Designing a safer, more sustainable world

Wordsmithie clients often share their positive feedback (if we do say so ourselves) on the beautiful print design work we create for them. But what they may not know is that their on-brand, attention-grabbing case studies, white papers, ebooks, event invitations, logos, and other marketing assets were designed by one of our most creative team members. The talent behind the work is Wordsmithie’s Design Director, Marlene Tam. 

In addition to being a career B2B and B2C graphic designer and art director (as well as a Xoogler), Marlene is a Sifu (Master) in Wing Chun Kung Fu and a Certified Massage Therapist specializing in Acupressure and Tui Na, a form of energy work. She also makes time to volunteer for community advocacy groups in the San Francisco Bay Area, where she resides with her spouse. 

“Community pro bono work keeps my design skills flexed on a variety of communication materials,” Marlene offers. For example, she has developed safety tip handout cards, magnet reminders, and signage for the local Neighborhood Watch program; a presentation for a neighborhood association’s earthquake retrofit talk; and branding materials for United Peace Collaborative, an organization recently profiled in the New York Times for their Asian community safety patrols. 

Marlene has also received emergency preparedness training, completed community volunteer safety patrol training, and is working on a Master in Local Sustainability Course at the county level. 

Marlene always brings her full creative energy and focus to the job, whether designing a strategic marketing campaign for a Wordsmithie client, or giving back to her community. We’ve come to rely on her range of talents to deliver the outstanding work our clients expect. “Wordsmithies are highly accomplished,” Marlene shares. “They bring the same skill set that led to their outside successes to the client’s projects, such as grasping the big picture, focusing on the details, and driving to meet or exceed a project’s goals.”