maria iakimenko

MAY 2023 – PRESENT
TORONTO
Co-Owner, Creative Director, Head Project Manager, Forge Ave
+ Manage project budgets, timelines, and resources, ensuring high-quality deliverables, onboarding clients, as well as scouting talent.
+ Drive website traffic through strategic SEO-optimised content creation while manage multiple projects, ensuring timely delivery and client satisfaction.
+ Created all digital and print assets (logos, websites, flyers, banners, tablecloths ect)
+ Finding and creating practical solutions for clients’ needs and budgets.

MAY 2022 – JUL 2022
REMOTE
Design Consultant for Start up ID#88-2237288
+ Developed tailored design solutions meeting client needs and budget through visual concepts using both manual techniques and digital tools.
+ Formulated strategic design proposals, securing client approval.

SEP 2021 – MAY 2022
TORONTO
GradEX 107 Advertising Event Designer, OCAD U
+ Rearranged space to suit the needs of all participants exhibiting projects.
+ Created digital content and motion graphics for Instagram and the in-person event to market the Advertising Exhibition.
+ Managed social media team and created a timeline to release content consistently.
+ Maintained energy and enthusiasm in a fast-paced environment, successfully working within tight deadlines.
+ Developed and maintained courteous and effective working relationships.

OCT 2021
REMOTE
Speed Mentoring Event Consultant, OCAD U
+ Consulted with manager to enhance event success and contributed to video for OCAD newsletter, increasing event awareness and participation.

FEB 2020 – MAR 2020
REMOTE
Freelance Web Designer, Humber College
+ Collaborated with a partner and project manager to develop an in-depth digital wireframe for the Flora Metz Humber College programming team within a month.
+ Crafted digital image files for use in wireframe as well as utilizing Adobe Photoshop, Illustrator, and Adobe XD to create images and layouts.

NOV 2019
TORONTO
Freelance Photographer, HSBC Foreign Professional Mentorship Association
+ Photographed professional, high-quality headshots for 70+ participants at the event to use on LinkedIn, and digitally edited photos to enhance appearance.
+ Planned and prepared for on-site location shoot with proper lighting equipment.
+ Engaged with all participants to make sure they were satisfied with the results.

SEP 2016 – DEC 2016
RICHMOND HILL
Graphic Designer, Knowledge Makes Cents
+ Boosted customer interaction via social media, enhancing brand visibility and engagement by creating diverse marketing content, including promotional materials and digital ads.
+ Captured photos and videos for promotional content.
+ Coordinated a survey to gather data, spread financial education awareness, and highlight company values.

MAY 2023 – PRESENT
TORONTO
Co-Owner, Creative Director, Head Project Manager, Forge Ave
+ Manage project budgets, timelines, and resources, ensuring high-quality deliverables, onboarding clients, as well as scouting talent.
+ Drive website traffic through strategic SEO-optimised content creation while manage multiple projects, ensuring timely delivery and client satisfaction.
+ Created all digital and print assets (logos, websites, flyers, banners, tablecloths ect)
+ Finding and creating practical solutions for clients’ needs and budgets.

MAY 2022 – JUL 2022
REMOTE
Design Consultant for Start up ID#88-2237288
+ Developed tailored design solutions meeting client needs and budget through visual concepts using both manual techniques and digital tools.
+ Formulated strategic design proposals, securing client approval.

SEP 2021 – MAY 2022
TORONTO
GradEX 107 Advertising Event Designer, OCAD U
+ Rearranged space to suit the needs of all participants exhibiting projects.
+ Created digital content and motion graphics for Instagram and the in-person event to market the Advertising Exhibition.
+ Managed social media team and created a timeline to release content consistently.
+ Maintained energy and enthusiasm in a fast-paced environment, successfully working within tight deadlines.
+ Developed and maintained courteous and effective working relationships.

OCT 2021
REMOTE
Speed Mentoring Event Consultant, OCAD U
+ Consulted with manager to enhance event success and contributed to video for OCAD newsletter, increasing event awareness and participation.

FEB 2020 – MAR 2020
REMOTE
Freelance Web Designer, Humber College
+ Collaborated with a partner and project manager to develop an in-depth digital wireframe for the Flora Metz Humber College programming team within a month.
+ Crafted digital image files for use in wireframe as well as utilizing Adobe Photoshop, Illustrator and Adobe XD to create images and layouts.

NOV 2019
TORONTO
Freelance Photographer, HSBC Foreign Professional Mentorship Association
+ Photographed professional, high-quality headshots for 70+ participants at the event to use on LinkedIn, and digitally edited photos to enhance appearance.
+ Planned and prepared for on-sight location shoot with proper lighting equipment.
+ Engaged with all participants to make sure they were satisfied with results.

SEP 2016 – DEC 2016
RICHMOND HILL
Graphic Designer, Knowledge Makes Cents
+ Boosted customer interaction via social media, enhancing brand visibility and engagement by creating diverse marketing content, including promotional materials and digital ads.
+ Captured photos and videos for promotional content.
+ Coordinated a survey to gather data, spread financial education awareness, and highlight company values.