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Hi, I am

J. Ashley Panter

I am Marketing + Design Obsessed.

about me

Addicted to UI/UX Design \ Branding Obsessed \ Social Media Junkie \ A Creative Marketer

I’m a designer first and foremost, but a marketer as a close second. Armed with skills ranging from UI/UX design, graphic design, website development, and digital marketing—I bring more of a well-rounded, holistic perspective to the table than the average designer or marketer. My diverse background and constant user-centered thinking has equipped me to be both a strategic “always-five-steps-ahead” type of thinker, as well as a creative thinker and constant problem solver.

I’m a team player, a self-starter, a culture-creator, a goal-driven jill-of-all-trades and make a great addition to any time looking for intelligent creativity, growth, and a healthy dose of humor and wit.

Obsessions

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USER EXPERIENCE

When is the last time you remember a website being super easy to use with no navigation issues or experience roadblocks? Odds are, you can’t think of a specific time. But, I bet you can remember that last time you had a bad interaction with a website or app, am I wrong? People won’t remember good UX, but they ALWAYS remember bad UX. And in this instance, I want to be unmemorable for my experience design and memorable for my interaction design.

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DESIGN

Whether it’s print-based or digital, things that are aesthetically appealing simply add delight to a person’s interaction with something. Whether it’s content design, interaction design, or graphic design, I like to think that I add delight to projects and make less appealing things “pretty.”

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SOCIAL MEDIA

Social media? What can be hard about that? Everyone has it. But, did you know that using specific words in your professional posts will reduce your audience reach? There’s also a trick to the timing of your posts, as well as text percentages included on images. Regardless of the social media challenge, I know all the tricks.

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MARKETING

Having an analytical mind, as well as a creative mind, in addition to the psychology that goes into developing a great user experience… marketing comes easy to me. Being able to create a targeted audience, develop a marketing strategy, implement the strategy, watching the results and analyzing the data is seriously just as much fun to me as putting together a puzzle. I’m slightly obsessed if I must say.

Fun Fact

I was ranked #15 overall as a JUCO player as a freshman.

I don’t trust people who don’t like dogs.

Caramel Macchiatos are my first love.

I can’t make it through the day without music.

the rundown

WORK HISTORY

July 2018 – Present

UI/UX Designer

TaxSlayer

Create pixel-perfect visual assets that support and enhance TaxSlayer’s customers’ experience on mobile and desktop. Work alongside a core group of UX designers, developers, product managers, and business stakeholders, providing the highest quality artistic direction.

Create designs for mobile and desktop while working within brand and style guidelines.

Capture and understand design requirements through team interaction, customer engagement, and data analysis.

Advance the design process by presenting design options through the utilization of storyboarding, wire-framing, prototyping, etc.

Create and maintain a style guide reflective of the master brand including icons, color palettes, assets, etc.

Nov. 2018 – June 2019

Director of Creative Marketing

University of Georgia

Assisted with the direction of the organization’s marketing efforts, brand management, innovation, and user experience.

Helped guide the organizational messaging to both internal and external audiences via social media, email marketing, etc., and work with faculty and professional staff in determining and meeting their needs for communicating with clients, prospects, stakeholders and partners.

Indirectly managed and led a group of 18 Program Coordinators (PCs) in marketing efforts. This required brand management, legal compliance, brand strategy, and facilitation of several internal training workshops.

Supported the group of PCs’ marketing efforts by providing marketing templates developed using Adobe Creative Suite.

I also assisted the PCs with digital campaign strategy, development, implementation, and analytics.

Supervised two Graduate Assistants.

Managed both print and digital marketing initiatives at a statewide level for the organization, which included the organization website and user experience, as well as the yearly production of the “Small Business and Its Impact on Georgia” publication. In 2018, this publication won a Gold Hermes Creative Award in two different categories, a Bronze Stevie International Business Award in 2018, and a Bronze LACP Vision Award.

I also implemented several new processes that streamlined old processes and increased efficiency.

Developed a new hiring strategy that saved $2k+ per new job posting, in addition to identifying higher quality candidates. This strategy also helped decrease on-boarding time, as well as increased employee retention.

Developed several digital dashboards using Google Sheets to track custom digital metrics across all 18 offices, as well as create benchmarks and show growth from quarter to quarter. These analytics were used to increase digital marketing engagement and conversions.

Implemented several culture building activities that increased employee workplace happiness, as well as retention.

Aug. 2018 – Nov. 2018

Marketing Consultant

Stadion Money Management

At Stadion, I helped implement new inbound marketing strategies, identified solutions for marketing budget savings, developed a social media implementation plan, in addition to provided a new approach to website usability, a wireframe, and other additions to help development and redesign their new website.

