Ashley Kelly

UX Designer • User Researcher • Creative & Brand Strategist • Atlanta, GA, US

Design

Visual Design

Technology

Design Thinking

Virtual Reality

Product Design

Design Research

UI/UX Design

Graphic Design

User Personas

Available for hire fromNegotiable

Contracts

Full-Time Roles

Creative Design Generalist open to work with Companies on Immersive Technology, User Experience, Design, and Gaming.

I craft immersive experiences that resonate with audiences and drive business success. For over a decade, I've focused on translating ideas from concepts into robust systems, connecting businesses with end-users through innovative design solutions. Equipped with degrees in both Instructional Design and Data Analytics, I have a mastery of design across multiple fields, including VR and game design, and bring a wealth of experience to the table.

Projects

Native Meta Quest App for Mural.co

In my role as the Head Environmental Designer and Design Technologist, I spearheaded transformative initiatives and leveraged cutting-edge technologies to enhance user experiences and drive innovation. My key responsibilities and achievements include: • Gamified LUMA Methods Integration: Transformed all LUMA Methods into gamified versions within Horizon Worlds, enabling testing and selection of methods for integration into the in-app experience. Led enterprise customers through these gamified worlds to identify the top methods suitable for adoption. • 3D Environment Game Map Creation: Created an entire 3D environment game map in Gravity Sketch, serving as the foundation for the final MuralXR App. This immersive map provided users with an intuitive and engaging navigation experience. • Conceptualization and Prototyping: Conceptualized and prototyped activities and collaboration games, forming the basis of the in-app customer journey. Utilized innovative design techniques to ensure seamless integration and optimal user engagement. • Workflow Optimization: Optimized design workflows in Notion, enhancing efficiency and productivity within the team. Streamlined processes and workflows to facilitate smoother collaboration and faster project delivery. • UI/UX Design Leadership: Drove UI/UX processes using Figma, crafting user-centric design solutions. Provided comprehensive oversight on all UX and UI elements, while personally spearheading the wireframing and development of each experience to align with customer journey objectives. • Quality Assurance Testing: Led comprehensive QA testing, collaborating closely with the development team to identify and swiftly resolve bugs. Ensured flawless user experiences by implementing rigorous testing protocols and maintaining a high standard of quality.See More

Senior Game Designer for Meta, (Facebook)

Throughout the project, I played a pivotal role in various key aspects. Firstly, I facilitated stakeholder consultations with prominent companies, gaining invaluable insights into their branding objectives and requirements. Leveraging Horizon Worlds, I meticulously designed and developed immersive VR experiences tailored to showcase the potential impact of brands in the metaverse. Despite the constraints of using only 12 basic shapes, I crafted environments that not only enhanced brand visibility but also provided unique engagement opportunities. From conceptualization to implementation, I led the entire design and development process, ensuring that each experience aligned seamlessly with the theme of the environment and met stakeholder objectives. Independently conducting personalized demonstrations within Horizon Worlds, I provided stakeholders with tangible experiences that vividly illustrated the potential impact of virtual brand engagement, resulting in increased buy-in and commitment. Additionally, I delivered Horizon Worlds building workshops for interested brands, empowering them with the knowledge and skills needed to effectively represent their brands in virtual environments, ultimately leading to heightened interest and partnerships with Meta.See More

Work History

Head Environmental Designer and Design Technologist

MuralContract EmployeeOct 2022 - Jun 2024 • 1 yr 9 mosIn my role as the Head Environmental Designer and Design Technologist, I spearheaded transformative initiatives and leveraged cutting-edge technologies to enhance user experiences and drive innovation. My key responsibilities and achievements include: • Gamified LUMA Methods Integration: Transformed all LUMA Methods into gamified versions within Horizon Worlds, enabling testing and selection of methods for integration into the in-app experience. Led enterprise customers through these gamified worlds to identify the top methods suitable for adoption. • 3D Environment Game Map Creation: Created an entire 3D environment game map in Gravity Sketch, serving as the foundation for the final MuralXR App. This immersive map provided users with an intuitive and engaging navigation experience. • Conceptualization and Prototyping: Conceptualized and prototyped activities and collaboration games, forming the basis of the in-app customer journey. Utilized innovative design techniques to ensure seamless integration and optimal user engagement. • Workflow Optimization: Optimized design workflows in Notion, enhancing efficiency and productivity within the team. Streamlined processes and workflows to facilitate smoother collaboration and faster project delivery. • UI/UX Design Leadership: Drove UI/UX processes using Figma, crafting user-centric design solutions. Provided comprehensive oversight on all UX and UI elements, while personally spearheading the wireframing and development of each experience to align with customer journey objectives. • Quality Assurance Testing: Led comprehensive QA testing, collaborating closely with the development team to identify and swiftly resolve bugs. Ensured flawless user experiences by implementing rigorous testing protocols and maintaining a high standard of quality.

