Hi, I’m Christie Wade.
I am a multidisciplinary Visual Communications Designer with over 12 years of experience transforming complex information into clear, compelling, and engaging visual communications.
Throughout my career, I’ve partnered with cross-functional teams, subject matter experts, marketers, small businesses, technical writers, proposal teams, and executive leadership to develop strategic design solutions that inform, persuade, educate, and inspire action.
My experience spans government proposal design, marketing design, branding, executive presentation design, digital and print design, website design and content management, technical communication, information design, video production, photography and photo editing, copywriting, content strategy, and visual storytelling.
I solve communication challenges through thoughtful design. Whether creating proposal graphics that simplify technical concepts, designing marketing campaigns that strengthen brand presence, producing executive presentations, developing digital content, or creating engaging visual assets, I focus on making information more accessible, impactful, and audience-centered.
I am qualified in multiple disciplines of visual communication, including a Bachelor of Science in Art Education, an Associate of Applied Science in Advertising and Graphic Design, and a Web Design Certificate.
I currently live in lower Alabama with my husband Jacob, my son Jack, my daughter Elara, and our two dogs, Nelson and Sam. I enjoy trips to the Gulf Coast of the Florida Panhandle and to the mountains as often as time allows. I love live music, drawing, painting, photography, and moving my body, whether its through yoga, Pilates, or a simple walk around the neighborhood.
You can read through my experience and credentials below, or download my resume.
Relevant Experience
Independent Graphic Designer & Creative Director
Chroma Creative Studio, LLC
Evergreen, AL
August 2014 – Present
Multi-disciplinary designer providing branding, marketing, presentation, web, and creative design services for businesses, political campaigns, and independent projects.
Work includes brand identity design, marketing materials, presentation design, website design, copywriting, illustration, pattern design, and visual storytelling across print and digital platforms.
Also developed and launched Destination Life & Home, a self-directed e-commerce brand including original pattern design, Shopify website development, branding, and copywriting.
Proposal Graphic Designer/Artist
IEM, Inc.
Remote, based out of Raleigh, NC
November 2020 – August 2026
Graphic designer: contributing to proposals and presentations within the emergency management sector, working closely with cross-functional teams, including subject matter experts, technical writers, and former White House officials; developing high-impact materials for federal, state, and local government proposals. These projects span hazard mitigation, Community Development Block Grants (CDBG), natural disaster recovery, homeland security, and more.
Responsibilities include designing proposal covers, infographics, process graphics, org charts, tables, timelines, GANTT charts, photo editing, executive presentations, producing print-ready files, and more all in alignment with branding and compliance standards to help teams deliver polished and competitive submissions.
Graphic Designer III
Tidewater Management Group
Raleigh, NC
January 2017 – June 2020
As a graphic and web designer on the digital marketing team at Tidewater Management Group, a Raleigh-based insurance field marketing organization, I contributed to a wide range of creative projects supporting both the company and its network of independent insurance agents.
Responsibilities included designing web pages for two WordPress sites, writing content including blog posts, developing seminar and webinar presentations, and producing video content—from filming to editing. I also created email campaigns, social media graphics, logos, custom illustrations, and a variety of other print materials.
Notable print projects included billboards, brochures, pharmacy rack cards, presentation booklets, flyers, large-format trade show banners, event invitations, and greeting and holiday cards. This role allowed me to blend design, marketing strategy, and brand consistency across digital and print platforms in a fast-paced, collaborative environment.
Illustrator Intern
Heart of All Women/Northwell Health
Remote, based out of New York, NY
January – April 2017
BYoutiFeel was a program created to empower women to have body positivity using social media platforms. It is a collaboration of San Francisco startup the Heart of All Women and New York-based health system Northwell Health.
The internship focused on illustration for social media content, logo design, and branding.
Visual Arts Teacher
Franklin County Schools
Louisburg, NC
August 2013 – June 2014
I taught visual arts to 6th, 7th, and 8th grade students, including leading the 8th-grade yearbook program. My curriculum featured a range of two- and three-dimensional projects aligned with the North Carolina Essential Standards for Visual Arts. Teaching in a low-income school with limited funding, I successfully wrote and was awarded a grant to secure much-needed art supplies, helping to enrich the creative opportunities available to my students.
In addition to instruction, I developed strong classroom management strategies to support a positive, structured learning environment that encouraged artistic expression, skill development, and student confidence. I was passionate about creating an inclusive space where all students could explore, take risks, and grow through art.
Art Enrichment Class Teacher, Drawing & Painting
Montgomery County Public Schools
Blacksburg, VA
February 2012 – March 2013
I taught six-week enrichment courses for K–5 students, combining hands-on art instruction with art history. Each week, I introduced a new artistic technique paired with background on the cultural or historical context of the project, helping students build both creative skills and a deeper appreciation for the arts.
Instructional Aide
Montgomery County Public Schools
Blacksburg, VA
October 2011 – June 2013
In this before-and-after school and summer program, I supervised an average of 40 children ranging from pre-K through 5th grade. I facilitated activities in the computer lab and on the playground, and provided support with homework and reading. I also developed creative lesson plans for art projects and games.
One highlight of my role was designing and building sets for the annual Christmas play. I worked closely with the students on set construction and directed a team of older students to collaboratively paint and bring the sets to life, fostering teamwork, leadership, and creative engagement.
Education
Radford University
Radford, VA
August 2007 – May 2011
Bachelor of Science in Art Education
4.0 in-major GPA, 3.9 overall GPA
Wake Technical Community College
Raleigh, NC
August 2014 – May 2017
Associate of Applied Science in Advertising & Graphic Design
Web Designer Certificate
4.0 overall GPA
Recognition
Pensacola Museum of Art
Pensacola, FL
Fall 2026
Original drawing will be on display for the Annual Member’s Show September 18, 2026 – January 3, 2027. Medium: colored pencil.
Pensacola Museum of Art
Pensacola, FL
Spring 2024
Original painting was on display for the Annual Member’s Show. Medium: watercolor, archival ink.
Pensacola Museum of Art
Pensacola, FL
Spring 2022
Original painting was on display for the Annual Member’s Show. Medium: oil paint.
Integrity Marketing Group
Dallas, TX
Fall 2019
Following Integrity Marketing Group’s acquisition of Tidewater Management Group, I was selected as one of three finalists in a company-wide innovation competition spanning its subsidiaries. To present my improvement proposal, I produced a promotional-style video featuring stock footage, motion graphics, and professional voice-over narration of my original script.
