Resume

Linda Goin holds an A.A. in Fashion Design (1974), an A.A. in Graphic Design (1978), a BA in Visual Communication (2003), and an M.A. in American History with a concentration in the Reformation (2005). Her diverse educational background reflects her ability to integrate seemingly divergent fields, which she has leveraged throughout her career. Linda’s expertise in design and writing has been instrumental in her work on archaeological digs, where she focused on the study of material culture.

Her professional journey spans over 50 years, with significant achievements in graphic design, writing, and content development. Linda’s contributions to the media landscape have earned her numerous accolades, including thirteen first-place awards from the Colorado Press Association and the prestigious "Shining Star" award in 1995. She has also been featured in notable publications such as The Wall St. Journal, Chicago Tribune, Psychology Today, and the L.A. Times.

In recent years, Linda has ventured into social media experiments and digital asset creation, utilizing her broad skill set to adapt to the evolving digital landscape. Despite personal challenges, including the loss of close family members and health crises, Linda has demonstrated resilience and continues to thrive in her professional endeavors.

Professional Experience

Freelance Graphic Designer, Web Designer, Writer
1970 – Current

  • Developed engaging online content and comprehensive content strategies, enhancing brand storytelling and audience connection for clients including University of Mississippi, Gulf Coast Business Magazine, and United Marine Underwriters.
  • Created high-impact graphic designs and illustrations, contributing to successful print and digital campaigns.

Executive Director, Discover Downtown La Grange, La Grange, Kentucky
2010 – 2012

  • Spearheaded content creation for public relations campaigns, significantly boosting community engagement and event participation.
  • Authored and distributed press releases, newsletters, and event descriptions, elevating the program’s visibility and stakeholder involvement.

Owner, La Venture Station, La Grange, Kentucky
2011 – 2013

  • Managed a co-working cooperative, utilizing space in the historic downtown district to foster small business growth and community.
  • Developed marketing materials and content to attract and support tenants, ensuring consistent occupancy and visibility.

Owner, Sticks and Stones Retail Establishment, Norwood, Colorado
1994 – 1998

  • Founded and operated a profitable bead and sewing shop, generating a profit within two years.
  • Created and executed marketing campaigns, driving customer traffic and sales.

Reporter, Production Artist for Norwood Press, Norwood, Colorado
1994 – 1997

  • Reported on local events and produced high-impact stories, increasing newspaper circulation and community engagement.
  • Edited and designed newspaper layouts, earning multiple awards for excellence in journalism and design.

Education

M.A. History, DePaul University, Chicago, Illinois
June 2005

  • Thesis: “Virginia Huguenot Impact on Southern Baptist Origins”
  • Graduated with distinction and 4.0 GPA, full scholarship.

B.A. Visual Communications, The Illinois Institute of Art, Schaumburg, Illinois
2003

  • Graduated with honors.

Skills

  • Writing and Editing
  • Content Strategy
  • Graphic Design
  • Web Design and Development
  • Public Relations
  • Community Engagement

Public Service

  • President, Norwood, Colorado Chamber of Commerce, two consecutive terms (1993-1997)
  • President, Norwood Racing, thoroughbred, two consecutive terms (1994-1996)
  • Grant writer for various entities in Norwood, Colorado, and La Grange, Kentucky
  • Public Relations Chair for multiple non-profit organizations

Awards and Honors

  • Kentucky Historical Society Research Grant (May 2005)
  • Filson Historical Society Fellow (January 2005)
  • Egan-Martinez Full Scholarship, History Department, DePaul University (2004-2005)
  • Merit Scholar, History Department, DePaul University (2003-2004)
  • Colorado Press Association Shining Star Award and thirteen first-place awards for copywriting, layout, and design (1996)
  • Various art and design awards, including a regional ADDY (1970 – 2001)

Teaching Experience

Teaching Assistant, Department of History, DePaul University, Chicago, Illinois
Winter Quarter 2005

  • Assisted Drs. John Burton and Jane Baxter during a travel abroad session in San Salvador, Bahamas, contributing to a five-year archaeological project.

Fine Art and Graphic Design Instructor, Private, Various Locations
1982 – 1999

  • Taught design and fine art principles to individuals and groups aged six to adult, in various public settings.

Selected Publications and Presentations

  • "Mom Chronicles," financial column published weekly through BUYandHOLD. New York: Oppenheimer (2001-2012).
  • WordPress Heroes, DMXZone.com E-Book (January 2010).
  • DMXZone.com Premium Content, weekly tutorials on graphic design, web design, and social media (2004-2010).
  • Better Investing Magazine, monthly editorial column (2006 – 2009).
  • Design and Accessibility: Recommendations and Legalities for Web Designers and Developers, DMXZone.com E-Book (2006).
  • "Fort Charlotte’s Graffiti: Nineteenth Century Bahamian Military Life," Journal of the Bahamas Historical Society (October 2005).
  • Learn To Design With Flash MX, Friends of Ed Publishing (November 2002).
  • Published poet in various venues, most recently the Mojave River Press & Review (1994-2019).
  • She-Oak, chapbook published by Musehick Publications (July 2019).
  • Fearless Morning, pop-up chapbook online, Mojave River Press & Review (2019).