Experience

 
 

Owner + Creative Director

HEATHER BERARDI DESIGN LLC
Jun 2025 – Present

Heather Berardi Design is a full-service graphic design studio focused on creating purposeful, creative solutions—from print and website design to strategic branding. We collaborate closely with our clients to understand their goals and craft tailored designs that help their brand stand out.


Senior Art Director

LOUIS + PARTNERS DESIGN
Feb 2008 – Present

Successfully manage and coordinate design projects from concept through completion. Work closely with a variety of clients, including InVue Security, Iverify, FirstEnergy, Akron Children’s Hospital, Berlin Gardens and TruMotion Therapy to develop and implement a wide range of initiatives including:  brand marks, corporate literature, website design, environmental graphics, product launches and sales kits.

  • Oversee the development, implementation and production of client communications, initiatives, and overall visual brand language

  • Developed safety initiative for FirstEnergy nuclear facilities that was eventually rolled out to all FirstEnergy utilities across the US

  • Established visual brand language for InVue Security, a global leader in retail security, and continue to oversee all visual communications

  • Manage and work with contracted team members (writers, developers, photographers, videographers and talent); oversee and mentor interns

  • Coordinate and direct photo and video shoots; book talent when needed; develop style guidelines for talent and photography crew


 

Communications Director

AIGA CLEVELAND
Sept 2010 – Dec 2012

  • Oversee the development and implementation of AIGA Cleveland communications, strategies, and creative direction to support programming initiatives and members

  • Work to present a clear, unified voice consistent with AIGA ethics and communications guidelines

  • Act as an AIGA ambassador, setting an example for other design professionals, and encouraging young designers and design students by providing advice and encouraging their pursuits


Art Director / Graphic Design Specialist I & II

OHIO SAVINGS BANK
Mar 2006 – Feb 2008  (Art Director)
Jan 2001 – Mar 2006  (Graphic Design Specialist)

  • Responsible for print and interactive design for a national
    financial institution

  • Develop design concepts and oversee all aspects of design and production process

  • Handle multiple projects at one time while meeting deadlines

  • Attend press checks and coordinate projects with outside vendors

  • Direct photo shoots, working with talent as needed


Graphic Designer

JO-ANN STORES, INC.
Aug 2000 – Jan 2001

Created advertising materials and promotional graphics for a national retail chain including weekly newspaper inserts, direct mail, in-store advertisements, and store signage.


Education

 

Bachelor of Fine Arts, Graphic Design

YOUNGSTOWN STATE UNIVERSITY

  • Minor in Studio Art

  • Graduated Summa Cum Laude

  • Member of University Scholar Program

  • Elected to Phi Beta Kappa

Technical Skills

 

Adobe Creative Suite

InDesign +++++
Illustrator +++++
Photoshop +++++
Acrobat +++++
Bridge ++++
XD +++

Microsoft Office

Word +++++
PowerPoint +++++
Excel +++

 

iWork

Pages ++++
Keynote ++++
Numbers ++++

Wordpress

Wordpress +++

 Awards & Exhibitions

 

Professional

  • W3 Web Design Award

  • Cleveland Advertising Association
    (Bronze Addy)

  • GD USA InHouse Design Awards

  • Cleveland Advertising Association
    (Addy Citation Award)

  • International Midas Awards

  • Alumni Exhibition
    McDonough Museum

 

Student

  • Senior Art Show
    McDonough Museum

  • Annual Juried Student Art Show
    McDonough Museum

  • Hermann Zapf Award in Typography

  • Student Art Association Award in
    Graphic Design

  • Award in Graphic Design
    Graphic Enterprises

  • Electronic Frontiers Exhibition
    McDonough Museum

  • University Scholars Scholarship