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Hello.
i'm Karen Paschkes
NJ/NYC BASED
GRAPHIC DESIGNER, DIGITAL ARTIST, & ILLUSTRATOR
PORTFOLIO
PORTFOLIO
VARIOUS PROJECTS
CWS School Gala: Poster
This poster was part of a larger project for a Moulin Rouge-themed fundraising gala. Using bold, dramatic colors and whimsical swirls, my goal was to evoke the exuberance and decadence of 19th-century Parisian nightlife during the Belle Époque.
Diane vonFurstenberg: Print Ad
I designed this magazine ad to announce the launch of DVF's new boutique. The goal was to create a clean, modern aesthetic that embodies DVF's unique blend of minimalist elegance and avant-garde flair.
English Coach Nicole: LinkedIn Banners
The task was to design a banner that conveyed professionalism, trustworthiness, and value in working with an accent-reduction tutor. To inject a playful touch and make the teacher seem friendly and approachable, we incorporated a photo featuring giant teeth. Our tagline was crafted to motivate potential clients to sign up for the service.
A/X: Website
As part of a group project, we developed Armani Exchange websites for multiple countries. Our goal was to capture the brand's modern essence by incorporating black and white tones along with clean lines and angular minimalist elements—elements that embody A/X's youthful urban style.
English Coach Nicole: Halloween Booklet
The challenge was to create an educational booklet centered on learning advanced English Halloween adjectives. To meet this goal, I developed an engaging 8-page booklet (4 are shown) that included a variety of interactive activities such as sentence fill-ins, word matching exercises, story creation prompts, and word categorization tasks. This comprehensive resource was designed to cater to different learning styles and preferences while providing a fun and immersive way to learn complex vocabulary.
Additionally, the booklet featured a detailed 2-page answer key at the end to support students in assessing their progress and understanding of the material.
Additionally, the booklet featured a detailed 2-page answer key at the end to support students in assessing their progress and understanding of the material.
La Conasupo: Website
The objective of this project was to rebrand the company with a modern, organized, and high-end image. To maintain its connection to Mexico through food and imported items, we drew inspiration from the Mexican flag for our color palette. Simple sans-serif fonts and generous white space were used to create a clean and organized aesthetic. In the hero section, we featured a photograph of one of their signature dishes to showcase the quality of their cuisine and highlight the chef's culinary expertise.
Nina Dolls (Shoes): Logo
The task was to create a logo and brand identity for the kids' shoe line that aligned with the adult brand while appealing to its younger audience. Focusing on girls between 7 and 12 years old, we selected feminine colors paired with playful design elements. The result was well-received: after launching the new logo, sales increased significantly over the next year.
Elements Jewelry Co: Branding
Our branding strategy was designed to convey a sense of superior quality and fine craftsmanship, while also incorporating spiritual elements that resonate deeply with our audience.
To achieve this nuanced blend, we chose rose gold and white as our core colors—hues that not only evoke simplicity but also imbue the brand with refined elegance. The use of rose gold adds a touch of luxury and sophistication, while white provides clarity and purity—elements that together create a visual identity that is both timeless and spiritually uplifting.
To achieve this nuanced blend, we chose rose gold and white as our core colors—hues that not only evoke simplicity but also imbue the brand with refined elegance. The use of rose gold adds a touch of luxury and sophistication, while white provides clarity and purity—elements that together create a visual identity that is both timeless and spiritually uplifting.
Chateau de Jean Pasques: Wine Label
A small, local vineyard approached us to rebrand their logo and label in an effort to boost sales. We opted for a classic French-inspired design, incorporating elements such as a castle and lush vines. This aesthetic not only reflected the rich heritage of traditional winemaking but also evoked feelings of luxury and sophistication.
Following the rebranding, the vineyard experienced a notable increase in sales—approximately 20%—highlighting the effectiveness of our design strategy.
Following the rebranding, the vineyard experienced a notable increase in sales—approximately 20%—highlighting the effectiveness of our design strategy.
Summit JCC Women's Group: Save the Date
Our task was to create an attractive flyer for the event that would capture attention and resonate with women across various age groups. To achieve this, I turned to nature as my muse—focusing on winter's elements and color story as the foundation for our design concept. By incorporating these natural themes into our visual approach, we aimed to create an inviting atmosphere that would encourage attendees.
Ultimately, our efforts paid off: participation rose substantially compared to the previous year.
Ultimately, our efforts paid off: participation rose substantially compared to the previous year.
Red Cross: Promo Card
Our team was tasked with creating print media that highlighted the trauma people face in the aftermath of natural and man-made disasters. To develop a cohesive campaign, we used photographs taken during actual disasters while adhering to Red Cross style guidelines. This approach allowed us to construct a powerful visual narrative that effectively conveyed the emotional impact of such events.
