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portfolio,

resume,

news,

and blog

Skills I pride myself in:

The overarching umbrella here is curating a cohesive and stylish brand presence

Skills that aren't so much my forte:

1. killing bugs, spiders, moths
2. accounting
   

Rebranding to Outdoor Bank

August 2022-April 2023

When I started working for Peoples State Bank, they knew big change was coming. Peoples State Bank started as a community bank, and transitioned into a high-end bank with an outdoor niche. Outdoor Bank continues to cater to all customers, but offers specialty services and is targeted to people who love the outdoors, whatever that means to you.

I helped the rebrand process through taking the brand assets and applying it to all things we needed. This could be anything from tailgate banners to golf hats to Yeti mugs engraved with our new logo.

Along with this, I was at the forefront of launching our social media and getting the memo out via email messaging and mailers explaining the change.

The little tasks were just as important, changing the name in all legal and bank files and unpacking snacks in the lounge after the renovation.

Here's a look at where we started!

"The Hunt" PR Campaign

July 2023 - August 2023

Our recent "The Hunt" campaign was a huge hit on socials, especially looking at our insights. We hid $5,000 somewhere in Manhattan in hopes to encourage people to "Get Out There" and hike with their family on a trail or get to know people in the community.

We gained thousands of followers on our platforms through releasing hints every Friday.

Conveniently, we launched a CD rate special during our rise in followers to successfully draw people into our bank, and in the right audience.

Mildred's Social Media Manager

April 2023-Present

Hired for content creation and social media management for local coffee shop's Instagram! Other duties like page management and copywriting included. I also serve as their graphic designer, keeping a cohesive brand identity and extending it to various forms (you’ll see more on this below).

Bonus skills learned through making some Reels/TikToks and memes!

Peep my mom being my biggest fan and first to like every pic

Mildred's Photoshoot Art Direction

September 2023

Through working with Mildred’s I have had the opportunity to get pulled into projects in the social media wheelhouse- and I found the best part of my job. Photoshoots.

Starting with a vision, theme, ideas of what you want to create. And if you’re successful, bringing it to life. This is a joy like I have never experienced before!

It’s like seeing a dream come through right before your eyes.

Graphic Designer and Video Editor

April 2023-Present

Through being Mildred's social media manager, I've been tasked with various design and video production tasks, following the brand guidelines of course. Currently loving this type of work especially!

Miss Allen's Academy, etc. etc.

August 2023

I am almost constantly surrounded by elementary school teachers whether it is my two roommates or mom, so I find myself taking on a variety of school-related projects. Teacher websites, flyers, posters, power points- you name it, we've created it.

One of my favorite side quests is dealing with any medium of art. Here's a bulletin board I made for the 4th graders of Prairie Elementary.

Click on me to see the blog

Eric's Camp Fund Logo

May 2023

With personal ties to Eric's Camp Fund, I offered up ideas for this year's logo. Here was my top choice!

Learn more about it here.

https://www.ericscampfund.com

Logo Creation

As long as I can remember I have loved everything about branding and have always noticed a good logo.

While I am definitely no professional, brainstorming and coming up with logos for companies that do not exist could be considered a hobby or old pastime of mine.

Drutie's Passion Project

My dad came to me with the great idea that we should open an ice cream shop, while this "bite" was bigger than we could chew, I still enjoyed the idea of brainstorming what could've been

KC_Mattd

"Tik Tok Fame"

I cannot even believe I am adding this to my portfolio- but somehow my dad is famous (loose term) on Tik Tok.

Aside from it being really funny and a good laugh for all of us, it gave me information and insight on the creator fund, how the algorithm works, and what an influencer sees after hitting 10k. You might be surprised how much $ is possible here.

"Jack of All Trades" Agency

August 2021-December 2021

his is a group project completed for my Journalism capstone class. We were given the Kansas Sunshine Coalition as our company and gave them suggestions on how to rebrand along with analyzing their current situation in the industry.

We did a deep dive on options for how they can reach their target audience, and I designed the whole book in Adobe InDesign.

Beware, uploading this into Canva from Adobe made some of the spacing and alignment strange.

Shert Brand Launch/Playbook

May 2021-August 2021

This was the project my fellow interns and I completed at a summer internship at Hello Big Idea. We were given the idea for the T-Shirt company Shert, and did everything from designing the hangtags to planning a launch party.

Preface

By preface I really just mean “low down”. And I am here to give you the quick Sparknote summary on me.

My main key character traits are hard-working and passionate, I can find a way to make each project I work on my own and something I’m proud of. Most of all, I am one creative lassie. I will take whatever task I’m given above and beyond, Buzz Lightyear. Not only because I want to help a brand and “do my job”, but because graphic design and content creation is my dream job. You know the saying- if you love your job you never work a day in your life? Hence.

