GAWON LEE
VISUAL DESIGNER
Fairfax, Virginia
PROFESSIONAL SUMMARY
Visual designer expanding into UX to create user-centered, accessible web experiences. Skilled in building cohesive digital and print communications—from websites and intranet platforms to marketing assets, packaging, and visual systems that ensure brand consistency.
With a cross-industry background spanning beauty retail to international development, I bring a flexible, collaborative mindset and a deep interest in how design connects people, information, and purpose.
EDUCATION
Master of Arts in Graphic Design (2021)
George Mason University, Fairfax, VA
Focused on human-centered design with a specialization in UX. The curriculum included coursework in communications, branding, typography, and photography.
Bachelor of Fine Arts in General Fine Arts (2017)
Maryland Institute College of Art, Baltimore, MD
Initially accepted into the painting program before transitioning to general fine arts to explore installation art. Studied graphic design alongside fine arts.
CERTIFICATIONS
Google UX Design Professional Certificate (2024)
Coursera, Online
Human-Computer Interaction for UX Design (2024)
MIT Computer Science and Artificial Intelligence Laboratory (CSAIL), Online
Work Experience
Visual Designer
May 2022 – April 2025
DAI Global
Bethesda, MD
Freelance Designer
Aug 2022 – Jan 2025
United States Agency for International Development
Remotely Contracted (via DAI)
Art Instructor
Feb 2019 to May 2024
McLean Language Academy
McLean, VA
Brand Designer
Nov 2019 – May 2022
Kokie Cosmetics INC.
Beltsville, MD
Freelance Designer
2019
Columbia College
Vienna, VA
Junior Designer
2018
Absolute New York
Port Washington, NY
Seasonal Designer
2017
Kiss Products, INC.
Port Washington, NY
Produced campaign collateral and corporate reports for global initiatives, including annual reports, slides, and social media materials. Developed rebranding assets and style guides. Designed visual identities, custom logos, vector drawings, scenario-based illustrations with icons, and motion graphics based on original artwork. Planned and produced visual materials such as diagrams, charts, photos, certificates, and signage for print, multimedia, and exhibits. Contributed to visual and UI/UX design for dashboards and departmental web interfaces by collaborating with developers across time zones to deliver clear design files. Applied strategic thinking and research to align digital and print design solutions with project goals, ensuring consistent and professional communication across all media.
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VAT Handbook (Jan 2025): Designed a 24-page handbook explaining the newly introduced tax system in Liberia. Created 48 original illustrations and all graphic assets from scratch to ensure clarity and accessibility.
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World Map Project (June 2023): Produced a global map with detailed zoom-ins of required cities, each further divided into segments. Designed expanded map versions in line with USAID brand standards, incorporating required markers and map-specific visual elements. Created all accompanying infographics, charts, and original illustrated scenes to communicate data and geographic context clearly.
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International Conference Visual Identity (Dec 2022): Directed the complete visual design for a USAID-hosted international conference, covering signage and digital displays. Developed the theme by creating motifs, patterns, illustrations, and photo composites. Designed icons and a new logo for a partner organization without established branding.
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Motion Graphics (Aug 2022): A one-minute motion piece explaining market systems, featuring simple animation presented in an engaging and accessible way.
As a Youth Art Instructor at McLean Language Academy, affiliated with McLean Korean Presbyterian Church in McLean, VA, I taught weekend art classes designed to give children and teens an art experience they could not find in school. Each session emphasized curiosity and experimentation—for example, creating pigments from plants and using them to paint pop art–style portraits.
Beyond teaching, I also filmed and edited classroom videos for newsletters and ceremonies, and designed graphics to support parent communications and school events. After five years of teaching, I stepped down from the role but continue to support the academy in a staff position.
Managed comprehensive brand identity and visual systems, including creating and maintaining style guides and producing catalogs to ensure consistent branding across all channels. Led packaging design and in-store display concepts, collaborating closely with product managers, retail clients, and content strategists.
Oversaw the full production lifecycle—from lab samples to factory and print vendors—serving as the primary liaison for manufacturers, vendors, and printing houses. Developed deep expertise in print production, with a strong sensitivity to ink, paper, and color fidelity, ensuring high-quality deliverables that aligned with brand standards.
Created visual and promotional materials for the ESL Department, including newsletters, flyers, brochures, and supplemental learning resources. Produced graphics and short videos for the website and online courses using Adobe InDesign, Illustrator, Photoshop, and Premiere Pro. Edited educational videos in Camtasia and filmed events to create promotional media. Designed custom materials requested by ESL instructors to support classroom teaching and language learning.
Contributed to the design of packaging, printed promotions, and marketing materials for the cosmetics brand. Assisted with product catalogs and sales brochures, and provided layout support for digital content. Gained experience working across teams in a high-volume design pipeline, balancing consistency with creative detail.
Joined the visual merchandising team to support campaigns; produced retail displays and contributed to print and packaging updates under tight timelines. Gained experience in how branding decisions translate across product presentation, retail environments, and digital marketing.