lesliermonkportfolio

Experience

UX/UI Designer - Freelance

Feb 2025 - Present | Seattle, WA

• Delivered comprehensive digital marketing solutions by designing and developing the Vastland website, serving dual purpose as capstone project and marketing material for book release

• Enhanced user experience by conducting UX research and usability testing, translating complex world-building elements and terminology into intuitive digital interfaces

• Streamlined project delivery by serving as project coordinator across multiple stakeholder needs, balancing academic requirements with real-world marketing objectives • Strengthened brand consistency by developing information architecture that seamlessly integrated existing branding, characters, and world-building elements into cohesive user flows

• Optimized product strategy by filing multiple roles (UX researcher/designer, product strategist, information architect, and usability testing lead), demonstrating adaptability and comprehensive design thinking

Director of Production Operations - Novel Coffee Roasters

Jul 2020 - Oct 2023 | Dallas, TX

• Bolstered brand positioning by researching and writing compelling brand narratives for coffee labels and website copy, demonstrating research, development, and trend analysis skills

• Improved visual brand identity by managing art direction for social media and website photography, creating cohesive brand storytelling across all platforms

• Streamlined production efficiency by coordinating weekly schedules across wholesale clients and e-commerce channels, ensuring deliveries

• Enhanced product quality consistency by contributing to weekly QC cuppings and identifying consistency issues, working alongside lead roaster to establish tasting notes

• Established operations systems by implementing industry-standard protocols through systemic process optimization and cross-functional collaboration

Art Assistant - Various Production Companies

May 2018 - Feb 2020 | Dallas, TX

• Supported Art Directors in set creation, utilizing research and development skills to source and

outfit sets with unique, curated finishings and materials

• Maintained production continuity by organizing and managing set materials, demonstrating strong organizational and process improvement capabilities

• Simplified productions by collaborating cross-functionally with lighting, sound, and photo departments, showcasing leadership and communication

General Manager - Emporium Pies

Mar 2013 - Jan 2018 | Dallas, TX

• Built sustainable operations by managing two storefronts and leading teams for 4+ years as part of the executive team, developing leadership systems that maintained consistent service quality

• Cultivated positive workplace culture by establishing day-to-day operational systems including scheduling, maintenance, and budget management

• Optimized business performance by balancing strategic planning with hands-on operational management, demonstrating adaptability and problem-solving skills

Assistant Design and Brand Strategist - Emporium Pies

Apr 2015 - Jan 2018 | Dallas, TX

• Enhanced marketing effectiveness by collaborating with marketing director to create unique materials for social media, website, and promotional needs

• Increased brand visibility by creating professional photo sets and providing art direction, demonstrating attention to detail and visual design expertise

• Strengthened brand identity by designing uniforms and curating a social media presence, showcasing creative problem-solving and brand development skills

Junior Designer - waldrop + nichols studio

Jan 2012 - Feb 2013 | Dallas, TX

• Assisted senior design teams by assembling professional client presentations that effectively communicated design concepts and project vision

• Facilitated smooth project execution by assisting with interior finish-outs on work sites, ensuring design specifications were implemented correctly

• Maintained project accuracy by creating detailed purchase orders and spec sheets, demonstrating attention to detail and technical documentation skills

• Organized and managed material and sample library systems, keeping resources accessible and current for design team efficiency