Let’s get real here. I’m a Gen Z, trend watch is pretty much in my DNA. I can assure you being up to date and fresh-faced is something your brand will have if you’re working with me. Along with the best graphic design and social media management you can get. Don’t believe me? Send me an email (elliedruten@gmail.com) and I’ll shoot you back with mockups or your next month’s Instagram feed.

Newspaper Concerning All Things "Ellie"

Want to know what I'm doing in my spare time?

Today's Headlines

Scientific Breakthrough: Ellie Discovers the Real Meaning Behind Emojis!

Local Legend, Ellie, Accidentally Discovers Mildred's Coffee is Essential for Survival!

Exclusive Interview: Ellie Claims She Can Speak Fluent Gen Z – Offers No Proof.

Town Celebrates Ellie Day: Officially Declares a 24-Hour Comedy Festival!

Aliens Refuse to Abduct Ellie, Cite 'Excessive Jocularity' as Reason.

Ellie’ Playlist

On Repeat

5 songs, talk about genre hopping

AKA my iPhone notes app

Please tell me you keep random thoughts and lists in your notes too

Random Thoughts

"Genius" Ideas

Style Roundup

Trend Prediction

+ more!

August 29th, 2023

Trends, trends, trends. Like that edit of the Smashmouth song that just keeps saying "and they don't stop coming"

You won't beleaf what's coming, it'll be souper.

70s inspired style (thanks to Daisy Jones & the Six)

-Puff sleeve shirts

-Return of the bell bottoms?

-Boots.

Tall, short, chunky, even cowboy. If you could wear them to a disco you'll be safe. DON'T confuse for horse-riding boots.

-Headbands (Hello Blair Waldorf)

-Thick collar pilgrim looking shirts (year 2!)

-Canadian tuxedos and long jean skirts

-Chunky belts

-Untraditional fall colors. Staying vibrant with a pink, yellow and green chunky knit sweater.

-Stripes. On your pants, shirt, sweater, shoes, idc

-Texture mixing

Ribbed, knit, silk, cotton, fuzzy, denim. Mix it all

-Leg and hand warmers (knit not neon)

-Quilted anything you can get your hands on

August 24th, 2023

The Pumpkin Spice Latte was released today aside record breaking heat in KC. Care for a Hot Apple Cider in 105 degree weather?

I am a fan of the PSL- so don't get me wrong.

But people and companies jump to the next season SO EARLY. As soon as the 4th of July was over, the dreaded Spirit Halloween stores started popping up in every strip mall. This always happens with Christmas too. As much as I am excited for fall weather and throwing on my favorite sweater, I think there should be a greater push for soaking up the last seconds of summer (especially with the heat wave) rather than trying to move on so quick.

So this is my petition to start bringing out the fall promos until it actually feels and IS fall. Whenever I jump to wishing for cold weather, I regret it when it's below freezing in winter. If only I could have one more sunny pool day.....

Apple cider donuts hit different with the crisp weather and leaves crunching under your feet anyway.

This philosophy can go for life itself too- if you're always looking forward you miss what's happening in the present- we'll save that Ted Talk for another time.

The movie Her might be a prophecy

July 18th, 2023

ChatGPT was the beginning, now we have AI music covers and fake ads. I listened to Squidward sing Careless Whisper the other day.

In my opinion, ChatGPT is a great resource to use as a starting point for copywriters and jobs similar. While it isn't totally reliable and still needs a human to tweak it, it is a very cool tool to use in marketing and could prevent burnout.

AI is playing in a whole new ballpark now with creating fake advertisements (I was heartbroken when I found out this Maybelline one was AI) and even fake news segments.

Take it too far and we'll end up like WALL-E.

Funky design- yay or nay?

June 2nd, 2023

Sometimes I like to call myself a pretend designer because the design world can be like that exclusive club you need to know the password to get into.

This began when I first saw people getting mad about the Magic Spoon branding. This is so hilarious for many reasons, but led me into taking a deep dive on the design trend "Corporate Memphis" and all the hate coming alone with it. From my (outsider) knowledge, it's *this* style used by a lot of tech companies. Key features including flat artwork and a lot of geographical designs.

So, what's your take on Corporate Memphis?

March 30th, 2023

Trends have been moving at the speed of lightning ;) lately and I always feel like springtime brings in a new wave of trends.

We're talking clothes here. Don't get me wrong, I may work in marketing but shopping is a life-long hobby.

