graphic Design Intern, Spring 2016 - Present, Champaign, Illinois
Conceptualize and create new ways to share information, while working within UIUC
athletic brand standards. Update and organize outdated content to ensure a clean
aesthetic for all visual communication from Fighting Illini Football.
EDUCATION
University of Illinois at Urbana Champaign | Class of 2017
Graphic Design + Photography Dual Degree
SKILLS
Software
Adobe Illustrator, Photoshop, Premier, InDesign, Bridge,
Lightroom, Microsoft Office, iMovie, Apple
Social Media
Facebook, Snapchat, Instagram, Youtube, Vimeo, Twitter,
Pinterest, Spotify
Languages
Functional Spanish, Functional Italian
EXHIBITIONS/HONORS
Photography Exhibition UIUC
Spring 2015, Spring 2016
Graphic Design Exhibition UIUC
Spring 2015, Spring 2016
Art Foundation Exhibition UIUC
Spring 2014
Dean’s List Spring 2015
Sasaki Day Finalist 2013
ACTIVITIES
Pi Beta Phi Women’s Fraternity IL Zeta, Alumna
Leadershape
Winter 2015 Participant
A challenging, and exciting week of exploring what I want to
do, and who I want to be as a leader. Worked with peers and
facilitators to hone in on my deepest values and how to better
serve the communities of which I am a part.
LEADERSHIP EXPERIENCE
Colleges Against Cancer
August 2013 – May 2016 Champaign, Illinois
President March 2015 – March 2016
Vice President March 2014 – March 2015
Developed and executed campus-wide events leading up to
the UIUC Relay For Life, bringing in over 1,200 students and
$135,000 each year. Managed a team of 40 peers in our
organization’s efforts to advocate for cancer research and
prevention.