Tortoise Mom. Graphic Designer. (In that order.)

I’m Sydney, a St. Pete–based graphic designer with a degree in PR & Advertising from USF and three years of experience. I’ve worked on everything from direct mail campaigns to digital ads, and I love turning ideas into designs that connect. Patience, creativity, and collaboration guide everything I do.

Education

University of South Florida | 2022

Magna Cum Laude

Dean’s List - 2021

  • Bachelor of Science in Integrated PR & Advertising with a Certification in Visualization & Design

  • Advanced Advertising, Video Animation & Digital Arts, Public Relations Design

  • Botany Club - Advertising Chair and Event Coordinator

Experience

ART DIRECTOR

White Whale Solutions

Aug. 2022 - Current | Tampa, FL

End-to-end creative lead for direct mail and digital advertising, equally comfortable building campaigns from scratch or working within established brand systems. Owned projects from concept through execution while managing timelines, priorities, and communication with senior leadership. Introduced animation to the team and improved internal workflows such as email builds. Notable clients: b1BANK, NJNG, Homeserve

Creative content Producer

SAGO Agency

Jan. 2022 - May 2022 | Tampa, FL

Attended weekly meetings to discuss agency projects and progress, contributing to both new and ongoing initiatives. Played a key role in developing brands from the ground up while managing existing client relationships—most notably with Well-Built Bikes and Skatecase.

GRAPHIC DESIGN SPECIALIST

USF Student Government

Aug. 2021 - May 2022 | Tampa, FL

Sketched and designed graphics for use across all three USF campuses, creating cohesive visuals for print materials, merchandise, and social media. Collaborated with the multimedia specialist to maintain consistent imagery and branding across a student body of more than 50,000.

GRAPHIC DESIGN INTERn

HYPE

Aug. 2021 - Dec. 2021 | St. Petersburg, FL

Collaborated with a team of professional graphic designers to conceptualize and design a board game. Created and developed social media graphics for Hype clients, including St. Pete Meat and Bright Star Credit Union.

Etsy Shop Owner

Sydney Zerbe Designs

Dec. 2020 - Current | Florida

Launched and currently maintaining a successful Etsy shop by staying attuned to interior design trends and consumer preferences. Crafted and customized large mirrors, generating over $25,000 in the first year of business. Conceptualized and designed graphics for promotional materials and personal branding to enhance visibility and engagement.

Skills

Adobe Suite

Illustrator

AfterEffects

InDesign

Photoshop