Portfolios & Experience
A collection of Olivia Sims’ experience in Graphic Design, Advertising, Marketing, and Public Relations. With relevant experience in Writing, Social Media Management, Photography, and Studying as a Design & Advertising Student.
Video of Olivia Sims, Spring 2023 by Lyla Stern
Olivia Sims Design Experience Overview
After balancing her final semester studying for an Associate of Fine Arts in Graphic & Interactive Design Degree while being a Marketing/Design Intern (Spring 2022), Olivia Sims graduated at the top of her class and received the Excellence in Graphic Design Award from Raritan Valley Community College in May of 2022 and transferred to The University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign from her New Jersey hometown to study Advertising.
Olivia Sims’ first semester, Fall 2022, at UIUC as a Junior consisted of being the Account Manager & Creative for The American Advertising Federation’s Midnight Oil Full-Service Agency, where she led a team of advertising strategists and creatives to produce design and strategy work for a real client based on UIUC’s campus. It was during the Fall 2022 semester that she first got involved with The Fashion Network UIUC by walking the runway as a model for TFN’s segment at The Circular Fashion Expo (Oct. 2022). Sims wrote for the TFN Blog, modeled in the final semester photoshoot, Perhaps a Lack of Motif, and was the graphic designer of TFN’s Issue 10 Celebratory Soiree Spread for the semesterly magazine.
Sims’ second semester, Spring 2023, began by being named The Fashion Network UIUC’s Director of Design for the SP23 & FA23 seasons after applying and interviewing for the executive board. Sims was also accepted as a Creative for The American Advertising Federation (AAF)’s National Student Advertising Competition’s creative team (NSAC)- later on being named the lead designer of the campaign’s plans book. Through her position with TFN, Sims also obtained the role of Art & Design Director for The Circular Fashion Exposition (CFE.3 - May 5, 2023).
She continued her responsibilities as The Fashion Network’s Director of Design and Circular Fashion Expo’s Director of Art & Design through her entire third semester at UIUC - completing her executive board term at the conclusion of the Fall 2023 semester.
All accomplished while being a full-time student, Sims maintained academic achievement while obtaining the responsibility of The Fashion Network & The Circular Fashion Exposition’s visual identities, directing designers, maintaining social media presences for the organizations, consistently designing graphics, and above all, working alongside the passionate creative team to make it all come to life as a team.
She has since graduated from UIUC, and works in fashion marketing as a graphic designer for a bridal company in Trenton, New Jersey.
Portfolios (Most to Least Recent)
Director of Design
The Fashion Network UIUC, Student Registered Organization
Responsible for the aesthetic visual cohesion of everything from TFN i.e. magazine design/direction, social media grids, website layout/design, photoshoot direction/creative execution, all advertising-related deliverables/content, etc. Took on Marketing Director responsibilities in addition.
The Fashion Network (TFN) stands to connect and facilitate collaboration between individuals and groups interested in fashion at the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign through various outlets such as styling, modeling, photography, videography, marketing + advertising, writing, and graphic design
Design & Art Director
The Circular Fashion Expo, UIUC’s Largest Fashion Exposition
Responsible for the aesthetic visual cohesion and all advertising deliverables from CFE.3 i.e. assisted in the execution of TFN runway theme, designer of all banners, posters, physical event program, social media promotional content designs/execution, etc.
The Circular Fashion Expo is an event designed to bring all of the elements of a circular fashion system into one, epic event so that the campus community & local stakeholders can collectively create a thriving circular economy. The event features clothing swaps, vendors, upcycling services & installations, runway performances & design competition, live music & performances, community building & networking
Design Leader & Creative
The National Student Advertising Competition (NSAC) X Indeed | American Advertising Federation at Illinois (AAF)
Design leader of NSAC's campaign plans book and Creative Team Member for the advertising/marketing/media campaign for a corporate client [Indeed].
The National Student Advertising Competition is an annual competition for college students to create a full campaign for a real client. Each year, the efforts of our NSAC team members culminate in a full presentation in front of real clients and AAF judges.
Account Manager & Creative
Midnight Oil Full-Service Agency | American Advertising Federation at Illinois (AAF)
Midnight Oil recreates a real-world advertising agency. Members are paired into client teams where they work together to develop creative advertising for real clients located in the campus community. Graphic design, social media, video/photo, strategy, account… we have the right role for you. Apply now and see your designs in the windows of businesses on campus tomorrow.
Designer, Writer, & Model
The Fashion Network UIUC Active Member - Graphic Designer of the Semesterly Publication Issue 10 Celebratory Soiree Spread, TFN Blog Writer, TFN X CFE.2 Runway Model & Perhaps a Lack of Motif Model
The Fashion Network (TFN) stands to connect and facilitate collaboration between individuals and groups interested in fashion at the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign through various outlets such as styling, modeling, photography, videography, marketing + advertising, writing, and graphic design
Marketing/Design Intern
Skincare Technology Design/Marketing Internship at Leading Edge Innovations
Leading Edge Innovations is a premiere formulator of skincare, cosmetic, personal care and OTC products, helping brands meet the needs of an ever-evolving beauty market. LEI is distributing the global skincare and personal care market with forward-thinking approaches to development and delivery. From product concept to delivery of finished goods, Leading Edge Innovations helps brands meet the needs of an ever-changing marketplace.
Graphic & Interactive Design Student
July 2020 - May 2022
Raritan Valley Community College, Branchburg Township New Jersey
Olivia Sims studied Graphic & Interactive Design at Raritan Valley Community College after graduating from high school from July 2020 to May 2022. Sims graduated at the top of her class, received the Excellence in Graphic Design Award as a result of her academic performances in fine arts, and was accepted to transfer into the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign’s Advertising program at the College of Media and intends to put her creative knowledge to use within this next academic journey.