About - SLS Creative Design

Contact me today for a free 30-minute consultation.

GREAT DESIGN STARTS HERE. Let me help you create a professional image that will attract new customers and keep them coming back for more.

WHAT IS GREAT DESIGN?
Great design is about more than just aesthetics. Great design communicates your message to your target audience, builds credibility, and helps create a professional image. It forms your customers’ first impression of your business, making your brand recognizable to those important to your success.

ABOUT ME
During my 30 years of professional graphic design experience, I’ve focused on being the best I can be at what I do. I’ve had the opportunity to work with many different types of businesses and nonprofit organizations.

My favorite thing is to work with people who are passionate about what they do and to help them communicate that passion to their audience!

I'm very knowledgable in executing both the creative and technical sides of graphic design, working backwards from the end product to expertly deliver files set up as required for each production – saving my clients time and money.

I regularly update my education to stay on top of everything from the latest in printing technologies to the complex needs of food and beverage packaging compliance.

A strong believer in giving back to my community, I served for 12 years as an Executive Board member and Creative Director for a special education focused nonprofit organization. I also gave to my professional community through service on the national board of the Graphic Artists Guild.

A lover of landscape photography, kayaking, and line dancing, I live in Southeast Connecticut with my husband and one of our daughters.

Professional memberships:
• Graphic Artists Guild
• Southeast Connecticut Women's Network
• 41 North BNI Chapter

Experience

Owner, Creative Director / Project Manager at SLS Creative Design: 1998 – Present Novato, CA
Responsible for providing graphic design and marketing services for a wide range of clientele in both the corporate and nonprofit communities. Handled all sales and marketing internally as well as client and vendor relations, art direction and graphic design. Brokered printing and managed interns and employees as well as subcontractors. In addition to project management, graphic design, and photography, in 2012 I partnered with a local nonprofit organization, Autistry Studios, to offer vocational training for teen and adult students with autism through my studio.
Senior Production Manager at EcoTensil, Inc.: August 2017 Corte Madera, CA
In my role as Manager for EcoTensil’s Packaging Division, I am responsible for working with our corporate customers to produce innovative on-package solutions for them. I also manage our inventory control and manufacturing as well as compliance management for the US and Europe.

The EcoTensil team is passionate about designing practical, pleasing solutions to support growing demand for to-go convenience WHILE reducing the amount of costly waste burdening our landfills and oceans.

EcoTensil has reinvented the disposable spoon. In one fun fold, pleasingly smooth paperboard EcoTensil products transform into the most sustainable, highly space efficient, and brandable utensils available.
Graphic Designer at Cork Supply USA: February 2016 – July 2017 Benicia, CA
Responsible for production of all artwork to be printed on a variety of products for top of bottle and barrels for the wine and spirits industry. Provide artwork and graphic support for the Supply Chain and Customer Service Departments, as well as direct interaction with our customers. Expert user of proprietary laser software for both the Oak and Cork Printing departments and graphics support for both of these departments.
Senior Graphic Designer & Packaging Coordinator at Treasury Wine Estates: September 2014 – January 2016 Napa, CA
Built and managed the Creative Services team. Was responsible for the design and execution of a high-volume of projects, following guidelines and standards for multiple brands, while prioritizing within a fast paced environment. Focusing on print collateral, maintaining attention to detail, creating press ready-files for production and working with vendors to take products from concept to delivery. Managed press checks and created organizational structure for the execution of projects. Handled design and production for packaging and preparation of TTB files for submission.
Graphic Designer / Project Manager (Contract) at Autodesk: May 2013 – July 2014 San Rafael, CA
Responsible for the design and production of: Software Training Manual, Product Learning Paths for four Autodesk products (a centralized place online that links to various learning tools for customers), interactive tutorials for User Help, presentation graphics, infographics, in-canvas mockups, and blog headers. Oversaw a project for iconography design and implementation using new and updated metaphors and management of outside contractors providing production services for Autodesk InfraWorks software. Collaborated closely with technical writers and developers to successfully redesign the User Help and software experience for Autodesk infrastructure customers.
Executive Board Member / Creative Director at Dedication to Special Education: 2003 – 2015 San Rafael, CA
Responsible for creation and production of all marketing and collateral materials in use for outreach and fundraising for this nonprofit organization that has raised over $2.5 million for special education programs in Marin County as well as operating overhead for the Technology Resource Center of Marin.

SLS Creative Design

Suzi Lee Schell, Graphic Designer

SLS Creative Design

Experience

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