Two main "vibes" seem to be continuously entertained:

Coastal Cowgirl

Long dresses

Cowgirl boots

Lace

Maxi skirts

Blues and pastels

Return of the 2010s

Statement necklaces (but in a different way)

Mini skirts and jean skirts

Big slouchy purses

(Think Vanessa Hudgens at Coachella)

For no reason

February 2nd, 2023

Handmade ceramic mugs

Fancy Nancy artwork

Plaid/gingham

Anything that says I <3 NY

Quilts (why is it so hard to find these)

Anything that has to do with good luck/ good fortune

11:11

Hearts/heart pattern (the Valentine in me)

Lemon Blueberry Granola

Advertising slogans

Gallery walls

... the list goes on and on

Allll it takes it cute packaging.

January 18th, 2023

This year I wanted to try something new with my resolutions...

I'm gonna try out a small goal + reward system, I know this sounds like I am doing a psychological experiment on myself, but hey whatever works. Let's try some positive reinforcement!

So instead of saying, "workout more", I wanted something more measurable. Example: for every 20 workout classes I complete I'll get a new piece of activewear, a new yoga mat, etc. Which in return, a new pair of leggings would make me want to keep working out more, or that is the plan at least.

Who really follows their resolutions anyway?

And so on and so on

Yes this is an ongoing list I actually keep in my notes. Don't make fun of me.

January 18th, 2023

1. Vacuum cords should retract like measuring tapes
2. And for that matter, fitted sheets should have a drawstring
3. Sportswear line should come out with a vintage collection- specific to each team
4. Egg salad needs a rebrand, I feel like people actually like egg salad but it gets a bad rap
5. Old spice candles, candles that smell like your boyfriends deodorant- talk about the perfect gift
6. Fridge/pantry app so you can always look to see what you have at home- bonus points for grocery list feature and if it could keep track of expiration dates. Bonus Bonus if it automatically loads in what you got at the store from a receipt.
7. Apple Music nostalgic feature where you have a playlist of songs that used to be on your iPod shuffle, iPod nano... featuring a matching campaign (photo to the left).
   

Spooooooky season

October 25th, 2022

I have mixed emotions on Halloween. I like fall and pumpkins and the fun things surrounding Halloween, but the hardest thing in the world seems to be finding a good, unique costume that people will actually understand. Now THAT might be impossible.

Costume ideas:

• Patrick Bateman (have a feeling this will be a popular one this year)
  
• Stephanie from Lazy Town
  
• Anything Y2K
• Walter White and Jesse
• Can never go wrong with Cher from Clueless
• Girl from Scream, or Scream himself
• ???
  

Have you seen The Clique?

September 20th, 2022

In:

Podcasts + AirPod Maxs

Slip on Uggs

Baking (Trader Joe's pumpkin muffins)

DIY flower bouquets

House and dinner parties

Art/craft time

Local ice cream

Anything vintage/thrifting

Dirty martinis

Out:

Starbucks coffee

Impulse spending*

Post grad sadness

Heavy edits on Insta photos

*Do as I say, not as I do

"“Everything has its beauty, but not everyone sees it.” – Andy Warhol

September 21st, 2022

As a visual art minor in college, I had a lot of scheduled blocked off "creative time" during the week. People always say if you don't nurture your creativity you lose it.

While that probably isn't true, I'll take any excuse to doodle or go pick up a new craft. Lately I've had the art version of "writer's block", so anytime I see a Tik Tok or idea that sparks my creativity I try to make note of it.

Recent focuses have been:

• Vintage art, specifically ads
  
• Trying to learn to knit or crochet
• Using a shadow box (with old stamps or matchboxes)
• Graphic design for daily projects (ex: Quincy's birthday party invitation that she did not ask for)
• Ceramics

My New Years resolution was to read more, haha

September 21st, 2022

Watch out Reese Witherspoon, there's a new book club in town

Too bad there's only two members (Hi Sydney)

My current top 5 ranking

1. Verity
2. November 9th
3. Silent Patient
4. Ugly Love
5. Where the Crawdads Sing

Yeah yeah, it's been a Colleen Hoover year

In my reading queue:

Pin this

September 21st, 2022

If you don't use Pinterest this is your sign to start. I'll attach some of my current favorite pins here. Imagine having all your ideas, favorite pictures, art ideas, home inspo in one place. There you have it

Use it as a way to manifest

Talk about dynamic duos.

September 21st, 2022

"When two characters or people just go together and compliment each other so well-they are a dynamic duo!"

1. Seafood and lemon

2. Spicy and honey (cue Mike's hot honey)

3. Reality TV and girls night

4. Romantic and Comedy haha

My Ultimate RomCom Ranking coming soon

5. Tacos and Tuesdays

6. Self care and Sundays

7. Bread and butter

These have pretty much all been food related

8. Game days and day drinking

9. Natural hair and flowy clothes

10. Denim and a white tee shirt