Wibke Kraemer

(VIP'-KA)

Marketing Communications Professional, Graphic Designer
Bilingual • A German in Michigan • Saarländerin at

What I Do

I am passionate about marketing communications, especially the design and creation of marketing materials and content to strengthen an organization's internal and external communication effort. I believe that companies and people excel in building strong relationships with their target audiences when they tell their stories with the right words and creative, distinctive designs and visuals. With a professional background in graphic design, public relations, journalism and business, I am excited to help organizations reach these goals and promote their brands.

Working and living in the U.S. and Germany taught me to be open-minded and the importance of adapting quickly to new situations. Communication and my love for languages have been key in my professional and personal life. I like working with and learning from creative people who are innovative, enthusiastic and honest.

As a German Michigander, I value and enjoy our Great Lakes state and love to travel back to Europe and Germany regularly to experience the best of both worlds. I adore German garden gnomes. Coffee and Nutella are my afternoon staples :)

Below is a selection of my recent design work. I am proficient in Adobe Cloud software applications (Photoshop, Indesign, Illustrator, Dreamweaver), and have experience with HTML5, CSS3, and JavaScript. To stay up-to date with code, I regularly join the Detroit chapter of Girl, Develop It. Wordpress is my favorite open-source blogging tool and content management system, and I know what to do with posts and widgets once I click on the WP-dashboard. I have fun designing layouts for Internet and intranet pages and am a fan of Google Fonts, Adobe Kuler, grids, mood boards, branding, packaging and promotional design.

Click the thumbnails below to preview some of my designs. To download a PDF version of my current design portfolio, click here.

To download a PDF version of my current design portfolio, click here.

Storytelling with words

I know how to write. Give me a blank piece of paper and a pen, an old-fashioned typewriter or a laptop, and I will write down words that tell compelling stories. After studying journalism and learning English as a second language, I turned into an AP Style and grammar enthusiast. I interned and freelanced as a reporter at a local newspaper in Germany and for Oakland University's student newspaper, wrote and translated articles for employee newsletters, authored and edited content for intranet and Internet pages for an automotive supplier, and know how to create a press release. I am fluent in German and English. Here are some writing samples: Zumba turns wiggling hips into a fitness trend, Cranbrook Institute of Science presents The Peopling of Planet Earth, Leader dogs on duty, Frühling und alle sind besser gelaunt, Und die Zauberfiedel erklang, um von Josa zu erzählen

Promoting brands on social media

Motivated by the Future Midwest Conference and based on my personal interests, I started the networking site Germans in Michigan in April 2010. If you are German and live in Michigan or if you are interested in Germany and its people and culture, this is the place to share experiences, tips, news and other information about the Great Lakes State and Germany. Visit the page at Facebook.com/GermansinMichigan.

During my internship at the Cranbrook Institute of Science, I was responsible for launching the museum's Facebook and Twitter channels. The number of followers on both platforms grew quickly within the first two months because of continuous, interesting and valuable posts and information. Today, the institute is connected with more than 10,000 followers on Facebook and Twitter. What a great way to connect with members, visitors and the public.

Storytelling with pictures

Doesn't a picture say more than thousand words? I think it does. Tired of negative and sad news, I ventured out to look for a positive story. I found three local artists and entrepreneurs who create unique products with their hands. My photos illustrate examples of handmade Michigan products and portray the people behind their goods. The pictures serve as a reminder that our neighborhood communities are home to creative and skilled people who serve our local economy with high quality products that are handmade in Michigan. Le Petit Prince Bakery, Grinstein Jewelry & Design and a.i. paper design provided me with images of beauty, creativity and inspiration that had seemingly been waiting to be captured on camera. Click here and convince yourself.

Bringing people together at events

Events bring people together and create and tell stories, too. I have experience in coordinating successful company events and in preparing teams to attend trade shows and international fairs. Because I felt that students and nonprofit organizations should gain a better understanding of how to use and maximize social media for career planning and business, I initiated, planned and coordinated the first Social Media Conference at Oakland University. Participants learned about best practices from experts Derek Mehraban, Matt Friedman, Susan Evans and Erin Kish.

As board member at Michigan International Professional Organization (MIPA Detroit), I organized monthly events in Metro Detroit. Our team hosted evenings that brought local business people together with local artists which resulted in sharing experiences, networking, and creative and valuable conversations.

Say Hello.

Let's talk! I'd love to hear from you to connect, network, answer questions, and share experiences. If you are interested to learn more about my educational and professional background, make sure to view my LinkedIn profile.