Aruna Rangarajan
5.0
(4)
Visual Design coach to strengthen your skills, mindset & communication
Studied at Savannah College of Art and Design
Works at Frayed Ink Design
Not currently taking new clients
Aruna’s Visual Arts Qualifications
Experience level: Manager
Welcome to my profile! With over 15 years of experience in the visual arts and design industry, I have honed my skills in graphic design, art direction, and illustration across various platforms. As the owner and designer at Frayed Ink Design, where I make trending designs for apparel, gifts, and accessories, I manage all aspects of e-commerce operations, ensuring high design and production standards in my business. I have developed (and continue to develop) a strong business mindset, viewing competition as inspiration instead of a source of demotivation. My previous roles as a Publishing Designer at Capstone Publishing and Mighty Media Press involved art directing award-winning children's books and enhancing visual narratives, which have significantly boosted market presence. I am passionate about mentoring creative talent and have a proven track record of guiding individuals to achieve their artistic goals. Whether you're looking to refine your design skills, strengthen your mindset, or need strategic guidance in visual communication, I'm here to help you succeed. Let's connect and explore how I can support your journey in visual design!
Aruna can help with:
Art History
Artistic Expression
Art Marketing
Exhibition Planning
Freelancing
Interview Prep
Networking Strategy
Resume Review
Salary Negotiation
Skill Building
Visual Arts Techniques
Work Experience
Owner and Designer
Frayed Ink Design
October 2023 - Present
• Manage all e-commerce operations, design, and marketing • Oversee multi-channel operations, ensuring high design and production standards • Apply market analysis and research / create mood boards to enhance product offerings through both traditional and AI techniques, and manipulate the results to appeal better to the end user.
Consulting Art Director
Little Digital
October 2023 - Present
* Lead art direction across print and digital platforms, enhancing storytelling through strategic art and design choices * Drive improvements in reader interaction and content appeal through improved layout design. * Mentor creative talent establishing best practices for color and character development while nurturing growth and collaboration
Graphic Designer
Mighty Media Press
September 2018 - October 2023
* Art Directed many successful book series, translating complex client needs into simple and effective visuals with innovative design solutions * Steered art and photography, ensuring project quality and timely delivery. * Implemented design systems to cut production time, enhance visual consistency in narrative character development and boost efficiency across multiple book series * Hired and guided freelance talent, collaborating to create unique products
Book Designer
Capstone Publishing
June 2014 - August 2018
* Created award-winning children's books such as Meet Yasmin, and Bears Make the Best Reading Buddies, enhancing market presence and brand reputation * Orchestrated collaborations with authors and illustrators, providing art direction to ensure consistency in creative vision * Enhanced visual narratives through innovative design solutions for many key children's book series, boosting market presence * Analyzed market trends to guide design choices, contributing to enhanced product appeal in stakeholder presentations * Built strong partnerships with cross-functional teams to develop relatable narrative characters for optimal reader engagement
Freelance Designer / Illustrator
freelance
December 2012 - June 2014
• Created illustrations and designs using Photoshop, Illustrator, and traditional mediums for clients such as The Veggie Tales Brand and Discovery Girls Magazine • Provided exceptional client service by implementing suggestions from feedback, meeting tight deadlines, and maintaining a personable approach • Collaborated with companies like Karadi Tales and Pockets Magazine, catering to deliver high-quality designs and illustrations
Design Intern
Good Housekeeping
January 2008 - June 2008
• Designed concept-driven layouts and brainstormed story ideas for Hearst Magazines. • Planned and styled props for photo shoots, contributing to visual storytelling. • Developed strong brainstorming and design ideation skills. • Developed skills in editorial design, layout planning, and prop styling.
Designer
First for Women
2008 - 2010
* Designed multiple layouts in parallel using Adobe, enhancing visual engagement and reader interaction * Collaborated effectively with the editorial team to ensure integrated storytelling via design * Met tight publication deadlines showcasing organizational skills and teamwork.
Designer / Illustrator
AndersonDesignGroup
October 2005 - June 2007
• Spearheaded creative design and illustration solutions for diverse client projects- from country music albums to travel posters, integrating cutting-edge digital illustration techniques with traditional design principles • Streamlined art creation for magazine layouts, illustrations, and package designs, improving readability and market appeal • Developed layout compositions and strategic designs to improve readability and visual impact.
Education
Savannah College of Art and Design
Bachelor of Fine Arts, Illustrationa nd Graphic Design
2000 - 2004
As a part of my BFA degree, I studied different methods and techniques of both traditional and Digital art and Illustration, and developed a passion in Graphic design and visual communication. Activities and societies: Society of Children's Book Writers and Illustrators, AIGA Georgia
University of Madras
Bachelor of Arts , Economics
1997 - 2000
I studied Economics with a focus in Advertising at the Ethiraj College for Women in Chennai, India.
4 Reviews
Overall Rating
5.0
Aruna has helped Leland clients get into Northeastern University