I’m Monica Birk, an Art Director with over 10 years of experience leading creative projects across corporate and freelance environments. At Neiman Marcus, I delivered over 350 campaigns annually as a Senior Graphic Designer before transitioning into a leadership role where I shaped concepts, directed visuals, and ensured brand consistency across digital, web, and print platforms.

My freelance work further expanded my skill set—allowing me to guide projects from ideation to delivery, manage client relationships, and adapt to a wide range of brand styles. I bring both hands-on design expertise and creative direction to every project, blending strategy with storytelling to create impactful visual experiences.

EXPERIENCE

 

SENIOR GRAPHIC DESIGNER

NEIMAN MARCUS | 5 YEARS

Redesigned the NM app and created 300+ annual campaigns. Produced 1,300+ emails, 6,000+ web assets, and 150 print pieces— delivering consistent, high-impact design.

 

PRODUCT DESIGNER

STAFFORD ENTERPRISES | 3 YEARS

Created packaging, marketing assets, and product photography for a new line. Handled customer service, order flow, and trade show marketing.

 

ART DIRECTOR

NEIMAN MARCUS | 3 YEARS

Led visual campaigns across multiple brands, aligning each with company-wide creative goals. Directed photoshoots and brought concepts from pitch to final execution.

 

CREATIVE DIRECTOR

MINI MOMO STUDIO | 8 YEARS

Built tailored creative solutions for diverse clients. Drove branding, digital platforms, and visual storytelling with a sharp focus.

“DRAWING THROUGH”

AN INSIGHT TO MY MIND

One of the most meaningful lessons I learned as a design student was the concept of “drawing through.” My professor challenged us to sketch a pear—not just its outline, but its full volume, as if we could see through it. The goal wasn’t accuracy, but understanding: to observe deeply, think dimensionally, and capture the form from the inside out.

That philosophy has stayed with me far beyond the sketchbook. Whether I’m building brand systems, directing a photoshoot, or developing campaign concepts, I approach each project by looking beneath the surface. “Drawing through” reminds me to design with intention, to ask questions, and to build work that has structure, clarity, and soul.

Believer

Reaching for the highest dreams — circa 1991

Coach

Discovering potential in others and providing support

Empathizer

Using an understanding for the good of all

Philomath

Forever diving into the depths of knowledge

HOW I LEAD & CREATE

With over 10 years of experience in visual storytelling and design systems, I bring both strategic clarity and artistic depth to every project — from fashion campaigns to immersive narratives.

• Directed 300+ digital and print campaigns annually for Neiman Marcus

• Co-led concept development for The Book, Neiman Marcus’s flagship editorial experience

• Drove a 74% sales spike through strategic Cyber Monday campaign design

• Built scalable brand systems and asset libraries for multi-channel teams

• Managed a 10,000+ image taxonomy and training system to streamline production

• Collaborated on character and environment development for  branded storytelling

• Passionate about worldbuilding, emotional design, and immersive user journeys

• Fluent in Adobe CC, Figma, UX tools, and platforms like Shopify and WordPress