About Me

My name is Shelby Larkin, and I am a Senior Graphic Designer and Project Manager supporting contracts based in the Washington, DC area. With over 10 years of experience, I specialize in delivering high-impact visual communications for enterprise programs, federal agencies, and marketing initiatives. I currently work on freelance projects while continuing to provide end-to-end design and creative project management services, combining visual storytelling, strategic design, and workflow coordination to produce clear, consistent, and purpose-driven solutions.

My freelance services include executive presentation design, infographics, brand and marketing collateral, proposal graphics, digital and print campaign assets, and design system development. In addition to hands-on design work, I bring strong project management capabilities - overseeing timelines, coordinating stakeholders, and managing multiple concurrent workstreams to ensure high-quality deliverables are completed on time and aligned with business objectives.

Previously, I worked at Gunnison, where I supported the Cybersecurity Support Services contract with the Department of Health and Human Services. In this role, I served as the Project Manager and Senior Graphic Designer for the 405(d) Program, overseeing a team of four designers and supporting the development of nationwide cybersecurity resources, tools, and communications. Our work focused on educating and raising awareness across the healthcare and public health sector while promoting vetted cybersecurity best practices to strengthen organizational resilience. This role involved managing complex, high-visibility initiatives, coordinating cross-functional stakeholders, and ensuring consistent delivery across website content, publications, presentations, and educational materials.

Prior to that, I worked at Gunnison supporting a Department of Homeland Security contract in Washington, DC, where I contributed as the sole graphic designer on the Maestro program. I managed team communications and design deliverables to ensure alignment with customer objectives, translating requirements into effective visual communications across presentations and program materials.

I began my consulting career at eGlobalTech, where I developed a broad foundation in both creative design and cybersecurity communications. My work included designing cybersecurity training graphics, posters, executive presentations, logos, infographics, brochures, and guidance documents. Collaborating closely with cybersecurity subject matter experts helped deepen my understanding of the field and strengthened my ability to translate complex technical concepts into accessible, visually engaging materials.

Earlier in my career, I gained experience through internships and academic projects while studying at Purdue University. I worked in both print and digital design environments at RCI and AgPrinters, contributed to event programming, and collaborated with Purdue’s Women in Business organization to redesign their logo. I also supported students with personal branding projects and participated in cooperative living at Shoemaker Cooperative, where I held multiple leadership roles including Social Chair, Technology Chair, and Fundraising Co-chair. I was also part of the planning committee for Shoemaker’s 75th Anniversary celebration, where I contributed to event planning, communications, and organizational initiatives, including redesigning the house website and creating branded apparel.

Across my career, what distinguishes my work is the ability to operate as both a designer and a project lead. I not only create visual assets but also help define visual strategy, establish design systems, maintain brand governance, and coordinate workflows across teams. I bring a structured, collaborative, and detail-oriented approach to managing complex design initiatives, with a focus on delivering polished, effective, and strategically aligned creative solutions.