EXPERIENCE IN 
Art direction and design, specializing in strategic brand design for CPG and lifestyle brands

LEADING WITH  
Empathy, initiative, clear communication, and people-focused approach

PASSIONATE ABOUT
Learning, problem-solving, mentorship, and supporting those around me

WORK EXPERIENCE

Tillamook / Design Director / 2023 - Present

Sandstrom Partners / Art Director / 2016 - 2023

Figure 8 Creative / Senior Designer / 2013 - 2016

Freelance / Designer / Wieden + Kennedy, Nike, Nemo Design, Big-Giant, Liquid, HappyLucky, Sasquatch, and R/West

View full resume on Linkedin

Design Director / Associate Creative Director
mkennedydarling@gmail.com / 503-544-7974

RECOMMENDATIONS


Kelly Bohls
/ Partner/ Project Director / Sandstrom Partners

If you are looking for someone who can handle intricate projects from start to finish, Molly is the Senior Designer for you. I had the pleasure of working with Molly for 7 years at Sandstrom Partners, and watched her grow from a good Designer to a great Senior Designer. She makes it easy to manage her because she is a strong communicator, works well with clients, is a great presenter and listens to feedback and incorporates it in ways that still hold the strength of the design, and the point the client is trying to make. We work on many complicated projects, and Molly takes on those challenges and excels every time. Molly managed to make my job easier, and I dearly miss her. I would hire her back any time, and if you are lucky enough to have the opportunity to hire her you should.


Jack Peterson
/ Partner/ President / Sandstrom Partners

I had the pleasure of working with Molly while she was Sandstrom. I can say for sure that she brings many talents to the table. A sharp eye for insight, a keen sense of strategy, a nuanced understanding of people, and mastery of design - those are just a few of the many things that I noticed when working with Molly. Also, she consistently produces very entertaining holiday cards.


Courtney Crook
/ AIGA Mentorship Program

I have had the immense pleasure of calling Molly my mentor since last winter when we were paired up through AIGA Portland's Mentorship Program.

In this time, Molly has provided me with support, insight, and advice across areas such as, resume and portfolio building, interview preparation, establishing a network, traversing the job landscape, and so much more. However, what I appreciate most about Molly is how she has shown up for me as both a listener and cheerleader, and shared her own experiences navigating early career hurdles and highlights.

Not only is she an expert in the field, but she is engaging, empathetic, and deeply invested in the people, work, and initiatives that she cares about. Anyone would be lucky to cross paths with, let alone know and work with Molly.