Hello.
i'm Karen Paschkes

NJ/NYC BASED

GRAPHIC DESIGNER, DIGITAL ARTIST, & ILLUSTRATOR

PORTFOLIO

VARIOUS PROJECTS

Bold, flashy red and pink, Moulin Rouge-style poster for an evening dinner/bar event.

CWS School Gala: Poster

This poster was part of a larger project for a Moulin Rouge-themed fundraising gala. Using bold, dramatic colors and whimsical swirls, my goal was to evoke the exuberance and decadence of 19th-century Parisian nightlife during the Belle Époque.

Multi-page educational Halloween booklet with a spooky cover page, and activity pages, designed in traditional Halloween colors: orange, black, green, purple.

English Coach Nicole: Halloween Booklet

The challenge was to create an educational booklet centered on learning advanced English Halloween adjectives. To meet this goal, I developed an engaging 8-page booklet (4 are shown) that included a variety of interactive activities such as sentence fill-ins, word matching exercises, story creation prompts, and word categorization tasks. This comprehensive resource was designed to cater to different learning styles and preferences while providing a fun and immersive way to learn complex vocabulary.

Additionally, the booklet featured a detailed 2-page answer key at the end to support students in assessing their progress and understanding of the material.

Modern, organized website in red, green, and white, with a photo of Mexican tacos in the hero section.

La Conasupo: Website

The objective of this project was to rebrand the company with a modern, organized, and high-end image. To maintain its connection to Mexico through food and imported items, we drew inspiration from the Mexican flag for our color palette. Simple sans-serif fonts and generous white space were used to create a clean and organized aesthetic. In the hero section, we featured a photograph of one of their signature dishes to showcase the quality of their cuisine and highlight the chef's culinary expertise.

Simple, yet elegant rose gold and white branding for a fine jewelry company.

Elements Jewelry Co: Branding

Our branding strategy was designed to convey a sense of superior quality and fine craftsmanship, while also incorporating spiritual elements that resonate deeply with our audience.

To achieve this nuanced blend, we chose rose gold and white as our core colors—hues that not only evoke simplicity but also imbue the brand with refined elegance. The use of rose gold adds a touch of luxury and sophistication, while white provides clarity and purity—elements that together create a visual identity that is both timeless and spiritually uplifting.

Classic, French wine label in black and white.

Chateau de Jean Pasques: Wine Label

A small, local vineyard approached us to rebrand their logo and label in an effort to boost sales. We opted for a classic French-inspired design, incorporating elements such as a castle and lush vines. This aesthetic not only reflected the rich heritage of traditional winemaking but also evoked feelings of luxury and sophistication.

Following the rebranding, the vineyard experienced a notable increase in sales—approximately 20%—highlighting the effectiveness of our design strategy.

Summit JCC Women's Group: Save the Date

Our task was to create an attractive flyer for the event that would capture attention and resonate with women across various age groups. To achieve this, I turned to nature as my muse—focusing on winter's elements and color story as the foundation for our design concept. By incorporating these natural themes into our visual approach, we aimed to create an inviting atmosphere that would encourage attendees.

Ultimately, our efforts paid off: participation rose substantially compared to the previous year.

Red Cross: Promo Card

Our team was tasked with creating print media that highlighted the trauma people face in the aftermath of natural and man-made disasters. To develop a cohesive campaign, we used photographs taken during actual disasters while adhering to Red Cross style guidelines. This approach allowed us to construct a powerful visual narrative that effectively conveyed the emotional impact of such events.

Kale & Ivy Craft Business: Branding

I founded and managed this small business, tailoring it to appeal to women between their 20s and 50s. The brand features a soft, feminine aesthetic that caters equally well to personal purchases and gifts. Drawing inspiration from nature—specifically lilac bushes—I developed a color palette that evokes warmth and elegance. To complement this natural theme, I selected a clean, modern font with an old-fashioned simplicity that conveys serenity.

Pastel lavender and green flowers on a yellow background.

Loungewear Market: Embroidery and Trim

This project focused on creating soft, gentle embroidery designs for the Loungewear/Intimates market. To evoke a sense of calm and tranquility, I opted for a palette of painterly pastels—colors that exude serenity and peacefulness. Each design was meticulously hand-drawn using gouache, allowing me to capture the delicate texture and subtle nuances that this medium provides.

Robar Baby: Fabric Prints

This project involved creating a series of coordinating prints for the Baby clothing market, primarily for onesie garments. As part of a 'neutral' line, these designs aimed to appeal equally to both boys and girls. To achieve this, I developed a pastel color palette and incorporated friendly, cutesy animals—elements that evoke fun and adventure while maintaining an endearing baby tone.

Coolwear: Licensed Screenprints & Presentation Board

For this Puffy AmiYumi Anime license, I crafted screenprints that embodied a wild and dynamic energy, capturing the sense of motion characteristic of anime. By employing a vibrant color palette and featuring bold characters in exaggerated poses, I aimed to evoke an exuberance that aligns perfectly with the style. The presentation board's background was designed to amplify this avant-garde feel, further immersing viewers in the world of anime.

Friends of the Heart: Loungewear/Intimates Presentation Board

I was commissioned to develop a Junior Intimates clothing collection, working independently to craft the styles, silhouettes, colorways, fabrics, screenprints, embroideries, and trim details. The target demographic for this collection was young women in their teens to early twenties. In line with the Junior market's preferences for youthful and trendy designs, I styled each element to reflect a vibrant and contemporary aesthetic.

about

ADDITIONAL INFO

BACKGROUND

Art was the one school subject that genuinely resonated with me. Growing up, I devoted countless hours to drawing, coloring, crafting projects, and bringing ideas to life. Following some experimentation in college with different pursuits, I chose to refine my artistic talents in design school—a decision that launched an exciting adventure.

HOBBIES

I enjoy exploring a variety of creative pursuits, including: tending to an herb garden and concocting herbal remedies, crafting gemstone jewelry, delving into the world of ancient history, experimenting with paper crafts, and painting outdoor scenes.

DESIGN PROCESS

I begin by engaging my clients with a comprehensive series of questions to understand their needs. Next, I conduct thorough research, gather relevant data, develop a tailored plan, and collect essential elements such as photos and content. From there, I create multiple design options for review. Depending on the client's goals, I may also provide strategic recommendations or additional guidance. Throughout the process, I actively solicit feedback and make adjustments as needed until we achieve the perfect outcome that meets my client's vision.

ABOUT

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Reach out with any inquiries or project opportunities. Let's collaborate and bring your creative ideas to life!

Hello. i'm Karen Paschkes