Founder and Head of Design

GGN Creative SolutionsFull-time Employee2018 - Present • 6 yrsAs the founder and Head of Design at GGN Creative Solutions for the past 7 years, I have been instrumental in leading a dynamic team and delivering innovative design solutions for a diverse range of clients. My key responsibilities and accomplishments include: • Leadership and Management: Founded and led GGN Creative Solutions, overseeing all aspects of design projects and managing a sales team of 2 employees. Through effective leadership and mentorship, I guided the team to secure top national customers and deliver exceptional results. • Client Relationships: Established GGN Creative Solutions as a trusted partner for over 250 small businesses in the Atlanta area. Cultivated strong relationships with clients by understanding their unique needs and delivering tailored design solutions that exceeded expectations. • Collaborations with Recognized Brands: Collaborated with nationally recognized brands such as Icenhower Real Estate Coaching and Consulting, iS Clinical Skincare, Kern's Bakery, HiHat Productions, and YouTuber Brandon Farris. By leveraging innovative strategies and captivating designs, I contributed to the growth and success of these brands across diverse industries. • Multifaceted Skill Set: Proficient in Social Media Marketing, Content Creation, Graphic Design, and Website Design, I brought a comprehensive skill set to every project. Whether crafting engaging social media campaigns, designing visually stunning graphics, or developing user-friendly websites, I consistently delivered high-quality results that resonated with audiences.

Senior Game Designer IV

Meta (Facebook)Contract EmployeeJun 2022 - Oct 2022 • 5 mos• Stakeholder Consultations: Facilitated direct consultations with stakeholders from prominent companies, gaining a deep understanding of their branding objectives and requirements. • Immersive VR Experience Design: Leveraged Horizon Worlds to meticulously design and develop immersive VR experiences tailored to showcase the potential impact of brands in the metaverse. Using only 12 basic shapes, I crafted environments that enhanced brand visibility and engagement opportunities. • End-to-End Design and Development: Led the entire design and development process, from conceptualization to implementation, ensuring that each experience aligned with the theme of the environment and met stakeholder objectives. • Personalized Demonstrations: Independently conducted personalized demonstrations within Horizon Worlds, providing stakeholders with tangible experiences that illustrated the potential impact of virtual brand engagement. These demonstrations resulted in increased stakeholder buy-in and commitment. • Workshop Delivery: Delivered Horizon Worlds building workshops for interested brands, empowering them with the knowledge and skills to effectively represent their brands in virtual environments. These workshops led to heightened interest and partnerships with Meta.

Social Media Content and Strategy Director

Entree Creative2018 - Dec 2019 • 50 yrs• Client Guidance and Strategy: Advised clients on effective social media strategies, helping them navigate algorithms and optimize their posting schedules to maximize reach and engagement. • Account Management: Maintained clients' social media accounts by: • Answering direct messages promptly and professionally. • Replying to comments, likes, and follows to foster community engagement. • Creating and implementing daily posting schedules to ensure consistent and strategic content delivery. • Engaging with clients' target markets to build relationships and drive brand awareness. • Content Creation: Produced all content for clients and brands, utilizing Adobe Creative Suite to design visuals, graphics, and videos that aligned with their brand identities and resonated with their audiences. Created engaging posts, stories, and advertisements tailored to each platform's specifications and best practices.

Creative Director & Marketing Manager

Grit City Aces Club2017 - Dec 2018 • 49 yrs• Creative Direction: Led the creative vision for the store, developing innovative concepts for visual merchandising, marketing campaigns, and in-store displays to create an engaging customer experience. • Social Media Management: Successfully managed all social media accounts, growing our following from 0 to over 15K. Created and curated content that resonated with our audience, leveraging trends and unique vintage finds to drive engagement and sales. • Event Collaboration: Collaborated with local influencers and artists to host events that fostered community engagement and brand loyalty. Partnered with Red Bull and local food truck vendors to enhance event experiences and attract a diverse crowd. • Buying, Selling, and Trading: Managed all aspects of the buy, sell, and trade operations for vintage pieces. Sourced high-quality items, negotiated prices, and maintained inventory to ensure a curated selection that appealed to our clientele. • Partnership Development: Built and maintained relationships with key partners and vendors, ensuring successful collaborations and promotional opportunities that aligned with our brand's ethos.

Retail Store Manager

ZumiezFull-time EmployeeJan 2013 - Jan 2015 • 2 yrs 1 mo• Store Opening and Market Expansion: Led the opening of a new Zumiez location, establishing the store in a new market and ensuring its initial and ongoing success. • Overall Store Performance: Oversaw all aspects of store performance, including people development, sales, payroll, and inventory management. Implemented strategies to drive sales and ensure operational efficiency. • Merchandising and Floor Sets: Executed floor sets and merchandising plans to create an inviting and dynamic shopping environment. Ensured the store layout was optimized for product visibility and customer engagement. • Sales Goals and Rewards Programs: Developed and met monthly reward program (Zumiez Stash) and online sales goals. Motivated the team to achieve targets through effective sales techniques and incentive programs. • Employee Hiring and Interviewing: Conducted all employee hiring and interviewing processes, ensuring the recruitment of talented individuals who aligned with the store's culture and goals. Trained and developed staff to perform at their best. • Scheduling and Team Management: Created schedules based on allotted hours to maximize sales results, considering team and individual strengths. Ensured optimal staffing levels to provide excellent customer service and operational coverage. • Loss Prevention: Minimized loss through proactive team motivation, excellent customer service, and efficient management of store operations. Implemented procedures to safeguard inventory and reduce shrinkage. • Sales Achievement: Consistently sold over $100K each year, earning the opportunity to attend the Zumiez 100K event, which recognizes top-performing managers and their significant contributions to the company.

Education

University of West Florida

Bachelor of Science - BS, Educational/Instructional Media Design2018 - 2020

State College of Florida-Manatee-Sarasota

Associate of Science - AS, Information Technology2016 - 2018

Kennesaw State University

Website Design2012 - 2013

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