Caroline Dougherty Email and Phone Number

During my time at Aerial Space, I have played a pivotal role in the transformation and growth of the organization. Through a pro bono initiative, I undertook a comprehensive brand refresh, revitalizing Aerial Space's image and unlocking its untapped potential. This endeavor not only modernized the company's identity but also positioned it for increased success in the market. Additionally, I took charge of producing and updating merchandise, strategically designed to amplify studio promotion and draw in a more diverse customer base. Beyond my design contributions, I assumed the role of an instructor, imparting circus arts skills to individuals of all ages. Prioritizing safety and personal growth, I played a key role in driving the expansion and success of the program, fostering a positive and inclusive learning environment.

I was a detail-oriented team member at Mr. K's with a passion for creating a welcoming atmosphere in bookstore environments. With a customer-centric approach, I specialized in optimizing inventory systems and providing exceptional service to book enthusiasts. My experience included effectively managing inventory, implementing improvements for operational efficiency, and thriving in high-pressure situations. I was dedicated to fostering enriching experiences for patrons and contributing to the success of the bookstore team.

As Senior Designer at UNC Asheville, I spearheaded impactful initiatives that elevated the university's visual identity and communication strategies. Leading flagship projects such as Admission recruitment materials, the UNC Asheville Magazine, and comprehensive campus signage, I played a central role in shaping a cohesive and compelling brand presence. Additionally, I assumed a leadership role by managing a junior designer, providing guidance to external consultants, and meticulously reviewing proposals and briefs to influence the overall brand direction. In my capacity as the primary brand steward, I consistently ensured the proper use of logos and branded elements, upholding best practices and contributing to the overall success of the university's visual representation.

As one of UNC Asheville's graphic designers, I help to manage the branding and cohesion of more than 75 academic and administrative departments and centers across campus, often maintaining custom needs and styles within a larger brand. A major aspect of my work is creating marketing materials for campus events that serve multiple stakeholders and communicate to a multi-faceted audience of prospective students, current students, alumni, faculty, staff, and community members. In addition, I create custom shirt and swag designs for youth camps, pride month, and anniversary events, as well as manage the content development, design, and production coordination of prestige materials for convocations and bi-annual commencements.Over the course of 2020 and 2021, I gained experience both working from home for an extended period and a hybrid remote/office model. I implemented materials across campus to smoothly transition residential life and in-person work to a safe environment in the midst of COVID-19 and continue to support communication to the campus community integrating normal university operations and health and safety concerns.

As NEMAC's Principle Designer, I was responsible for the visual identity of NEMAC and the presentation of all of NEMAC’s products, including both helping partners work toward a visual solution as well as presenting products optimized for communication to the public. I directed strategic implementation of branding and outreach materials in order to best represent both the interests of the group and our funders. I created assets that are essential in web presentation, print media, videography, and live facilitation events. In this capacity I worked on projects such as the U.S. Climate Resilience Toolkit, the Appalachian LCC's Guide to Ecosystem Services, and the Southern Appalachian Vitality Index. My expertise in visual communication combined with my experience in interfacing with scientific data allowed me to support partners in communities in making informed decisions.I also managed NEMAC's interns and acted as their liaison with campus administration, as well as worked to create a meaningful experience for them in the professional scientific community.

I worked as part of NEMAC's web development team, creating data visualizations and the interfaces with which to present them. I was also responsible for the graphic identity of NEMAC's projects and worked extensively with assorted design programs. My projects with NEMAC included the USDA Forest Service's ForWarn, the USGCRP's National Climate Assessment authorship portal, and the Western North Carolina Vitality Index. I also assisted in the management of NEMAC's web presence, now completely based in Drupal. Another major aspect of my work was NEMAC's undergraduate research student internship program. NEMAC employs anywhere from 5-15 interns each semester, all of whom work closely with staff to develop web tools, create GIS maps, and gain valuable experience and network in the professional field. I managed the intern hiring process and acted as liaison between students and staff members.