About

Hi there and welcome to my portfolio! My name is Kirsten Bolender and I am a visual designer from California.

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About

Hey there! I’m Kirsten, a User Interface and Visual Designer based in sunny California.

Growing up, I’ve always been passionate about creating designs that combine functionality and ease of use with visual appeal. Staying true to that passion, I earned my Master of Arts in Design Management and a Bachelor’s in Media Design in Germany.

I specialize in crafting impactful and memorable designs that not only look great but also deliver seamless functionality and user experiences. Having worked with both small and large clients across the globe, I’ve built a diverse portfolio spanning branding, digital, and user interface design projects.

Brands I've worked with...

SOFT SKILLS

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Experienced.

With experience in large companies managing multiple brands, I've learned to simplify complexity in design. My time as a self-employed professional gave me insight into the mindset of small businesses, while my studies in media design and design management provided me with a solid foundation in design principles.

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Passionate.

I’m motivated by a love for what I do, and I approach my work with a strategic, detail-oriented mindset, always aiming to make a meaningful impact. I always strive to do my best on every project, driven by a genuine curiosity to understand and address the needs and concerns of both the company and its customers.

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Reliable.

Fun fact - Colleagues, clients, and people close to me often say, 'Anyone working with you should be thrilled—it’s like hitting the jackpot!' They highlight my dedication, reliability, and positive mindset. I make it a point to complete tasks promptly to avoid last-minute stress. My attention to detail helps me approach my responsibilities with care and thoroughness.

HARD Skills

UX/UI design is about perfecting function; visual design is about perfecting form.

In my design projects, I go beyond aesthetics to prioritize usability and human-centered design. By integrating strategy and innovation management approaches like the Double Diamond, Design Thinking, and Agile methods, I work more efficiently and deliver customer-friendly products that truly resonate.

UX/UI Design
100%
Visual Design & Branding
100%
Design Management
95%
Design Tools (Figma, Adobe Suite)
100%
Time and Project Management
95%
Usability Testing
95%

Experience in numbers

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Work Experience
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Full Design Projects
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Happy Clients

Educational Path

At Macromedia University of Applied Sciences Cologne, Germany // 2021-2022

  • Awarded with an „Excellence Merit International Scholarship“
  • Received best possible grade on Master’s thesis with a grade of 1.0 (equivalent with GPA of 4.0)
  • Major subjects: design management, digital technologies, design strategies, HCD and UX principles, strategy- and innovation management, impact and value of design

University of Applied Sciences Mainz, Germany // 2018 – 2021

This degree focused on time-based and interactive media, covering animation, coding, video, and other multimedia design. I gained fundamental skills in graphic design, animation, UX/UI design, media law, and branding, balancing creative exploration with practical applications. This program fueled my passion for crafting meaningful, engaging experiences through design and technology.

Key Achievements:

  • GPA: GPA 3.6 (Grade 1.4)
  • Thesis: GPA 3.8 (Grade 1.2)
  • Led animation and interactive projects combining storytelling and technology
  • Gained hands-on experience in coding and media design tools
  • Developed strong teamwork and presentation skills across interdisciplinary project

At Gymnasium Siegburg Alleestraße, Germany // 2013 – 2017