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Curriculum Vitae

n. course of life

 

This page gathers my work, education, experiences into a structured glimpse of that path — while acknowledging that no life can ever be fully captured in bullet points or pixels.

About Me.

I use my multi-disciplinary mindset to help others reconnect with themselves and the world around them through experiential design and education. I care deeply about nature, community, and self-actualization, and I believe play is an essential ingredient to good design and personal wellbeing.

If you’re curious to learn more, I invite you to explore my bio, read my design philosophy, or start a conversation.

Education

2025 — Present

User Experience Design Certificate

Google

Ongoing

Learned to better empathize with users, define pain points, ideate solutions, create wireframes and prototypes, test and iterate on designs; apply foundational UX concepts, like user-centered design, accessibility, and equity-focused design; and understand the basics of UX research, like planning research studies, conducting interviews and usability studies, and synthesizing research results. 

2018 — 2019

Graphic Design Communications BA

Roger Williams University

Courses of Interest Citizen Designer, Publication Design, Animal Studies and Deep Ecology, Literature and Philosophy: Moods of Rhetoric

Participated in WQRI 88.3 FM (radio host), Environmental Club, Film Production Club, Division of Student Life (Orientation Advisor)

2016 — 2018

Communications Design

Pratt Institute

Courses of Interest Typography and Information Design, Research, Analysis, and Production, History of Communications Design, Dynamic Imagery, 3D Design, 4D Design

Participated in Cannoneer Court Hall Council (president), Program Board (promotions)

Experience

2023 — Present

Brand Manager

Merida Studio

Led brand direction during Merida Studio’s transition from textile workshop to textile art studio, stewarding visual identity across exhibitions, print, website, and environmental design. Combined creative direction with hands-on design execution, photoshoot production, writing, and cross-department collaboration to strengthen brand clarity and perception.

  • Organized series launches, including the relaunch of an existing series, managing a cross-functional team, designing print materials, and conducting website updates and photoshoots.

  • Grew sales for the flagship artist-in-residence series by 30% and increased sales conversion rate for the series from 20% to 40%.

  • Managed the redesign of the showroom into a gallery workspace, increasing foot traffic and quotes.

Roles Graphic Design, Environmental Design, Brand Identity, Writing, Photography, Website Management, Project Management, Data Analysis

Textile Art Studio Rebrand
Erosions Exhibition
Boston Gallery Remodel
Tokonoma Exhibition
Atelier Art Book
Living in Ma Exhibition
Invisible Threads Essay Book
The Nature of Making Exhibition

2021 — 2023

Graphic Designer

Merida Studio

Developed visual systems, print collateral, packaging, and digital content during Merida Studio’s rebrand. Led product series launches and photoshoots while collaborating with Design, Production, and Sales teams to communicate brand identity through imagery, layout, and storytelling.

Roles Graphic Design, Writing, Website Management, Social Media

Artisan Workshop Rebrand
Cleaning Guide
Tear Sheet Redesign
Packaging Design
Series Education Presentations

2019 — Present

Freelance Designer

Miscellaneous

In this role, I collaborate with clients — small businesses, individuals, and community organizations — to bring their ideas to life through brand identity, website design, and publication work. These projects begin with an external need or vision, and my role is to listen closely, translate intention into form, and design thoughtful, tailored solutions that support each client’s goals.

Roles Graphic Design, Brand Identity, Publication Design, Website Design

Winslow Animal Farm Sanctuary Magazine
Howard Stone Tees Website
Healing Hands Logo

1997 — Present

Global Citizen

Planet Earth

This role encompasses self-initiated projects driven by observation, reflection, and a sense of responsibility to the world around me. Acting as a citizen designer, I identify unmet needs within my community and broader cultural landscape, then explore how design can foster connection, care, and meaningful change. These projects are rooted in curiosity, empathy, and the belief that design can be a tool for change.

Roles Content Designer, Art Direction, Brand Identity, Graphic Design, Researcher

Discovery App
The Play Book
Finding Your Place

Skills

Design and Creative Direction

Visual Systems Design · Brand Identity · Environmental & Experiential Design · Publication & Editorial Design · Exhibition Design · Art Direction​​

Content and Communication

Copywriting · Editorial Writing · Brand Voice & Messaging · Visual Storytelling

Digital and Production

Web Design · WordPress (Content Management) · Photography Direction · Print Production · Vendor Coordination

Strategy and Collaboration

Brand Strategy · Project Management · Cross-Functional Collaboration · Creative Leadership

Tools

Adobe Creative Suite (InDesign, Illustrator, Photoshop) · Microsoft Office

Volunteer

2025 — Present

Volunteer

In SEA (Sustainability and Education in Action) Lions, we believe doing good should be accessible, empowering, and joyful. Through sustainability, education, and hands-on action, we strive to connect people with their communities, the environment, and themselves—fostering hope, belonging, and long-lasting impact.

Activities Brand Development, Trail Clean Up

Let's Talk

Drop Me a Line

I have kept my personal contact information off the site to reduce spam calls. I hope you understand.

©2026 by Sarah Barkowski.
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