Hi! I’m Teruko. I live with my husband and three cats (Lady Rainacorn, Doctor Cucumber and Captain Zissou) and two dogs (Pancake and Maple Syrup) in the Heartland.
With over a decade of experience in the nonprofit and tech sectors, I’ve worked extensively across both print and digital media. As a designer, I thrive on versatility, tackling each project with fresh perspective and a knack for crafting really good work. See for yourself.
I love drawing
I may not be a master artist, but it’s something that brings me a lot of joy. One of my favorite projects was creating custom illustrations for a blanket that world-famous drag queen Juno Birch featured on her Instagram.
I love trying new crafts
Recently, I put together a local meetup for friends who wanted a space to get creative and make tangible things. We needed a time to create, experiment, and hang out without the pressure of deadlines and reviews.
I love food
Hard stop. Not to brag, but I’m that person. I have the restaurant lists and I’m always ready to try something new. When I travel, finding the best spots to eat is my top priority!
Innovation
I’m not afraid to take risks, which means I always bring fresh ideas to the table.
Enthusiasm
I thrive on ambiguity and complexity—they make the work exciting.
Passionate
I use design to drive meaningful change, partnering with companies that make a difference.
Communication
I know how to tell a story, whether through written, verbal, or visual communication.
Collaborative
I love working with driven people who hustle hard but also appreciate a good meal.
Adaptable & Flexible
I stick to deadlines with a structured approach but can pivot when things don’t go as planned.
Experience
Senior Graphic Designer
Buildertrend
- Expand brand identity and storytelling through the development of brand illustration style, establishing a unique visual voice.
- Collaborate with teams to create gated content that drives clicks and initiates the sales funnel.
- Design immersive trade show booth experience, integrating physical elements with digital interfaces.
- Develop comprehensive campaigns, from social media designs to print collateral, that drive interaction.
- Create custom packaging that fosters brand loyalty and enhances the client experience.
- Build layouts and templates for blogs, emails, and presentations.
- Estimate time and resources to ensure on-time project delivery.
Supervisor of Graphics
Omaha’s Henry Doorly Zoo & Aquarium
- Lead a small team, managing deadlines, project distribution, budgets, and print communications.
- Maintain a database of on-grounds signage for upkeep and scheduling.
- Create educational materials that engage and resonate with a broad, diverse audience, promoting conservation efforts, including for the Bison Overlook at Wildlife Safari Park, which contributed to record attendance.
- Mentor junior designers, fostering creativity and an environment of excellence.
Lead Graphic Designer
Election Systems & Software
- Integral to every stage of the design process, from initial ideation to final execution.
- Navigate complex government specifications to ensure full compliance without compromising creativity.
- Oversee project timelines and deadlines, keeping deliverables on track.
- Customize and design specialized templates on the Duplo machine for tradeshow, on-site education, and sales meetings.
- Evolve and refine the brand’s visual identity, shaping a voice that resonates with a broad and diverse audience.
AIGA Board
- Led fundraising efforts by developing a call list and contract tracking system to efficiently monitor donation statuses.
- Managed the event budget and crafted persuasive funding proposals to secure financial support.
- Collaborated with local designers to develop cohesive event branding each year.
- Designed a strategic social media schedule and graphics for pre- and post-event engagement.
- Organized and managed volunteer contacts, delegating day-of responsibilities and tasks.
- Drove record-breaking ticket sales and secured unprecedented donations from local businesses and individuals.
- Developed streamlined templates to improve team accessibility and workflow efficiency.
- Implemented a standardized, time-saving system that became the foundation for future events.
Freelance
My passion lies in collaborating with people who make a real impact in their communities, creating spaces for education and creativity. Whether I’m creating a simple logo or a full suite of conference materials, I approach every project with the same creativity and attention to detail.
Freelancing provides a space to explore—it’s where I create branding opportunities, push boundaries, and challenge myself. It’s a fun, unrestricted space that keeps my creativity sharp and fuels my work.
CALL ME, BEEP ME
If you want to collaborate email teriyaki.tsubaki@gmail.com or message me on social media.