Kale & Ivy Craft Business: Branding
I founded and managed this small business, tailoring it to appeal to women between their 20s and 50s. The brand features a soft, feminine aesthetic that caters equally well to personal purchases and gifts. Drawing inspiration from nature—specifically lilac bushes—I developed a color palette that evokes warmth and elegance. To complement this natural theme, I selected a clean, modern font with an old-fashioned simplicity that conveys serenity.
Swimwear Market: Fabric Prints
For the spring/summer kids' swim market, I crafted a vibrant collection of coordinating fabric prints. The colorways were bold and bright, featuring geometric patterns that added a dynamic touch. To bring an element of whimsy to the designs, I incorporated playful sea creatures—creating a fun and engaging visual experience for young swimmers.
Loungewear Market: Embroidery and Trim
This project focused on creating soft, gentle embroidery designs for the Loungewear/Intimates market. To evoke a sense of calm and tranquility, I opted for a palette of painterly pastels—colors that exude serenity and peacefulness. Each design was meticulously hand-drawn using gouache, allowing me to capture the delicate texture and subtle nuances that this medium provides.
Robar Baby: Fabric Prints
This project involved creating a series of coordinating prints for the Baby clothing market, primarily for onesie garments. As part of a 'neutral' line, these designs aimed to appeal equally to both boys and girls. To achieve this, I developed a pastel color palette and incorporated friendly, cutesy animals—elements that evoke fun and adventure while maintaining an endearing baby tone.
Coolwear: Licensed Screenprints & Presentation Board
For this Puffy AmiYumi Anime license, I crafted screenprints that embodied a wild and dynamic energy, capturing the sense of motion characteristic of anime. By employing a vibrant color palette and featuring bold characters in exaggerated poses, I aimed to evoke an exuberance that aligns perfectly with the style. The presentation board's background was designed to amplify this avant-garde feel, further immersing viewers in the world of anime.
Friends of the Heart: Loungewear/Intimates Presentation Board
I was commissioned to develop a Junior Intimates clothing collection, working independently to craft the styles, silhouettes, colorways, fabrics, screenprints, embroideries, and trim details. The target demographic for this collection was young women in their teens to early twenties. In line with the Junior market's preferences for youthful and trendy designs, I styled each element to reflect a vibrant and contemporary aesthetic.
Z Co. Denim: Hangtags
These hangtags were developed as part of an assignment for a Junior denim line. I designed three distinct versions, each capturing the soft, floral essence of the collection. Additionally, coordinating labels were created to support a quasi-rebranding effort for this sub-denim line—enhancing its visual identity and cohesion.
CWS School: Book Sale Flyer
For this ongoing book sale, we strategically created quarterly flyers to boost visibility and expand sales, which we successfully did—resulting in a 25% increase. Since our target audience was children aged 4-10 and their families, we designed the flyers using vivid colors, large fonts, and clear organization. This approach encouraged students and their families to participate in the sale by making it visually appealing and easy to navigate.
Village Homeschool Co-op: Promo Video
The purpose of this promotional video was to attract more students to our homeschool co-op by showcasing the diverse range of activities and events we offered. My goal was to create a clear, engaging, and fun video that effectively highlighted the balance between academic classes, hands-on projects, and socialization opportunities. Upon completion, the video received excellent feedback and generated numerous inquiries as well as visits during our open house events.
This successful campaign ultimately led to a significant increase in enrollment—about 30% more students joined us in the following semester.
This successful campaign ultimately led to a significant increase in enrollment—about 30% more students joined us in the following semester.
Scouting America: Camp Yawgoog Promo Video
The goal of this video was to promote Scouting America, focusing on their annual summer camp in Rhode Island. One of the most appealing aspects of scouting is the opportunity for young people to work together in peer groups and form lasting friendships. To highlight this, I selected footage featuring uniformed scouts marching together as a cohesive unit—capturing the camaraderie and teamwork that defines the scouting experience.
about
ADDITIONAL INFO
BACKGROUND
Art was the one school subject that genuinely resonated with me. Growing up, I devoted countless hours to drawing, coloring, crafting projects, and bringing ideas to life. Following some experimentation in college with different pursuits, I chose to refine my artistic talents in design school—a decision that launched an exciting adventure.
HOBBIES
I enjoy exploring a variety of creative pursuits, including: tending to an herb garden and concocting herbal remedies, crafting gemstone jewelry, delving into the world of ancient history, experimenting with paper crafts, and painting outdoor scenes.
DESIGN PROCESS
I begin by engaging my clients with a comprehensive series of questions to understand their needs. Next, I conduct thorough research, gather relevant data, develop a tailored plan, and collect essential elements such as photos and content. From there, I create multiple design options for review. Depending on the client's goals, I may also provide strategic recommendations or additional guidance. Throughout the process, I actively solicit feedback and make adjustments as needed until we achieve the perfect outcome that meets my client's vision.
ABOUT
CONTACT
GET IN TOUCH
Reach out with any inquiries or project opportunities. Let's collaborate and bring your creative ideas to life!
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