Nov. 2014 – Aug. 2018

Marketing Manager

University of Georgia

In this role, I manage the development, implementation, and assessment of marketing activities for the University of Georgia Small Business Development Center. I assisted with management of both print and digital marketing initiatives, brand reputation and consistency, and the flow of organizational messaging to both internal and external audiences. I also managed and maintain the statewide website and UX. In addition, I worked with faculty and professional staff in determining and meeting their requirements for communicating with clients, prospects, stakeholders and partners.

Re-designed the organization’s website was a primary duty when hired, as well as assisted with creating and supervising the implementation of a branding and marketing standards compliance plan. I also provided design models to use as example, as well as provided a content bank for easy content sharing among 17 office locations (in addition two 2 special initiative offices) to use throughout their social media channels.

I also led the design efforts and content for a new innovative statewide publication, which is produced yearly and distributed throughout several economic development and community business support channels. This publication won a Gold Hermes Creative Award in 2018 in two different categories, a Bronze Stevie International Business Award in 2018, and a Bronze LACP Vision Award in 2018.

Mar. 2011 – Present

Creative Director

Blu Mountain Expressions

Blu Mountain Expressions is an inherently inquisitive bunch, invigorated by ideas and provoked by possibility. Marketing and graphic design is what they do. BME serves businesses throughout the Greater Atlanta/North Georgia area. Their seasoned professionals create modern, creative, high-impact designs for a wide variety of clients that range from small business, start-ups, and non-profits.

As Creative Director I manage day to day operations including invoicing, accounting, marketing, website development, client relations, and more. Furthermore, I also have a client list that I manage and create projects for ranging in a wide variety of marketing and design areas. My primary duty is marketing/design consulting for small businesses to help get their business off the ground and/or provide tools/resources and a strategy for a small business to grow as the digital world demands.

Jun. 2016 – Present

Freelance Designer

GO Sports Unlimited

At GO Kickball, I assist in the creation of social media images, t-shirt designs, logos, and help bring creative business initiatives to life via design.

Sept. 2012 – Nov. 2014

Marketing Coordinator

Harry Norman, REALTORS

While working at Harry Norman, REALTORS® as a Marketing Coordinator, I maintained and enhanced 65+ luxury real estate agents’ marketing, public relations, branding, and digital efforts. I assisted the agents with the design and innovative marketing materials that varied from print, to advertising and digital. I also managed the Forsyth/Lake Lanier Office’s social media presences and was responsible for their website develoment, optimization, and visibility. I led several monthly hands-on training workshops to help the agents better understand modern marketing tactics, social media, message crafting, in addition to learning and then training the agents how to use their HNR provided resources to enhance their listings.

While at the Forsyth/Lake Lanier Office, I increased their social followers by over 1,200% within a 2-year time frame, as well as increased their audience reach from by 4,000%. I also spear-headed, designed, and developed a monthly digital magazine, HNR’s Real Estate Guide, which was published both in digital and print format. The publication averaged 17,250 print distribution and 2,000+ online monthly views. I also led the coordination of many charity events such as two Red Cross Blood Drives, a Community-Wide “Yardsale,” a Chili Cook-Off, and 2 Benefit Horse Shows. All net proceeds of these events were donated to community non-profit organizations.

Oct. 2010 – Jun. 2012

Web/Graphic Design Assistant

Augusta University

I managed the majority of graphic design requests for the university that came through the Office of Public Relations. These requested required me to work within tight deadlines, complete the projects with accuracy and representation of the AU brand, in addition to meeting and communicating with clients and providing design solutions to meet their needs. I worked on a variety of projects ranging from brochures, campus maps, campus banners, redesigning department webpages, redesigning the ASU homepage and assisted with usability design, campus newspaper masthead, and assisted with general user experience  insight and content writing.

May 2006 – Jan. 2009

Graphic Designer

Xtrem Printgraphics

I managed my own case load for screen print and embroidery projects. I reviewed design requests, met with clients, and completed the projects to meet the clients’ needs. I also helped manage inventory in the showroom and coordinate marketing initiatives to increase business efficiency and awareness.

EDUCATION

2017

M.A. Mass Communications (Emerging Media)

University of Georgia

My degree from UGA’s Grady College of Journalism and Mass Communication focused on ideation, innovation, and implementation of emerging technologies as solutions to real world challenges. The program emphasized education in project management, user-centered design, user experience, user interface design, marketing strategy, content creation, and how to creatively tackle problems efficiently using new and emerging media.

2012

B.A. Communications (Public Relations | Art)

Augusta University

Served as Vice President of Lambda Alliance for ten months, and as President for two months. Serve as a Media Chair for a local club rugby team, Augusta Furies.

