Mahnoor “Maha” Yousaf, is a Multidisciplinary Designer, Ringling College of Art and Design Alumni (Class of 2023) and South Asian Creative. She specializes in Graphic Design, UI/UX, Illustration, Film, Photography, and Project Management.

Contact her.

Education Experience

Ringling College of Art and Design | Class of 2023 | B.A Visual Studies | Minors: Graphic Design and Visual Development (Illustration)

Project Management Institute (PMI) | Certification Associate in Project Management (CAPM)

Awards & Recognitions

  • Presidential Award, Entertainment Design, Best of Ringling, 2024
    Project: DADA!

  • Cannes Film Festival, Finalist, 2024

    Project: Standards: The South Asian Dream

  • Dubai Independent Film Festival, Official Selection, 2024
    Project: Standards: The South Asian Dream

  • Student Gold Addy, American Advertisement Awards, 2024
    Project: DADA!

  • Featured in Quadro Magazine's, October Issue of Female Energy, Cover Image
    Project: Standards: The South Asian Dream

  • Featured in 6xmagazine's Charisma Magazine, October Issue
    Project: Standards: The South Asian Dream

  • Athens International Monthly Film Festival, Honorary Mention, 2023

    Project: Standards: The South Asian Dream

  • Lift Off Global Network Film Festival, Official Selection, 2023
    Project: Standards: The South Asian Dream

  • Best of Ringling, Gold Juror Award, Visual Studies, 2023

    Project: Standards: The South Asian Dream

  • Ringling College of Art and Design, Trustee Nominee, Visual Studies, 2023

Design Work Experience

  • R3mixed: The branding agency
    Orlando, Fl January 2024 - Present

    • Prepare, adapt, and finalize creative assets for print and digital media, ensuring brand consistency and quality.
      Follow brand guidelines meticulously to create a cohesive look across all projects.

    • Collaborate with the design team to maintain visual standards and troubleshoot production-related issues.

    • Resize, reformat, and adjust layouts for various media types and formats.

    • Provide occasional design support for new visual elements within established brand parameters.

    • Design and Creating websites for clients using Wordpress

    • Clients include: Halos Edge, the Titanic Artifact Exhibit, Downtown Arts District, City Arts, The Electricity Concierge, Reflex Gymnastics, Clevens, BrickTech, and Prokore

  • Benchmark international | Tampa, Fl | April 2024 - July 2024

    • Assess, plan, and execute consumer experiential events, trade shows, and sponsorship activations to drive trial and reinforce the brand positioning

    • Identifying key features in products that will appeal to customers

    • Create campaign timelines and manage milestones to ensure timely and successful delivery

    • Working with the marketing department to develop marketing campaigns for each product

    • Prepare program and project-related documents such as meeting reports, meeting agendas, and other partner communications and correspondence as necessary

    • Build and maintain long-lasting, healthy relationships with both clients and internal team members

    • Participate in collaborative team projects to help grow and build the program community

    • Perform other duties assigned as is deemed necessary to meet company needs

  • Ashraf Group of Companies | Remote | January 2022- April 2024

    • Designing responsive layouts for web browsers and mobile devices

    • Capability to translate design briefs and ideas into visually appealing and user-friendly designs, considering layout, typography, color palettes, and imagery

    • Ensured consistent application of client's visual language across various contributors and channels

    • Advised stakeholders, understanding their objectives and providing actionable recommendations for achievable solutions

    • Promote user friendly interactions within each layout

    • Specialized in Figma, and Adobe Creative Suite

    • Focus on understanding the user, content organization, navigation, usability and accessibility, interface design, interface prototyping

    • Implemented standards and accessibility principles in all deliverables to enhance user experience

  • Independent Contractor | Remote | August 2017 - April 2024

    • Developed and executed marketing strategies for clients such as Apple Business, UN Women, Ringling College of Art and Design, Greyline Media, and M3 Homes.

    • Research, Conceptualize, and Develop 2D/3D Graphic Solutions for Consumer Products and Environments to Support Design and Branding Strategies

    • Conceptualized and executed original designs for diverse print and digital projects, including social media content, web pages, newsletters, blog posts, videos, and more

    • Demonstrated proficiency in Adobe Creative Suite, utilizing tools to create visually compelling materials

    • Ensured consistent application of client's visual language across various contributors and channels.

    • Showcase understanding of creative processes

    • Conducted 10+ moderated usability testing sessions of high-fidelity prototypes of new users’ onboarding flow, resulting in a 12% increase in user retention rate

    • Tested 15+ design hypotheses in production using multi-variant A/B tests resulting in a 20% increase in user engagement

    • Focusing on visual communication, relationship between type and imagery and creative problem solving

  • The KPI Institute- LMSL | Remote | December 2023 - March 2024

    • Played a pivotal role in creating compelling digital and print communications for various projects, including forms, emails, flyers, brochures, posters, manuals, advertisements, posts, videos, and recruiting materials

    • Design marketing communication materials for social media, website, printing materials, and PowerPoint presentations

    • Executed social media content generation, web and email-related design, photography, video production, and motion graphics

    • Conceptualize and produce websites’ creative content (photos, brochures, banners, etc.)

