Sonja Zalar

Experience

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  Sonja Zalar

  Jan 2002 - now

  Multidisciplinary Artist

  • Passionately using art as a means of exploring and representing the intangible aspects of the human experience• Conceptualised, designed and created original artwork for projects in a variety of media including digital painting, animation, photography and AI compositing• Exhibited work in Croatia, New Zealand, and the Metaverse• Skilled in painting with pixels to bring digital visions to life

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  Jan 2002 - Jan 2010

  Tutor (Private) In Mathematics & Computing

  • Developed plus delivered personalised lessons to meet the unique needs of each student, including for students with special needs• Tutored students of all qualification levels & helped them achieve excellent results• Assessed individual requirements and adapted teaching methods accordingly• Planned and executed effective training sessions to ensure student success

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  V.U.K. Advertising Agency

  Jan 2006 - Jan 2007

  Multimedia Designer

  • Designed and developed advertising campaigns for clients in various industries, including retail, food, and non-profit organisations• Collaborated with creative and account teams to conceptualise and execute multimedia projects, including vehicle graphics, billboards, and radio jingles• Utilised Adobe Creative Suite, CorelDraw and other design software to create visually appealing and engaging designs• Designed presentations to showcase to clients campaign ideas and strategies• Worked closely with clients to ensure their needs and goals were met through thecreation of effective and impactful design solutions Show less

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  Sonjazalar.com

  Jan 2008 - Jan 2017

  Art Director / Product Designer / Brand Designer

  • Led research, design, and implementation of UX, brand strategy, product management, and development across various brand and digital touchpoints• Designed websites, visual identities, and brand collateral including graphics and UI elements for products, publications and social media• Kept up-to-date with industry trends and technologies to ensure high-quality, current, and relevant work• Managed multiple clients and projects simultaneously

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  Karlovac City Library

  Jan 2008 - Jan 2008

  Adobe Photoshop Techniques Tutor

  • Led a series of Adobe Photoshop training sessions focused on photo processing and manipulation techniques as well as website design• Managed creative Adobe Photoshop workshops for both individuals and groups• Developed and implemented a structured training course for Adobe Photoshop, covering a range of topics and techniques

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  Karlovac Grammar School,

  Jan 2009 - Jan 2009

  Art Director / Consultant / Mentor

  • Led the creation of environmental awareness campaign posters• Taught students how to design with graphic design software (Adobe Creative Suite) toeffectively communicate ideas and concepts through visual media• Facilitated interactive learning sessions and promoted effective communication amongstudents in the design process, resulting in successful project outcomes

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  S G

  Jan 2017 - Jan 2018

  Creative Director / Brand Designer

  • Developed a comprehensive visual identity system for the brand, including logo, typography, colour palette, and imagery for print and digital media• Created product packaging that aligned with the brand's visual identity• Led the creative direction for the brand, ensuring all design elements were cohesiveand consistent• Designed various brand materials, including marketing collateral, social mediagraphics, website assets and the e-commerce platform

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  5th ELEMENT, digital design studio

  Jan 2019 - Jan 2022

  Creative Director / Designer / Founder

  • Utilised creative problem-solving skills to develop innovative solutions that achieved business goals while maintaining technical viability within budget constraints• Managed a diverse range of projects through all stages of the project lifecycle, including concept development, scope and requirements gathering, planning, and execution• Led and directed a team of industry experts (including copywriters, developers, photographers, and illustrators) to deliver successful campaigns, develop clients' products, and create comprehensive branding solutions• Built and rebuilt websites using human-centred design principles, optimising information architecture, adding new features, and ensuring responsive design, for improved user experience Show less

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  Sonjazalar.com

  Jan 2022 - now

  Creative Director / Designer

  • Leading all stages of design, from research and ideation to revisions, production and product release, offering state-of-the-art solutions• Helping businesses in creating and refining their brand voice by designing unique, visually appealing identities that align with their values and market positioning• Producing and managing WordPress websites for both B2B and B2C clients, including e-commerce functionality, using human-centred design principles• Effectively coordinating multiple projects simultaneously, from start to finish, with tight deadlines, while maintaining high-quality standards• Staying up-to-date with the latest design trends and techniques to bring fresh and innovative ideas to projects Show less

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  Orangepill

  Jan 2023 - Sept 2023

  Head of Design

  * Pitched & secured the 2nd place at the MoneyMotion Conference Startup Competition* Collaborated closely with the team to ensure alignment with branding objectives & messaging strategiesResponsible for the development of the brand & design strategies for the company's products and services and the design of the visual identity and brand guidelines.