Hi I'm Kelsey.
Nice to meet you!

I'm a graphic designer currently working in Boston, MA at Artists For Humanity. There, I am Design Director leading concept and creative direction for projects, managing a design team as well as client projects from quote to delivery, and mentoring Boston teens.

EDUCATION

Lesley University

BFA in Graphic Design

Minor in Business Brand and Marketing

Urban Scholars Initiative Member, Dean’s List

Art History Study Abroad in Paris

Specialties

Design & Creative Direction
Brand & Visual Identity
Layout and Publication Design
Wayfinding & Signage Systems
Project & Client Management
Event Activation and Promotion
Marketing/Fundraising/Social Media
Mentorship and Youth Empowerment
Environmental Design & Interior Graphics
Footwear and Apparel
Storytelling and Brand Activation Experiences
Production, Fabrication & Installation Mgmt

EXPERIENCE

Artists For Humanity
(Design Director and Teen Mentor)

February 2008-Present

As Design Director, Kelsey oversees and leads the conceptualization, design, and implementation of all client design projects including branding, layout, books, apparel, awards, campaigns, fundraising, way-ﬁnding and signage, large-scale graphic murals, and environmental design. For over a decade, Kelsey supported all internal initiatives in need of design support including events, marketing, sales, communication, development, fundraising, campaigns and internal initiatives. Kelsey directly supervises adult design staff/mentors to 20+ teen apprentices. Her ability to strategically identify design systems including future applications and opportunities for visual storytelling enhances her success of achieving organizational partnerships and fundraising goals.

New England Sports Network
(Part-time On-Air Designer)

May 2014-September 2019

Graphic Designer responsible for delivering day of on-air television graphic imagery and marketing materials for NESN Sports Today, Red Sox, Bruins and NESN Update.

IN THE NEWS

WCVB 5 for Good: Artists for Humanity offers employment in the arts to local teens

Kelsey Arbona, who oversees the graphic design department, has worked for the organization for 14 years. She started as a teen in the painting studio.

She said teens in the program are considered colleagues with mentors overseeing the process.

"All their ideas are valuable,” Arbona said. “All of their skillsets are valuable."

Watch the video

Alumni Stories: “Where Are They Now?”

She said that she doesn’t necessarily expect her teens to become designers, but that she wants them to learn other lessons from the experience. “I do expect them to be able to observe the world and listen genuinely and have ideas for solutions and take a position,” she said. Arbona explained that AFH helps teens develop these abilities because it requires them to work with clients and advocate for their art.

“I also want the teens to be able to have a seat at every table, in any important conversation,” she said. This had driven her to help many of the teens register to vote. She explained, “Having choices in our world is a privilege, and they deserve that privilege.”

Read the story

NoBull x Artists For Humanity

Watch how the NoBull x Artists For Humanity collection came to life and learn about the designers behind the project.

*Video Credit: NoBull Media Dept.

Watch the video

Strictly Business: Women Of Influence

It all began with a simple question: “If you had the chance to have a conversation with a woman of high influence, what would you ask them?” In 2015-2017, young women at Artists For Humanity (AFH) worked on “Strictly Business — Women of Influence,” a project that profiles women as decision-makers in today’s society. Every day, AFH creates empowering experiences for our teen employees, but we recognize that adolescent girls are, historically, faced with a unique predicament. Although much progress has been made in women's empowerment, there still remains a gender gap. “Strictly Business” allowed us to provide an opportunity for young women to engage in a dialogue outside of our walls with women across a variety of industries and hear firsthand their stories to success. Our goal — to give them a seat at the table and access to positive role models. In so doing, they would be inspired to become their own advocates and advance their future. “Strictly Business — Women of Influence” was made possible by a grant from the Anna B. Stearns Charitable Foundation.

Read their stories