About

I am creative at heart. I make things and love helping others reach their goals with my graphic design superpowers! My short decade working as a professional designer has allowed me to be a part of countless, unique experiences. I have learned how strategic and impactful design can strengthen any message.

 
  • “My strengths are better served BEHIND the camera however, this was a proud moment for me in my career.”
    While trying to promote ‘The Inoculated’ Parallels of History In Pitt County, I collaborated promotional efforts with my wonderful teachers from where it all began in design school. :-) Sometimes, it’s WHO you know.

    IMDB The Inoculated: Parallels in Pitt County History

    Pitt County Government: The Inoculated

  • While waiting tables at a local restaurant one fateful day in my mid-20s, I overheard my guests discussing their school projects. I was nosey and inquired. They shared their class schedule and informed me of a graphic design program at the local community college. I signed up and on the first day of class, I fell in love. I knew I had found the start of my career.

  • It’s understanding the user experience to connect with the end goal. We are all visual creatures. Visual isn’t always a literal approach - that’s where design comes in. After so many projects and countless budgets to work with, you start to see how it all connects.


 

“What an interesting ride it was to start as Specialist to then accept the Interim position for the same office. I hope my time spent in PIO left a positive impression on our focus; delivering quick, accurate and easily digestible information to the general public.”

 
 

Career Related Skills and Experience

 
  • Branding

    Layout

    Photography

    Illustration

  • InDesign

    Photoshop

    Illustrator

    Procreate

    Acrobat

    Premiere Pro

    Affinity Suite

    Microsoft Office Suite

  • Basic Public information Officer (PIO) Training instructed by FEMA - 3 Emergency Operation Center (EOC) Activations

    Appointed Interim Director of PIO 9/2021 - 6/2022

    5+ years ongoing internship partnership with PCC (Advertising & Graphic Design)

 

Awards

Awards are more than just glorified paperweights! haha! Joking aside, to be recognized for hard work thus reflecting the organization I represent, I am pleased to say during my short time in PIO, I was apart of many assignments that put Pitt County on the map!

FIRST PLACE

 
 

The video seen here was created to remind me of how awesome projects come together. Our team was asked to redesign the Pitt Area Transit System conference room. This assignment was recognized as a 2019 Excellence in Communications First place award in the “Illustration or Graphic” category. Every year, the North Carolina City, County Communicators (NC3C) recognize and celebrate quality submissions throughout all of North Carolina. Click Here to read more about this award winning project.

 
 

Experience

I have had a lot of practice working with an array of clients for more than a decade. My experience working in both private and government organizations has allowed me to truly see how effective graphic design, specifically presentation design, can impact a message. 

They say a picture is worth 1,000 words. Well, presentations are essentially multiple pictures so handle your message with care! This digital era we continue to develop will require more and more ideas, messages, policies, initiatives, and so forth, to be presented to audiences throughout the world. Allow me to showcase your hard work and deliver your message in the best light possible.

  • Branding

    Graphics Packages

    Layout

  • Photojournalism

    Event

    Product

  • My interest in presentation design grew out of the countless interactions I experienced while working in the Public Information Office for Pitt County Government in North Carolina. I was fortunate to assist dozens of Elected Officials, Directors, Supervisors and numerous employees while they delivered real-time messaging regarding community life. Visit: www.CarlamadePresentations.com for more information.


Testimonials

Being a graphic designer is like having the ultimate info hack. Over time, I've teamed up with such a variety of clients, both on the clock and during my freelance adventures. They all lean on me to help sort their awesome ideas to get their messages out there in style. It's a pretty awesome responsibility, and I love it!

Innovation and Inspiration thrive when like-minded professionals collaborate! I am thankful for the many shared networking and mentorship experiences I have gathered along the way.

 
 

Amy Hattem

  • Amy Hattem,

    Former Deputy Director / Education Health Specialist of Public Health / Public Information Officer

  • As Health Education Director and Public Information Officer for the Pitt County Health Department, I routinely depended on Carla to strategically design both our print and video messages utilizing approaches that attract a very diverse population who receive our public health services. I can, without a doubt, attest to her artistic talent, which has greatly benefited public health consumers. Carla’s attention to detail led to her reputation of "going the extra mile"

 
 

Michele Garcia

  • Michele GarciaPhotographer / Graphic Designer

    Former The Hammock Source

  • After my first year attending the Pitt Community College Graphic Design program, I secured an internship with the Public Information Office – a golden opportunity.

  • Those 200 hours were transformative, and my connection with Carla flourished, leading to ongoing freelance collaborations and invaluable mentorship. Call Carla for Compelling Carlamade Creative Design Services!

    Michele Garcia Design Website

    Instagram - michele.psd

 
 

Michael Emory

  • Michael Scott Emory,

    Former Director of Public Information for Pitt County Government

    CURRENT: Oak Island Director of Communications

  • I supported Mike as Public Information Specialist for multiple years. The knowledge and experience I have gained while working in this capacity is truly priceless! Thanks Mike for all of your wisdom and encouragement!

  • During her tenure at Pitt County Government, Carla consistently demonstrated professionalism, promptness, and courtesy. Her adeptness at producing polished content with minimal oversight, even under challenging circumstances, showcased her immense value to Pitt County residents. Carla's unparalleled artistic talent combined with critical thinking allows her to masterfully balance creative expression and real-world demands, delivering marketable results within tight timelines. Her personal triumphs have equipped her with a unique ability to foster unity and empathy, breaking down barriers and connecting with diverse perspectives. This innate skill of cultivating authentic connections with audiences is a priceless asset for any marketing organization. Look no further than Ms. Hanson for this exceptional capability.

    For all your creative services needs, trust Carlamade Creative Design Services.