Clam Shitanaka

I'm an experienced designer with over 10 years in design. I'm passionate about supporting LGBTQ+ businesses through impactful design. With an MFA from Full Sail University (2022) and a dual Bachelor's from the University of Hawaii at Manoa in Art and Psychology (2012), I excel in brand design, visual hierarchy, user experience, and  project management. I have also launched and branded my own LGBTQ+ event, Sticky Rice, in Palm Springs, California. A fun fact about me is that my favorite animals are bivalves, and I could go on for hours about how fascinating they are and why we should care.

In my professional journey, I have been dedicated to managing and enhancing branded assets and marketing collateral, encompassing labels, displays, packaging, PDQs, and advertising materials. Proficient in various software programs within Adobe Creative Suite, I've leveraged these tools to create compelling visual content. My role supported the recent rebranding of Sky Organics, involving seamless coordination with third-party contractors to ensure the timely and comprehensive execution of the intended design as well as creation of branded assets to launch Sky Organics rebrand. Furthermore, I was in charge of cataloging and organizing brand assets and collateral in Sky Organic's cloud storage solution, ensuring easy access for future reference. In addition, my expertise in retouching and editing brand imagery has allowed me to create supplementary assets and maintain visual consistency in alignment with the brand direction, as envisioned by the creative director and brand director. This multifaceted experience has equipped me with valuable skills in brand management and design, contributing to the overall success of branding initiatives.

Full Sail University - MFA, Media Design

Throughout my Master's in Fine Arts in Media Design program at Full Sail University, I gained invaluable experience in crafting impactful brand designs. Leveraging tools like Figma, Adobe Creative Suite (including Photoshop, Illustrator, Premiere Pro, and InDesign), I honed my skills in creating compelling visual identities. This involved developing striking logos, brand guidelines, and marketing collateral. My capstone project, which focused on "Greener Day Toys," allowed me to demonstrate proficiency in typography, color theory, and visual storytelling – essential elements for any brand designer. I also became adept at conducting market research and competitor analysis, ensuring that my designs were not only visually appealing but also strategically effective. My educational journey has equipped me with the expertise and the tools needed to excel in a brand design role, where I can contribute to building memorable and impactful brand experiences.