About Leigh N. Eldred
Traditional Artist & Digital Media Designer
Creative Strategist
I am a multidisciplinary creative strategist advancing innovative solutions through artistic design and strategic communication. My professional ethos is grounded by my dedication to living faithfully and embracing creativity in all aspects of my life and work.
My passion is in designing creative content that enhances user experience by seamlessly combining artistic form with intuitive function. With a relentless curiosity to learn and a commitment to inclusivity, I empathically craft meaningful and engaging messaging that resonates with diverse audiences to ensure every interaction is both beautiful and purposeful.
I collaborate with clients seeking to elevate their brand identity with strategic communication that fosters stakeholder connection and organization growth. My holistic approach promotes the development of cross-platform strategies that harmonize aesthetic excellence with technical performance.
I specialize in devising cohesive campaign solutions for public relations with integrated marketing, enhancing digital user experience through innovative product designs, and creating compelling content that amplifies brand narratives to captivate audiences. My synergistic perspective seamlessly integrates artistic vision with data-driven strategy to dynamically bridge the gap between creative and technical teams while ensuring project alignment with organizational mission objectives.
Testimonial
“I’m thrilled to share that your submission has been selected as 1st place for the Discovery by Design: One Mission challenge! Your work stood out for its creativity, clarity, storytelling, and mission alignment. We’re incredibly proud of what you created.” Congrats, Leigh! It was a really competitive challenge, and you nailed it.” -Jake E.
Graphic Design of My Fine Art Graphite Drawing in UX Design Mockup for Public Relations Marketing
Creative Journey
I discovered that my passion for creation evolved from classical art media ($50,000 Hunting Art Prize Finalist) to include digital content creation (NASA One Mission Discovery by Design Challenge Winner) during my time at the University of Texas at San Antonio. I graduated Summa Cum Laude with a 4.0 GPA, earning a Bachelor of Arts in Communication with concentrations in public relations and digital communication (verifiable on Parchment).
I held a pivotal leadership role as the inaugural President of Content Creators at UTSA and was an Adobe Student Ambassador. I earned distinction in the Student Leadership Academy, the Adobe Discovery Institute, and several honor societies. I remain a member of the Public Relations Society of America, the American Marketing Association, the American Management Association, and the Society for Health Communication.
With a relentless curiosity to learn, I independently cultivated a multidisciplinary skillset by earning 220+ certifications. In a rapidly evolving digital landscape, this serves as an agility metric that demonstrates my ability to master new technologies and instantly apply them to solve challenges.
I am proficient with Microsoft 365, Google Workspace, Figma, Adobe Creative Cloud, content management systems (CMS), and various generative Artificial Intelligence (AI) models.
UX Design Thinking Graphic Design
UX/UI Product Designer
I design apps and websites using Figma, Adobe XD, Dreamweaver, HTML, CSS, Bootstrap, content management systems (CMS), and Artificial Intelligence (AI). I completed end-to-end projects at UT San Antonio, and during the summer breaks and holidays through Google programs curated by UT San Antonio, to fully prepare for a future career in user experience design.
I utilize the design thinking process to empathize with users, define user pain points, ideate solutions, create wireframes and prototypes, as well as test and iterate on designs. This includes producing UX research plans, conducting interviews and usability studies, synthesizing results with affinity diagrams, and translating conclusions into actionable insights prioritized by user needs.
I ideate design solutions using crazy eights, rapid sketching, HMW exercises, and competitive audits. I empathize with users by devising bias-free empathy maps, user personas, user journey maps, user flow charts, information architecture, sitemaps, and by drawing big-picture and close-up storyboards. Using visual design elements and Gestalt principles, I create paper and digital wireframes with industry standard symbols, design systems, branding, sticker sheets, mockups, plus navigable low- and high-fidelity prototypes with iterations. I define pain points, value propositions, as well as problem and goal statements.
I employ essential foundational UX concepts of user-centered design, accessibility, and equity-focused design at every point throughout the design process. I cherish the idea of eliciting positive real-world impact with my designs as I continue to strengthen my skillset.
PR Magazine Feature Article with Graphic
Public Relations Consultant
I develop and implement strategic marketing communication plans to effectively generate brand awareness, achieve organizational mission goals, manage organizational reputation, and build positive stakeholder relationships. I employ the RPIE process for social science evidence-based research, planning, implementation, and evaluation methodology with outcome-focused measurements.
I apply the ethical and legal aspects of communication to ensure my practices adhere to industry standards and regulations. I adhere to the International Public Relations Association (IPRA) code of conduct and the Public Relations Society of America (PRSA) code of ethics. I utilize interpersonal communication skills to efficiently communicate and collaborate with diverse teams and individuals.
