Aaron Martinek

Graphic Designer/Web Specialist

443-801-4789
aaron@aaronmartinek.com

Summary

Award-winning Graphic Designer and results-driven Web Specialist with 20+ years turning complex ideas into clear, user-friendly print and digital experiences for government and private clients. I blend strong typography, on-brand visuals, and Section 508–compliant storytelling with hands-on governance of Drupal and WordPress sites, UX best practices, and large-scale content migrations. Able to work in either discipline—or own the end-to-end creative-to-code pipeline—I boost usability and engagement while collaborating seamlessly with designers, developers, marketers, and stakeholders.

Experience

Atomic Age Media, LLC, Selbyville, Delaware

1992–Present

Owner/Graphic Designer/Consultant
Freelance graphic design and web consulting performed in parallel with full-time roles
  • Collaborate with clients from concept to completion on branding, print, and web design projects
  • Provide strategic guidance to define target audiences and align creative goals with budget constraints
  • Design and produce logos, brand identities, e-commerce platforms, and websites
  • Create digital and print marketing materials including brochures, flyers, ads, and posters
  • Develop apparel designs and social media campaigns tailored to individual brand goals
IQ Solutions, Rockville, Maryland

2019–2025

Web Specialist/Graphic Designer
Contractor for various institutes within Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS)
  • Designed and maintained Drupal web interfaces serving 1M+ monthly visitors, ensuring compliance with Section 508 and USWDS standards
  • Created graphics and UX elements to enhance user journeys
  • Produced graphic materials and coded HTML emails for web and print
  • Managed high-volume web content using JIRA and standardized workflows
  • Collaborated with UX designers, developers, and content strategists to deploy Drupal content
  • Oversaw digital content entry and updates in Drupal
  • Created and administered content workflows and performed QA to ensure accuracy and compliance
  • Conducted user acceptance testing (UAT) and visual regression testing for styling, alignment, and functionality
  • Led web content entry and document management using SharePoint
  • Facilitated client training sessions and developed standard operating procedures (SOPs)
  • Ensured Section 508 compliance and brand consistency across 1,500+ HTML pages and documents
  • Designed, developed, and maintained a staff intranet and a searchable image database
  • Performed routine site maintenance, including link repair, security scans, and content updates
Kelly Services, Rockville, Maryland

2013–2019

Web Specialist/Graphic Designer
On-site contractor for National Institute on Drug Abuse (NIDA)
  • Created and managed web content in Drupal, maintaining brand consistency and accessibility standards

  • Designed, built, and maintained NIDA’s employee intranet and internal image database

  • Produced logos, brochures, publications, posters, and advertisements for both print and digital channels

  • Developed data-driven infographics and visualizations to present complex information clearly

  • Ensured all web and print materials met Section 508 compliance standards

Johns Hopkins Bayview Medical Center, Baltimore, Maryland

1999–2013

Graphic Designer/Web Specialist
On-site contractor for National Institute on Drug Abuse (NIDA)
  • Created diverse print and digital materials—including branding assets, promotional collateral, and scientific graphics—tailored to government and healthcare audiences
  • Designed slide decks and visual materials that conveyed scientific data to diverse audiences
  • Provided technical support by troubleshooting software and hardware issues on Mac and PC systems for government clients
Kinko’s, White Marsh, Maryland

1997–1999

Computer Services Manager/Graphic Designer
  • Managed the Computer Services department in a fast-paced, high-volume retail environment
  • Delivered timely design and print solutions while maintaining 110% customer satisfaction
  • Exceeded monthly sales goals by coaching and motivating team performance
  • Built a loyal customer base through consistent service and high-quality output
ThermoFast, Pikesville, Maryland

1995–1997

Typesetter/Graphic Designer
  • Created customized graphic designs aligned with client specifications and brand goals
  • Designed a 100+ page product and service catalog, showcasing layout and typographic skills
  • Delivered tailored visual solutions that met client expectations and reinforced brand identity

Education

University of Maryland Global Campus, Adelphi, Maryland

2020

Bachelor of Arts in Graphic Communication, Minor in Art
Graduated summa cum laude, 4.0 G.P.A.

 

Baltimore County Community College, Catonsville, Maryland

1995

Associate of Applied Science in Computer Graphics, Certificate in Desktop Publishing

Creative & Design

  • Typography

  • Color Theory

  • Layout Design

  • Branding & Identity Design

  • Wireframing & Prototyping

  • Information Architecture

  • Design Systems

  • Print Production

  • Motion Graphics (basic)

  • Digital Illustration

  • UI/UX Design

  • Photography

Development & QA

  • HTML/CSS
  • Section 508 Compliance
  • User Acceptance Testing (UAT)
  • Visual Regression Testing
  • Quality Assurance Testing
  • Project Management (Agile)

Tools & CMS

  • Adobe Photoshop
  • Adobe Illustrator
  • Adobe InDesign
  • Adobe Acrobat
  • Adobe Dreamweaver
  • Figma
  • Microsoft Word
  • Microsoft Excel
  • Microsoft PowerPoint
  • Microsoft Teams
  • Microsoft Outlook
  • Zoom
  • Nova
  • Basecamp
  • Jira
  • Drupal
  • WordPress
  • SharePoint
  • Mac OS

Honors & Awards

  • 2019 NIH OD Honor Award
  • 2018 NIDA Director’s Award of Merit
  • 2016 Best Website or Electronic Communication for the Combined Federal Campaign (CFC) website
  • 2016 Certificate of Appreciation for outstanding work for DHHS
  • 2011 NIDA Director’s Award of Merit
  • 2011 NIH Director’s Award
  • 2010 Plain Language/Clean Communication Award

Activities & Societies

  • Alpha Sigma Lambda Tau Chapter Honor Society
  • The Honor Society of Phi Kappa Phi
  • The National Society of Leadership and Success (Sigma Alpha Pi)
  • American Institute of Graphic Arts (AIGA)