Lara Laraby
Pasadena
Summary
Multidisciplinary designer and educator with over three years of experience in digital media instruction and creative project development. Expertise in Adobe Creative Cloud and AI-driven design tools, focusing on program planning for educational and cultural initiatives. Successfully led collaborative teams and mentored students, including co-directing faculty and student showcases at Grossmont College’s Hyde Art Gallery. Dedicated to utilizing emerging technologies to enhance accessibility, storytelling, and audience engagement across digital and physical platforms.
Overview
4
4
years of professional experience
Work History
Graphic Design Instructor
Grossmont College
El Cajon
01.2023 - Current
- Developed and delivered curriculum in digital design, integrating Adobe Creative Cloud and emerging technologies to prepare students for industry roles.
- Led digital installations and art handling for gallery exhibitions, overseeing setup of posters, prints, and mixed media.
- Integrated generative design and AI-assisted tools (e.g., Adobe Firefly, neural filters) into student projects and class demonstrations.
- Collaborated with faculty and IT to align digital initiatives with institutional goals and gallery programming.
- Introduced UX design principles and prototyping tools (Figma, XD) into the classroom to simulate real-world digital workflows.
Freelance Designer & Shop Owner
Self-Employed
08.2021 - Current
- In 2021, I established my own freelance design business and launched an online shop to showcase and sell a wide range of original artwork and creative products, including art prints, posters, enamel pins, stickers, apparel, themed blankets, and oil paintings.
- I managed every stage of the business-from concept development and production to marketing, inventory, and customer fulfillment-demonstrating strong organizational and project management skills.
- I regularly engaged with customers and collaborators across digital platforms, writing clear and compelling content to describe products and processes, and resolving technical and logistical issues efficiently.
- This sharpened my communication skills and my ability to explain creative concepts in accessible ways.
- My role also required strategic thinking and continuous innovation.
- I conducted ongoing research into market trends, digital platforms, print technologies, and AI-enhanced design tools to streamline workflow and expand product offerings.
- Using e-commerce and social media analytics, I interpreted engagement data to refine product strategy and improve customer experience.
- This entrepreneurial experience has given me a solid foundation in creative business development, digital content strategy, and user-focused innovation-skills I carry into collaborative, educational, and cultural projects alike.
Freelance Artist & Book Cover Illustrator
Self-Employed
01.2021 - Current
- Designed book covers, promotional graphics, and visual content for authors and independent publishers using Photoshop, InDesign, and Illustrator.
- Explored AI applications for ideation, layout generation, and typographic experimentation using Runway ML and Firefly.
- Produced concept art and branding visuals aligned with narrative and marketing goals, including data-informed design choices for audience targeting.
Exhibition & Community Programs Coordinator
Grossmont College
01.2022 - 01.2025
- Led the development and delivery of student exhibitions and public art events that connected visual storytelling with themes of identity, place, and memory.
- Collaborated with faculty, visiting artists, and technical teams to design inclusive programs, manage timelines and resources, and promote community engagement.
- Contributed to the documentation, curation, and promotion of campus exhibitions, including digital and printed materials.
- Supported data collection and post-event evaluation efforts to improve future programming and outreach strategies.
- Experienced in art handling and student exhibition coordination through the Hyde Art Gallery at Grossmont College, including basic cataloging, layout planning, and preparation of artwork for public display in alignment with safety and presentation standards.
- Familiar with documentation procedures, digital content management, and collaborative workflows for public exhibitions.
Education
Bachelor's Degree - Graphic Design
San Diego State University
Associates Degree - Studio Arts
Grossmont College
Certification - Project Management Principles and Practice
Cuyamaca College
Associates degree - art history
Cuyamaca College
Skills
- Marketing and project management
- Budget planning and digital design
- Creative technology and design tools
- Adobe Creative Cloud and Canva
- AI tools and ethical AI awareness
- User experience design and design thinking
- Curriculum development and event planning
- Art handling and community engagement
- Collaboration and customer engagement
Exhibitions
- In Sight: Visual Arts & Humanities Department Faculty & Staff Exhibition, Hyde Gallery, Grossmont College
- The Last Group Show, Bread and Salt Gallery, San Diego
Fairs And Events
- K-PLAY Fest, 2021-2022
- Korean Rose Cup sleeve event: for Artists, 2022-2023
Affiliations
- Received 1st Place in the Digital Art category at the San Diego County Fair (two consecutive years), recognized among hundreds of entries.
- Conceptualized, produced, and submitted award-winning digital artworks, demonstrating technical proficiency and creative excellence.
- Achieved top honors in a juried competition, validating both design skill and strong presentation abilities.
Languages
English
Native/ Bilingual
Arabic
Native/ Bilingual
Timeline
Graphic Design Instructor
Grossmont College
01.2023 - Current
Exhibition & Community Programs Coordinator
Grossmont College
01.2022 - 01.2025
Freelance Designer & Shop Owner
Self-Employed
08.2021 - Current
Freelance Artist & Book Cover Illustrator
Self-Employed
01.2021 - Current
Bachelor's Degree - Graphic Design
San Diego State University
Associates Degree - Studio Arts
Grossmont College
Certification - Project Management Principles and Practice
Cuyamaca College
Associates degree - art history
Cuyamaca College
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