About Sara Waits

Hi! I am Sara Waits, a graphic designer with over 15 years of experience helping clients find their perfect brand, marketing casinos, and mentoring new talent!

Since 2008, I’ve worked as a designer for the Chickasaw Nation Marketing Department. In this role, I’ve accumulated a wealth of experience and recognition, including a logo selected for LogoLounge 9 and multiple OKC Addy Awards. Here, I’ve worked with over 30 of the Chickasaw Nation’s top brands spanning sectors that include casino, retail, food & beverage, and family entertainment.

I’ve had the pleasure of onboarding and mentoring new talent, working with our data analysis team for data-driven strategies, and introduced standardized promotional templates to streamline communication across our team’s projects. I’ve also taken on an educational leadership role by conducting tutorials and sharing design techniques with junior designers.

Outside of work hours, I spend my time hosting movie nights and training my Australian Shepard, Lazlo, fun tricks and how to not eat furniture!

Awards and Recognition:

  • Logo included in LogoLounge 9
  • 2010 Gold Addy Award
  • 2011 & 2013 Silver Addy Awards

Key Responsibilities and Skills:

  • Design Excellence: Created award-winning logos, branding, and promotional graphics for a wide array of industries
  • Client Engagement: Worked with account executives to successfully pitch design concepts that fulfill our clients’ business objectives
  • Data-Driven Design: Collaborated with our data analysis team to integrate valuable demographic insights into our designs
  • Streamlined Collaboration: Developed templates to aid in more consistent branding and enhanced communication
  • Training and Mentorship: Onboarded new staff and mentored junior designers, filling leadership gaps and enhancing team cohesion
  • Interviews: Participated in interview panels to assist in the selection of new talent
  • Educational Leadership: Developed tutorials and shared advanced design techniques with junior designers
  • Collaborative Ideation: Facilitated and participated in brainstorming sessions, driving creative problem-solving and strategic thinking
  • Professional Development: Attended industry-leading conferences like HOW Conference, local AIGA talks, and in-person workshops led by veterans like Von Glitschka to stay up to date with design trends

Resume