01 What is DESIGNATURE? What does it mean?

DESIGNATURE is the graphic design portfolio of Katie Shabi. At my job and in my freelance work I create high-quality graphics for web and print. Sometimes my clients don't give me a lot to work with in terms of supplying either high-quality images or large amounts of text content. I don't mind working with you and creating original composite images or writing unique and crisp copy so your website, brochure, flier or whatever looks great. It will definitely look like you spent a lot of money on it, but I love bringing in new clients and won't break your budget. And nobody will be able to tell.

I received an Honors B.A. at Indiana University Bloomington in May 2011 and have devoted myself to full-time graphic design work ever since. I have now worked with a large number of clients, creating web and print work for everything from translation startups, medical magazines, touring companies, and even an independent film starring Brian Cox. I love branding and enjoy working with small businesses, finding it both challenging and rewarding to together design a public identity that is hip, fresh but above all professional, custom-made to propel an enterprise going forward.

02 Here's some of my recent Print Work.

03 A Full Creative Suite of Skills

I've been designing and familiarizing myself with Adobe design programs like Dreamweaver and Photoshop since I was 16, back when I was just getting started in graphic design. I don't use Dreamweaver as much now since I know how to free-hand code in HTML5 and CSS3 from scratch, but I use Photoshop on a daily basis at home and on the job. I've used Illustrator to design logos suitable for printing and have put together booklets and brochures with InDesign. Right now I'm starting to get into Flash development, hoping to add more movement and life to my web design. Besides Adobe Creative Suite, I also am familiar with open source design programs like Gimp and Paint.net, though I prefer to work with CS5.5 and above.

By day I work as a web developer, so I can hold my own in PHP, Javascript, and some JQuery. Print design is fun because you don't have to ask yourself, "How will this look on a smartphone?" But with web design you can incorporate movement into design. Talk about endless possibilities!

04 Contact me because I really want the job. Seriously.

I hope I've done a good job presenting myself, but what you see here is not all of what I can do. I'm constantly learning, picking up new skills, and honing my craft. I'm a stickler for details and can't wait until CSS3 becomes the web standard so all computers will see all of the newest little touches I've added as they become available. I'm always looking at print advertisements and editorials and wondering how I can incorporate some high-end design elements into even the simplest of brochures... maybe yours next? Contact me at katieshabi@gmail.com.