“As part of my Digital Marketing course, I built this website to apply the concepts and tools I am learning in class to real-world contexts. Throughout the semester, I will connect this site with key digital tools, such as Google Analytics 4 (GA4), Google Search Console (GSC), and email automation, and use them to understand how online content performs and how users interact with a website.

In this course, I am learning the foundational skills of digital marketing: search engine optimization (SEO), content marketing, social media strategy, and analytics. I am also practicing how to use AI tools for content creation, keyword research, image generation, and data-driven decision-making. The goal is not only to understand digital marketing in theory but to apply it in a practical and measurable way.

To make the learning meaningful, I selected two companies that I am personally interested in. Throughout the semester, I will create content and analyses related to these companies. This project allows me to demonstrate my skills, contribute insights that may be useful for the companies.”

“This website will publish blog posts according to the schedule below. The placeholder names ‘Company A’ and ‘Company B’ will be updated with the actual company names by Sept. 14

About Me

Hi, I’m Maquelle Strawn!

I’m a Graphic Design and Marketing student at Black Hills State University with a passion for creativity, digital marketing, branding, and connecting people with ideas through visual storytelling. As an artist and designer, I enjoy combining creativity with strategy to create meaningful and engaging content.

My creative journey began with art, and over time, that passion grew into an interest in graphic design, social media, branding, and digital marketing. I love finding new ways to turn ideas into visuals that not only look good but also communicate a message.

My Passion for Digital Marketing

I chose digital marketing because it allows me to combine my creative side with my interest in business and communication. I enjoy learning how brands connect with their audiences and how social media, websites, email, and visual content can work together to tell a story.

My goal is to build a career where I can use graphic design and digital marketing together to help brands grow, connect with their audiences, and create memorable experiences.

What I Do

Some of my core skills and interests include:

Graphic design and digital illustration
Branding and visual identity
Social media marketing
Content creation
Digital marketing strategy
Social media management
Website design
Email marketing
Integrated marketing communications (IMC)
Marketing research
Photography and visual storytelling
Adobe Creative Suite
Team leadership and collaboration

Academic & Project Highlights

During my time at Black Hills State University, I have worked on a variety of creative and marketing projects that have allowed me to put my skills into practice.

One of my most meaningful experiences was working with the Spearfish Sasquatch baseball team, where I helped develop marketing ideas, social media content, promotional materials, community outreach, and an integrated marketing communications plan. I also helped with game-day promotions, merchandise, signs, theme nights, and social media content.

I am also the President of Buzz Marketing, where I have the opportunity to develop my leadership, teamwork, communication, and marketing skills.

Outside of school, I have my own creative brand and enjoy working with nonprofit organizations, creating designs and marketing materials that help organizations communicate their missions and connect with their communities.

My Career Goals

Short-Term Goals

My short-term goal is to continue building my experience in graphic design, social media, branding, and digital marketing through internships, creative projects, and professional opportunities.

I want to continue developing my portfolio and learn from other designers, marketers, and creative professionals.

Long-Term Goals

In the future, I hope to build a career that allows me to combine graphic design, marketing, and creativity. I would love to work with brands and organizations where I can contribute to their visual identity and marketing strategy.

Eventually, I would also like to continue growing my own brand and create opportunities that allow me to work independently as a creative professional.

Industries I’m Interested In

I’m especially interested in working in:

Fashion and beauty
Cosmetics and skincare
Sports marketing
Entertainment
Nonprofit organizations
Lifestyle brands
Social media and digital marketing
Creative agencies
Branding and advertising

I’m particularly drawn to industries that allow me to be creative, collaborate with others, and create visual content that has a purpose.

A Little More About Me

I would describe myself as creative, hardworking, curious, and passionate. I enjoy working with others and bringing different ideas together to create something better.

My background in art has taught me to pay attention to detail and think creatively, while my experiences in marketing and leadership have helped me become a stronger communicator and team member.

I believe some of my greatest strengths are my ability to think outside the box, adapt to new ideas, work as part of a team, and turn creative ideas into something people can see and connect with.

Let’s Connect!

I’m always interested in connecting with other creatives, marketers, businesses, and organizations.