    • Visually optimize content on website landing pages (web design layout)

    • Maintain ads, banners and email campaigns updated in accordance to the new offers

    • Collaborated with team members to contribute to large-scale projects, demonstrating creativity and attention to detail

  • UN Women Pakistan | Islamabad, Pakistan | November 2023 - December 2024

    • Successfully developed and executed strategic marketing and PR campaigns

    • Managed and optimized Instagram and Facebook campaigns, overseeing weekly Email Newsletter initiatives with a focus on audience engagement and conversion.

    • Established and nurtured relationships with media, influencers, and partners

    • Collaborated with the Design + Editorial team to co-create compelling marketing materials tailored for various digital platforms, email, social media, and live events

    • Ensured the maintenance of forms and provided media coverage for events

  • National Commission on the Status of Women | Islamabad, Pakistan | November 2023 - December 2024

    • Spearheaded strategic planning efforts, contributing to the development and implementation of marketing and PR strategies

    • Focused on digital channels, including social media, email, and web analytics, to enhance campaign effectiveness and reach

    • Managed Google Analytics for tracking, analyzing, and reporting digital marketing metrics, ensuring data-driven decision-making

    • Liaised effectively with external consultants, including SEO experts, to gather insights and implement strategies that enhanced overall marketing efforts

  • Discovery Gardens | Remote | January 2021 - May 2023

    • Assisted and designed 2D marketing features such as brochures, billboards etc, and worked on partnering projects

    • Designed eye-catching digital display ads, social media graphics, and other digital collateral, contributing to effective online outreach

    • Worked full time remotely as senior designer while completing undergrad

    • Collaborated with thought leaders to translate intricate concepts into polished visual storytelling for effective communication

    • Specialized Technical Knowledge in Pantone Color Systems, 4-Color Process Printing, File Conversions, Pre-Press Troubleshooting, Photography, and Image Manipulation

    • Met with clients and created designs around their brand guides and values

    • Overseeing design process from conceptualization to delivery

    • Review Final Art and Ensure Accuracy for Production

  • Falak Naz Group of Companies | Remote | January 2021 - May 2023

    • Served as a primary point of contact to coordinate design requirements with stakeholders, ensuring alignment with business objectives

    • Defined and executed app and web experiences for consumer-facing products, delivering intuitive and engaging user interfaces

    • Developed user personas with scenarios to improve the functionality of product X, contributing to a 15% increase in conversions

    • Collaborated with a diverse set of stakeholders, fostering effective communication and understanding of design goals

    • Worked closely with teammates to produce design solutions using sketches, wire-frames, and high-fidelity mock-ups

    • Presented design work to partners and stakeholders, effectively communicating design rationale and gathering feedback

    • Carried out 20+ user interviews to test new designs and delivered insights to the team, contributing to a 25% increase in customer satisfaction

    • Managed Multiple Projects in a Fast-Paced, Deadline-Driven Environment with High Accuracy and Attention to Detail

    • Developed illustrations and designs for various mediums including webs and apps

    • Worked full time remotely as a UI/UX designer while completing undergrad

Photography and Production Work Experience

  • Freelance | Remote | August 2022 - March 2024

    • Managed concurrent projects, adjusting workflows based on team feedback presented during meetings.

    • Adapted animatics to meet client feedback and project specifications.

    • Ensured rigorous quality control while meeting project deadlines.

    • Applied expertise in character rigs, game animation pipelines, and integration to deliver high-quality work.

    • Designed and populated scenes with characters, environments, and props to fulfill creative vision.

    • Created custom character models in 2D or 3D formats according to project requirements.

    • Contributed innovative ideas during brainstorming sessions for upcoming projects.

    • Produced engaging and dynamic scenes across various media platforms.

    • Developed storyboards in collaboration with the team, aligning with scripts and creative directives.

  • Freelancer | Florida | August 2022 - Present

    • Managed on-site appointments, location shoots, and personal portraiture while maintaining a busy schedule and high operational standards for studio equipment and supplies.

    • Stayed updated on industry trends and emerging technologies, applying specialized photographic techniques to develop high-quality images and optimizing them through contrast adjustments and blemish corrections.

    • Produced prints tailored to client specifications using professional-grade printers and developed creative concepts for styled shoots that effectively showcased products and services.

    • Attended industry workshops and networking events, utilizing social media to market photography services and attract new clients.

    • Collaborated closely with clients to understand their preferences for photo sessions, conducted location scouting for outdoor shoots, and worked with graphic designers to integrate photographs into marketing materials.

