Michelle Irwin
Create. Excite. Repeat.
Projects
The Division of Vocational Rehabilitation Services transitioned to a new name, with refreshed branding. My goal for this annual report was to establish a new layout that incorporated the new branding elements, components and visuals. I collaborated with team members, gathered data, infographics and narratives about client and staff success to tell the story of EIPD.
After I received information from my supervisor, I began by researching and creating thumbnails in order to create a new layout. From there I began creating the layout, adding sections for photographs, data and success stories. As I began working, I needed to find a way to add the sections for the stories that would interest others in reading without having too much content. Then it was possible for the others on the team to provide and add stories to the sections that I made available for them along with the graphics in that section. Some of the areas for the stories were smaller than the stories, so the stories were shortened. Then I shaped and placed the photographs inside of the circle graphics. Throughout the project I focused on clear hierarchy, consistency, and readability while aligning with the state government branding standards.
Case Study, Annual Report
Flipbook, click the arrow: Entire annual report pages
Project: Social Media Outreach
While transitioning to a new name, this agency also launched for the first time on social media. I developed eye-catching, 508 accessible social media graphics and templates to promote agency messaging across multiple digital platforms.
Success Story
I am pleased to offer this testimonial in support of Michelle Irwin, an early career graphic design professional currently seeking new professional opportunities. Michelle completed a graphic design internship with me, after which she was hired to support the needs of a human services agency transitioning to a new name and graphic identity.
From the outset, Michelle showed her work ethic and flexibility, approaching with purpose. She proactively researched and developed multiple concepts of universal design for accessibility; she asked thoughtful questions and showed no hesitancy in stretching beyond her comfort zone to develop new skills.
Michelle consistently strived to produce work that was clean, modern, and visually compelling, and it elevated the overall presentation of our reports. Michelle was a pleasure to work with, combining talent, professionalism, and a strong desire to grow. Any organization would benefit from her skills, work ethic, and team-oriented approach.
—Jeanna Cullinan
Communications/Special Projects
Disability Employment and Community Access
NC Department of Health and Human Services
Designed an informational-dense brochure to help users quickly locate the nearest EIPD office location by using color-coded maps and counties, hierarchy and spacing to support easy scanning, and plain language. Subtle shadows were intentionally applied to the maps to separate them from surrounding text and reinforce visual hierarchy, improving clarity and usability.
Project: Deaf Jobseeker Services Brochure
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On a very short timeline, I collaborated with the subject matter expert charged with developing a new program service for people with intellectual and developmental disabilities. Incorporating feedback from SME and my supervisor, I created a logo to promote the Bridge to Success. Once approved, I applied a clear, consistent visual style across a variety of digital print materials that inform the target audience and highlight the call to action/next steps for readers.
Project: Bridge to Success
To support transition to a new name, I developed a template for EIPD field office signage that could be adapted for a wide variety of locations, environments, and local regulations. This template was applied to or adapted for installation in more than 60 locations.
Project: Signage
Project: Posters
Designed posters for use in cars to share information with the public. The focus was on clear messaging, strong visual organization, and readability so the posters were easy to notice and understand immediately. The project emphasized clean layouts and consistency while working within space and visibility.
Project: Brand Guide
Created a guide to help other users easily navigate and understand important information. The focus was on clear organization, readability, and consistency so content was easy to scan and follow. The project shows clean layouts and a structured approach to presenting information in a clear, usable way.
Flipbook, click the arrow: Entire guidelines pages
Projects:
Produced several extra pieces, t-shirts, notebooks, certificates and postcards.
Created illustrated designs for a music museum, including a t-shirt graphic and several children’s worksheets. The work focused on clear visuals, playful illustration, and an appropriate age layout to support learning and engagement.
Projects: North Carolina Music Hall of Fame
MICHELLE IRWIN Graphic Designer
Concord, NC
irwinmichelle2026@gmail.com
http://www.michelleirwin.space
PROFESSIONAL SUMMARY
Graphic designer with 2 years and 8 months of experience creating logos, social media templates and clean layouts that engage the audience. Dedicated to combining creativity, clarity and strong visual storytelling in each project.
SKILLS
• Layout & Composition • 508 Accessibility • Word, Excel, Outlook,
• Adobe Acrobat • Visual Hierarchy PowerPoint
• Adobe Express • Consistency • Collaboration
• Adobe Illustrator • Print and Digital Design • Creative Thinking
• Adobe InDesign • Branding and Identity • Problem Solving
EXPERIENCE
Graphic Designer, NC DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH AND HUMAN SERVICES, Employment and Independence for People with Disabilities March 2024-January 2026
• Created visual concepts using design software to communicate ideas for print and digital media
• Applied consistent visual elements to reinforce and distinguish brand identity
• Redesigned annual report that effectively communicated key messages in a clear, organized and
visually engaging composition
• On a short timeline and in collaboration with program lead, developed identity for a newly
launched program and designed digital and print materials to promote participation in the
program
• Applied principles of universal design to create digital and print materials that are accessible to
people with a variety of cognitive and visual disabilities
Graphic Design Intern, NC DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH AND HUMAN SERVICES, Employment and Independence for People with Disabilities August 2023-February 2024
• Collaborated with supervisor to create and communicate information to the public
• Designed and created visual concepts for uniforms and branded merchandise, ensuring clear and
cohesive designs across materials
Graphic Design Intern, North Carolina Music Hall of Fame January 2023-May 2023
• Created graphics and educational materials for children’s learning
• Designed visually engaging graphics for merchandise sold to public
EDUCATION & CERTIFICATES
• Rowan Cabarrus Community College, Concord, NC
Advertising and Graphic Design Associate Degree in Applied Science
• Ball State University, Muncie, IN, Bachelor of Science degree in Elementary Education
• Purdue University, West Lafayette, IN, Associate degree in Reading Recovery
• Certificates in AI, Literacy Groups
Michelle Irwin
irwinmichelle2026@gmail.com
Contact me by using the above email address or click on Contact Me.
