Photo by Justin Smith

Hi, I'm Kelly! I'm a designer and art director specializing in print, digital, branding, and illustration. I love blending conceptual thinking with empathy and playfulness. I'm curious about creating visual systems that are rooted in compelling storytelling and intentional craft.

I earned my BFA in Graphic Design summa cum laude from UNC Charlotte in 2022, and am currently a designer at Wray Ward.

My interests include painting, art history, rock climbing, bike riding, photographing cool license plates, postmodern literature, and peanut butter chocolate ice cream.

Currently reading: Keith Haring Journals

★ Email kelly.lizgilbert@gmail.com
★ Resume
★ LinkedIn

Recognition
2024 AAF Award District 3 — Gold Addy
Doors that Make a Statement — Campaign for Clopay, Wray Ward

2024 AAF Charlotte Award — Gold Addy
Doors that Make a Statement — Campaign for Clopay, Wray Ward

2023 Charlotte AAF Award — Student Best in Show
Ecofuge — Integrated Brand Identity Campaign

2023 Charlotte AAF Award — Student Gold
Ecofuge — Integrated Brand Identity Campaign

2022 Phi Beta Kappa — Member/Recipient

2021 Best of Show — Literary Arts Magazine
Associated College Press
Sanskrit Literary-Arts Magazine, Vol. 52

2021 Best of Show — Literary Magazine
North Carolina College Media Association
Sanskrit Literary-Arts Magazine, Vol. 52
Art Exhibitions
2024 Generations: 60 Years - 21 Conversations, Rowe Side Gallery, UNC Charlotte
2024 Generations: 60 Years - 21 Conversations, Rowe Side Gallery, UNC Charlotte
2024 Summer Crush, Petra's, Charlotte NC
2024 Flash Art Show, Overcash Gallery, Charlotte NC
2023 Queen City Zine Fest, McColl Center, Charlotte NC
2023 Nova Literary-Arts Magazine Exhibition, Popp Martin Gallery, UNC Charlotte
2022 Mode Graphic Design BFA Exhibition, Lambla Gallery, UNC Charlotte
2022 UNCC Juried Art Exhibition, Rowe Side Gallery, UNC Charlotte (Juror: D. Rosen)
2021 Novant Student Show, Novant Health SouthPark Family, Charlotte NC
2021 UNCC Juried Art Exhibition, Rowe Side Gallery, UNC Charlotte
Juror: Dr. Emily Stamey (Weatherspoon Art Museum)
2021 Sanskrit Literary-Arts Magazine Exhibition, Popp Martin Gallery, UNC Charlotte
2021 Student Art Show, Popp Martin Gallery, UNC Charlotte
Publications
TBD Generations: 60 Years – 21 Conversations, Dr. Jim Frakes
2023 Nova Literary-Arts Magazine Vol. 54
2021 30 North Literary Magazine Vol. 17
2021 Sanskrit Literary-Arts Magazine Vol. 52
2020 Sanskrit Literary-Arts Magazine Vol. 51
Interviews + Talks
2025 Pantone’s 2025 Color & Biophilic Design (Writer), Wray Ward
2025 Logo Workshop, We Rock Charlotte
2025 UNCC Design Alumni Panel (Speaker)
2024 Generations: 60 years – 21 conversations
2024 Logo Workshop, We Rock Charlotte
2024 Nourish Up Rebrand, Wray Ward
2024 Nova Rebrand, Niner Times
2023 UNCC Design Alumni Panel (Speaker)
2022 UNCC Design Alumni Panel (Speaker)

Currently at
Wray Ward
June 2022 – Present

Previously at
Big Idea Group
Sep 2021 – Jan 2022


Goodwill
Jul 2021 – Aug 2021