    • Managed lighting equipment and backdrops in studio settings, ensuring desired visual effects were achieved, and used both manual and digital retouching techniques to complete thematic presentations across diverse settings such as weddings, graduations, and special events.

  • Un Women of Pakistan | Islamabad, Pakistan | November 2023- December 2023

    • Analyzed performance metrics to optimize future campaigns and content strategies, achieving measurable results.

    • Managed and updated company profiles on Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, and LinkedIn, enhancing audience engagement.

    • Reported key performance indicators to senior management, driving data-informed decisions.

    • Developed and executed strategic marketing and PR campaigns, significantly increasing brand visibility.

    • Collaborated with the Design and Editorial team to create compelling marketing materials for digital platforms.

  • National Commission of Status of Women | Islamabad, Pakistan | November 2023- December 2023

    • Conducted SEO-focused keyword research to enhance website and social media content visibility, optimizing digital presence.

    • Developed and executed comprehensive social media marketing strategies across multiple platforms, leveraging trends from webinars and conferences to drive engagement.

    • Managed and updated company profiles on major social media channels, actively engaging with customers, and enhancing brand perception.

    • Coordinated strategic planning and collaborated with external consultants to implement effective marketing and PR strategies, utilizing digital channels and analytics for campaign optimization.

  • Ringling College of Art and Design, Art Network | Sarasota Fl | August 2022 - May 2023

    • Managed end-to-end film production, ensuring adherence to industry standards and best practices, from pre-production planning and equipment inventory management to post-production editing and final film delivery.

    • Collaborated closely with teams to meet tight deadlines and produce high-quality results, overseeing daily operations and scheduling to maintain efficiency.

    • Developed engaging storylines in collaboration with scriptwriters, directing actors and crew to capture creative vision and enhance film quality through effective use of lighting, production equipment, and camera operations.

    • Mentored junior filmmakers on industry techniques and best practices, fostering skill development and ensuring continuity in creative direction and production quality.

    • Coordinated promotional efforts with marketing teams to create trailers, posters, and other materials, enhancing film visibility and audience engagement while aligning with project goals and budgets.

  • Ringling College of Art and Design, Art Network and Freelance | Sarasota Fl | January 2022- May 2023

    • Supervised creation of music scores or soundtracks that complemented visuals of films.

    • Managed lighting, production and camera equipment for production.

    • Established creative vision for films and directed production to achieve goals.

    • Monitored post-production timelines closely to ensure timely delivery of completed films.

    • Wrote film scripts and completed edits before and during production.

    • Participated in film festivals and networking events to connect with other professionals in industry.

    • Led pre-production meetings with department heads to discuss schedules, budgets, and creative direction.

    • Secured financing for film productions by pitching ideas to investors and managing budgets.

    • Created storyboards or shot lists in preparation for filming sessions.

  • Ringling College of Art and Design, Art Network and Freelance | Sarasota Fl | January 2022- May 2023

    • Coordinated with talent agents and cast members to secure on-camera appearances, ensuring compliance with client specifications and brand guidelines.

    • Implemented strategies to optimize video content across diverse platforms including social media and websites.

    • Mentored junior team members in video production techniques to enhance skill development.

    • Collaborated with sound designers to integrate compelling audio elements into videos.

    • Negotiated contracts with freelancers, vendors, and distribution partners while overseeing editing processes and providing constructive feedback to editors.

Illustrator and Concept Art Experience

  • Freelance | Remote | August 2022 - March 2024

    • Illustrated storyboards and animatics for pre-visualization, enhancing narrative flow, camera angles, and scene composition.

    • Worked closely with directors to translate scripts into engaging visual sequences, capturing emotional beats and key storytelling moments.

    • Adapted to quick turnarounds, producing high-quality boards under tight timelines and contributing to the overall storytelling vision.

    • Managed concurrent projects, adjusting workflows based on team feedback presented during meetings.

    • Adapted animatics to meet client feedback and project specifications.

    • Designed and populated scenes with characters, environments, and props to fulfill creative vision.

    • Contributed innovative ideas during brainstorming sessions for upcoming projects.

    • Produced engaging and dynamic scenes across various media platforms.

    • Developed storyboards in collaboration with the team, aligning with scripts and creative directives.

  • Freelancer | Florida | August 2022 - Present

    • Modeled and textured 3D assets for characters, environments, and objects using software such as Brush

    • Collaborated with animators and riggers to ensure models were optimized for animation and production pipelines.

    • Created high- and low-poly models with attention to detail in topology, UV mapping, and material application to meet project quality standards.

    • Currently Learning Blender

  • Ringling College of Art and Design | Islamabad, Pakistan | August 2022 - Present

    • Developed original concept art and illustrations for characters, environments, and props for various entertainment projects, ensuring consistency with project vision and style.

    • Created visual designs for pre-production, including character sheets, environment layouts, and prop designs to support narrative and design goals.

    • Collaborated closely with art directors and team members to refine concepts, incorporating feedback and ensuring alignment with creative direction.