Download Resume

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Certifications

  • NN/g UX CERTIFIED
  • GOOGLE ANALYTICS
  • GOOGLE ONLINE BASICS
  • GOOGLE ONLINE FOR PROFESSIONALS
  • HUBSPOT SOCIAL MEDIA
  • HUBSPOT GROWTH-DRIVEN DESIGN

My Skills

UX Design

UI Design

Graphic Design

Marketing Strategy

Social Media Strategy

WordPress

Email Marketing

SEO

Project Management

Branding & Identity

TESTIMONIALS

Sea Stachura

Communications & Social Media Strategist at MOSAIC Technologies Group

Ashley’s graphic design skills capture what audiences of varying ages, needs and purposes are looking for: grabbing attention when needed or servicing the content when that’s more appropriate. I turn to Ashley on a regular basis for assistance in graphic and web design (WordPress, SEO, site optimization), and she is always available. She goes above and beyond, commits only to what she is able to and consistently delivers. Ashley is funny, ambitious and hard working. My former student is as much a resource to me as I am to her. That is her own doing.

Patsy Alston

VP of Communications and Operations at JLL

Ashley is not only skilled in the area of design but she has a good working knowledge and understanding of what a brand is and how it should work. She is detail oriented, quick to learn and has exactly the right attitude for supporting company growth. On top of all this, she also understands technology. I was thrilled to have her on our team!

David R. Sanders

REALTOR at Harry Norman, REALTORS

Ashley is a quick and creative marketing expert skilled in graphic and web design and has a strong understanding of social media. An often overheard quote regarding her abilities as a Marketing Coordinator is “Ashley can do more in one day than XYZ did in a week.

Tunisia Williams

Director, University Relations at Augusta State University

Ashley has been an asset to our office. Her skills and abilities in updating departmental webpages and creating posters and flyers for campus events are outstanding. Ashley is a very talented young lady.

Laura Garner

Owner, Augusta Medical Billing

Ashley with Blu Mountain Expressions is a professional, personable and very talented graphic designer with a wide array of skills and products. Ashley’s work speaks for itself and she it timely as well as above average in talent and creativity. I would recommend Ashley for any graphic design project and feel confident that anyone would be more than satisfied with her results.

portfolio

Greenbrier High School Athletics

Greenbrier High School Region Champs

TaxSlayer – Conversion Modal

Facebook Advertising Consultant

Atlanta Cyber Summit Campaign

Barberitos

Digital Analytics Dashboard

Johnson Wedding Package

Karlsen Wedding Package

GLOBES Invitation

State of Small Business

Women in Craft Beer Website

Sip 'N Snack App

Sip ‘N Snack App

Grady Newsource UX Study

Athens Graphic Designer

Luxury Real Estate Brochure

Harry Norman, REALTORS Ads

Angela Stewart DeLorme, Attorney at Law Website

The Real Estate Guide

US Cycling Logo

hire me

Ayyyyyyy, it’s true! I AM for hire… as a freelancer! I work primarily with small to medium sized businesses assisting with everything from website development, to branding and identity, general social media strategy, development, and consulting. However, I also taken on a few user experience (UX) projects as well. Depending on the type of project you’re looking to collaborate on and a few other factors, we could make a great team!

Regardless of the project type, the quality of work my team and I (we do business as “Blu Mountain Creative”) produce is THE most important part of my business. Nothing leaves our desk without a thumbs up or an “a-ok.” Let’s connect and discuss whether or not my team and I are the right fit for your marketing/design needs.

Former clients have chosen Blu Mountain Creative and I because of our highly creative souls, extensive marketing and design experience, and affordable pricing. We value client experience and strive to ensure that our clients are involved in the design process every step of the way. In fact, we encourage collaboration throughout. At the end of each project, we want our clients to be a large part of “bringing their ideas to life.” The type of projects we usually collaborate on are:

  • Branding & Identity
  • Small Business Website Development
  • Social Media Plan Development
  • Graphic Design
  • User Experience/User Interface Design

UX Certification Badge from Nielsen Norman Group

 

Expertise

BRANDING & IDENTITY

WEBSITE DESIGN

USER EXPERIENCE CONSULTING

SOCIAL MEDIA CONSULTING

EVENT PROMOTION

MARKETING MATERIAL DESIGN

A Few of My Clients

ParkMobile   |   GoKickball   |   Taste Wine Room   |   University of Georgia   |   Peach Jack Apparel   |   Greenbrier High School   |    Big Red’s Designs   |   Shepherd’s Loft   |   Georgia College & State University   |   Below the Fold   |   The Copper Maiden   |   Augusta State University   |   Plantation Shutters Plus – Augusta   |   Georgia State University   |   AllStar Sporting Goods   |   Tom’s Amusement Company   |   Angela Stewart DeLorme, P.C. Attorney at Law   |   Harry Norman REALTORS   |   Laura Mayfield Law   |   The Battery Fastpitch Softball   |   Kennesaw Golden Gnomes Club Lacrosse   |   Fannin Fire Basketball   |    Southern Financial Consultants   |   Geller Law   |   Southern Practice Consulting Group   |   Hiawassee Animal Hospital

contact

Stay Connected:

Reach Me

based in Augusta, GA

Seven Oh Six 633-3362

holla [at] jashleypanter [dot] com

Available for Freelance

Let’s Chat