I’m a multidisciplinary designer focused on purpose-driven, scalable design.
With experience spanning agency, corporate, nonprofit, and retail sectors, I specialize in transforming complex ideas into clear, impactful visual solutions. My work blends strategic thinking with hands-on execution—whether I’m building design systems, leading brand initiatives, or creating digital campaigns across platforms.
Currently, I contribute to creative strategy and multimedia marketing as a contract designer at DDM Marketing + Communication, collaborating cross-functionally to deliver thoughtful, brand-aligned communications. Prior to this, I partnered with conservation nonprofits at Querkus Creative, developing educational materials, managing e-commerce, and leading visual storytelling across web, social, and print.
As a Senior Graphic Designer at Watermark Retirement Communities, I built scalable tools and workflows for 50+ communities, refreshed sub-brands, and produced targeted communications for diverse audiences. At Tommy’s Express, I helped launch an agile creative team, updated brand standards, and supported cross-departmental marketing through campaign and UX design.
My background also includes work in high-volume retail at Meijer, where I contributed to the mPerks loyalty rebrand and managed promotional campaigns from concept to production. Earlier in my career at 8THIRTYFOUR Integrated Communications, I honed my agency chops—leading branding projects, designing a Seventeen magazine feature, and building websites for political campaigns.
What ties all of this together? A collaborative mindset, strong communication skills, and a passion for design that makes a difference. I bring energy and adaptability to every challenge—whether I’m mapping out a digital ecosystem or jumping into production mode with polish and precision.
I hope you enjoy exploring my work as much as I’ve enjoyed creating it. If you have any questions or feedback—or just want to connect—I’d love to hear from you.
Chat soon!
Ali Gillman
DDM Marketing + CommunicationsGraphic Designer |
Grand Rapids, MI | Hybrid | Jul. 2025 - Present |
Querkus CreativeGraphic Designer and Illustrator |
Grand Rapids, MI | Hybrid | Aug. 2024 - Jul. 2025 |
Watermark Retirement CommunitiesSenior Graphic Designer |
Tucson, AZ | Remote | Dec. 2022 – Aug. 2024 |
Tommy’s ExpressSenior Graphic Designer |
Holland, MI | Hybrid | Feb. 2022 – Dec. 2022 |
MeijerPromotional Creative |
Grand Rapids, MI | Hybrid | Dec. 2017 – Feb. 2022 |
8THIRTYFOUR Integrated CommunicationsDesign Associate |
Grand Rapids, MI | Hybrid | Dec. 2017 – Feb. 2022 |
GVSU Promotions OfficeGraphic Designer |
Allendale, MI | In-Office | April 2016 – April 2017 |
Gavin Smith PhotographyProduction Assistant |
Linden, MI | On-Site | June 2014 – Oct. 2016 |
DDM Marketing + Communications
Graphic Designer
Grand Rapids, MI | Hybrid | Jul. 2025 - Present
Querkus Creative
Graphic Designer and Illustrator
Grand Rapids, MI | Hybrid | Aug. 2024 - Jul. 2025
Watermark Retirement Communities
Senior Graphic Designer
Tucson, AZ | Remote | Dec. 2022 – Aug. 2024
Tommy’s Express
Senior Graphic Designer
Holland, MI | Hybrid | Feb. 2022 – Dec. 2022
Meijer
Promotional Creative
Grand Rapids, MI | Hybrid | Dec. 2017 – Feb. 2022
8THIRTYFOUR Integrated Communications
Graphic Designer
Grand Rapids, MI | Hybrid | Dec. 2017 – Feb. 2022
GVSU Promotions Office, Graphic Designer
Graphic Designer
Allendale, MI | In-Office | April 2016 – April 2017
Gavin Smith Photography, Assistant
Production Assistant
Linden, MI | On-Site | June 2014 – Oct. 2016
Grand Valley State UniversityBFA Graphic Design |
Aug 2013 – Apr 2017 |
Grand Blanc High School |
Sep 2009 – Jun 2013 |
Grand Valley State University | BFA Graphic Design
Aug 2013 – Apr 2017
Grand Blanc High School
Sep 2009 – Jun 2013