Email: maquellestrawnn@gmail.com

LinkedIn: Maquelle Strawn

Portfolio: designsbymaquelle.com

My Resume

MAQUELLE STRAWN

Graphic Designer | Digital Marketing

📍 South Dakota
📧 maquellestrawnn@gmail.com
🔗 LinkedIn: Maquelle Strawn
🎨 Portfolio/Instagram: @designsbymaquelle

PROFESSIONAL SUMMARY

Creative and passionate Graphic Design and Marketing student with experience in graphic design, social media, branding, digital illustration, and marketing strategy. Active artist since 2020 with a strong interest in visual storytelling, color theory, branding, and creating meaningful designs that connect with audiences. Experienced working with businesses, sports organizations, student organizations, and nonprofits. Strong communicator and collaborative team member with leadership experience as President of Buzz Marketing.

EDUCATION

BLACK HILLS STATE UNIVERSITY

Bachelor’s Degree in Graphic Design
Minor in Marketing

South Dakota

Relevant areas of study include:

Graphic Design
Digital Marketing
Branding
Social Media Marketing
Integrated Marketing Communications
Visual Communication
Marketing Strategy
Digital Illustration

PROFESSIONAL EXPERIENCE

SPEARFISH SASQUATCH

Head Marketing Intern | May 2025 – August 2025

Developed marketing strategies and promotional ideas for a collegiate summer baseball team.
Collaborated with graphic design and social media interns to create engaging content.
Helped develop an Integrated Marketing Communications (IMC) plan.
Created and supported social media content for Instagram and Facebook.
Assisted with community outreach and promotional campaigns.
Distributed game schedules and promotional materials to local businesses.
Helped plan and promote themed game nights, giveaways, and fan engagement activities.
Assisted with game-day setup, merchandise, promotions, and community events.
Contributed creative ideas designed to increase audience engagement and social media analytics.

PINK 629

Graphic Designer

Created graphic design and social media content for a boutique.
Designed promotional materials to support the boutique’s visual identity.
Worked with Adobe Illustrator, Photoshop, and InDesign.
Developed creative content designed to engage the boutique’s target audience.
Gained experience working with a real business and adapting designs to brand needs.

BUZZ MARKETING

President

Lead a student marketing organization at Black Hills State University.
Coordinate with members on marketing projects and creative ideas.
Create social media graphics and promotional content.
Use Adobe Illustrator to develop visual content.
Build leadership, communication, teamwork, and project-management skills.
Help create opportunities for students to gain hands-on marketing experience.

ARTISTIC EXPERIENCE

INDEPENDENT ARTIST & DESIGNER

2020 – Present

Active artist specializing in painting, digital illustration, and mixed media.
Explore female identity, empowerment, authenticity, and resilience through visual art.
Use bright colors to communicate confidence, urgency, and visibility.
Incorporate concepts from feminist theory and color theory into artistic projects.
Transitioned from primarily acrylic painting into digital and mixed-media practices.
Explore contemporary art and innovative approaches to traditional creative practices.
Develop original artwork intended to encourage representation and connection.

DESIGN & MARKETING SKILLS

Graphic Design

Adobe Illustrator
Adobe Photoshop
Adobe InDesign
Digital Illustration
Branding & Visual Identity
Typography
Color Theory
Layout & Composition
Social Media Graphics
Visual Storytelling

Digital Marketing

Social Media Marketing
Content Creation
Social Media Management
Digital Marketing Strategy
Branding
Integrated Marketing Communications
Marketing Campaigns
Community Outreach
Audience Engagement

Creative Skills

Painting
Mixed Media
Photography
Creative Concept Development
Art Direction
Visual Communication

LEADERSHIP & INVOLVEMENT

President — Buzz Marketing
Black Hills State University

Graphic Design & Marketing Student
Black Hills State University

Independent Artist & Designer
2020 – Present

Nonprofit Creative Work
Graphic design and marketing support for nonprofit organizations.

PROFESSIONAL STRENGTHS

Creative problem solving
Strong attention to detail
Team collaboration
Leadership
Communication
Organization
Adaptability
Time management
Visual storytelling
Strategic thinking
Passion for learning

AREAS OF INTEREST

Graphic Design
Branding & Advertising
Digital Marketing
Social Media
Beauty & Cosmetics
Fashion & Lifestyle
Sports Marketing
Entertainment
Creative Agencies
Nonprofit Organizations

Certifications & Recommendations

As I continue my education and professional development, I am building my collection of marketing, design, and digital certifications. This section can be updated as I earn new certifications or receive professional recommendations.

More coming soon!