Dawn Barnhart

About Dawn Barnhart

Entrepreneurial, experienced, technical creative well versed in the principles of user experience, web, graphic, and interface design. Deep experience with software, websites, microsites, landing pages, social media content, ad banners, branding, marketing, user experience creative, typography, and color theory. Talented, self-sufficient, and goal-oriented. Experienced undergrad, graduate level, and E-Learning educator. Excellent communicator and collaborator, an experienced liaison between clients, marketing, and Dev/Engineering teams with a passion for and experience in the startup community. Demonstrated ability to manage, direct, present, and lead. Open to travel.INDUSTRIES:Advertising / Consulting / Design, Banking / Investment / Finance, B2B, B2C, Real Estate, Global Mobility, Oil and Gas, Entertainment, Environmental, Healthcare, Interior Design, Legal, Non-Profit, Technology / Software, Staffing / HR, Travel, Baccalaureate and Graduate-level EducationSKILLSGoogle Design Sprint Facilitation, UX, UED, UI, High Fidelity Interactive Prototypes, Stakeholder / Expert Interviews, User Testing / Remote Testing, A/B Testing, Information Architecture, Interaction Design, Persona Development, Style Guides / Pattern Libraries, Journey Maps, Websites / Microsites / Landing Pages, Social Media Content / Ad Banners, Branding / Marketing Creative, Typography, Color Theory, Infographics, Print DesignSOFTWARE / TECHNICALPhotoshop, Illustrator, InDesign, Acrobat, Dreamweaver, Adobe XD, Figma / Figjam, Office 365, Miro, Content Management Systems (WP, AEM, Drupal), JIRA, Salesforce, Trello, Agile Development

Experience

1. Brand Experience Design Lead

   Besitos | KashKick

   Dec 2023 — Present · Denver, CO, US

   At Besitos, a fast-paced startup, I’ve led and executed design initiatives that span across Experience Design, UX, Brand, Events, Print, and Web — building systems and visuals that connect brand, user, and business goals. As the sole design lead, I’ve worn many hats, balancing strategic leadership with hands-on execution across every touchpoint. Expertise in strategy development, user-centered design, and cross-functional collaboration to drive brand consistency, engagement, and loyalty.• Experience Design Leadership – Driving cross-functional alignment and user-centered strategies across the product and marketing ecosystem• UX & Product Design – Creating user flows, wireframes, and high-fidelity prototypes to guide seamless digital experiences• Brand Development – Shaping a cohesive brand identity and ensuring consistency across digital, print, and environmental design• Web / App Design – Designing responsive web experiences that are accessible, performant, and conversion-optimized• Event & Experiential Design – Leading creative for conferences, activations, and live experiences that elevate perception and engagement• Print & Collateral – Developing marketing materials, packaging, and signage with a strong emphasis on craft and brand integrityWearing multiple design hats in a startup environment has strengthened my ability to move between systems thinking and detailed execution. I’m passionate about creating experiences that are not only beautiful, but strategic and scalable.

Education

• Marlboro College Graduate & Professional Studies

  MSc, Internet Strategy Management, Focus: Design & Development

• Savannah College of Art and Design

  BFA, Graphic Design, Art History

Skills

• User Interface Design
• Web Design
• Art Direction
• Graphic Design
• Dreamweaver
• User Interface
• Email Marketing
• Information Architecture
• Branding & Identity
• Logo Design
• Social Networking
• Web Development
• Social Media
• Photoshop
• Digital Marketing
• Creative Direction
• User Experience
• Layout
• Website Development
• Print Collateral
• Banners
• Wordpress Design
• Typography
• Adobe Creative Suite
• Corporate Identity
• Brand Development
• Logos
• Graphics
• Marketing
• Strategy
• Interaction Design
• Illustrator
• Posters
• Indesign
• Wordpress
• User-Centered Design
• User Experience Design
• Adobe Photoshop
• Page Layout