I employ writing and editing skills to produce clear, concise, and persuasive content for various formats. I write and design multimedia news releases, fact sheets, features, promotions, presentations, and media kit production. I pitch stories to media outlets and manage media inquiries to ensure accurate and favorable coverage.
I conduct SWOT and audience analyses and write situation analysis reports. I perform strategic management with environmental scanning and handle crisis communication with proven techniques to respond to negative publicity and maintain public trust.
I plan and execute promotional events that align with organizational goals and enhance public image. I create and manage social media campaigns, engage with audiences, and analyze social media metrics as measures of success. I develop compelling digital content in the form of podcasts, blog posts, webpages, videos, and graphics, to effectively communicate messages to target audiences. I employ various digital marketing strategies, such as search engine optimization (SEO), email marketing, and online advertising, to promote brands and drive engagement. Additionally, I am proficient with Microsoft, Google, and Adobe Creative Cloud software.
Social Science Quantitative Research Analysis
Project Researcher
I studied and independently conducted public relations, marketing, podcasting, branding, and social science research at UT San Antonio. I studied user experience research methods in a professional certification program and conducted user research, including usability testing, as the foundation for my work. I continue to utilize various primary research methodologies that include qualitative, quantitative, and mixed method approaches to gather and analyze data. I also conduct secondary research, from credible peer-reviewed scientific journals, as the basis for strategic decision-making before devising campaign tactics.
I have experience designing surveys instruments to collect data on public opinion, attitudes, and behaviors. I have conducted advanced data analysis using IBM SPSS statistical software and interpreted the results to draw meaningful conclusions. In addition to traditional methodologies for data analytics, I employ Artificial Intelligence (AI) to accelerate my workflow with the summarization of qualitative interviews, brand performance reporting, social media sentiment analysis, etc.
I faithfully adhere to the essential ethical considerations involved in conducting all forms of primary research, including obtaining informed consent and ensuring participant confidentiality. I carefully document my secondary research sources and AI analysis with citations and back-end documentation, should any process questions arise.
UTSA Content Creators Organization Graphic
Team Leader
I led UT San Antonio students in the establishment of the Content Creators professional organization as the first elected president. Passionate about creativity and innovation, I personally created the logo, style guide, rules of conduct, organizational constitution, certificates, official webpage, and recruitment materials in the form of writing, graphics, and videos. I also taught many live workshops on various forms content creation.
With the motto to “Create Connect Inspire”, we met weekly through online video conferencing to network as future creative industry professionals and collaborated on innovative multimedia projects with real-world impact. While working across industries and disciplines, we explored content creation strategies, multimedia storytelling, and personal branding.
We expanded our skill set in content creation tools, multimedia, podcasting, video, streaming, content design, production, UX/UI design, generative AI, and more with cutting-edge tools and resources. We gained valuable experience in workshops, contests, and mentorship while bolstering our portfolios and resumes for future careers. In dedication to inclusivity and accessibility, we ensured that all voices were heard.
Traditional Artist
Photography, Drawing, Illustration, Pastel, Painting, Bas-Relief Painting, Encaustic, Vegan Encaustic, Mixed Media, Collage, Assemblage, Additive Sculpture, Subtractive Sculpture, Art Jewelry, Food Art, Needlework, Video, Digital Art, UX/UI Design, PR Writing & Design, Graphic Design
I am an artist who encourages others to explore their creative potential by fearlessly trying new mediums and techniques, just as I have. I believe that art can act as a balm for the soul when one's innermost feelings are allowed to flow into artistic expression. As a lifelong craft enthusiast, I love the challenge of up-cycling and creating something beautiful out of otherwise unremarkable scraps. It is mentally stimulating and salves my environmental conscience by participating in good stewardship.
Public relations Social Media Promotion
Creative Mission
Through my life's journey, I discovered that my passion for creation evolved from traditional art to include digital creation. I am dedicated to living faithfully and embracing creativity in all aspects of my life and work. My passion is in designing creative content that enhances user experience by seamlessly combining artistic form with intuitive function. With a relentless curiosity to learn and a commitment to inclusivity, I empathically craft meaningful and engaging user experiences that resonate with diverse audiences to ensure every interaction is both beautiful and purposeful.
I cherish the idea of eliciting positive real-world impact with my designs and would love to work for a company that could facilitate that goal I wholeheartedly value inclusivity, empathy, perseverance, and integrity, so I’m seeking a work culture that aligns with those standards. I have a proven track record of working well on my own and in collaboration with others, having completed both in-person and remote projects from different states. I’m a great problem-solver, up for any challenge, and look forward to strengthening my skillset.
Adobe Catalyst Creative Personality Type Video
Relentless Curiosity to Learn Graphic
