Bachelor of Fine Arts in Studio Arts with an emphasis in Photography and Digital Design
Graduated December 2011
Garth and Jerri Frehner Museum of Natural History, May 2012 to December 2012
Photographed fossils, minerals, shells, and other specimens from the
museum's exhibits for archival purposes. Also greeted museum guests and gave tours.
Gerald R. Sherratt Library, August 2010 to November 2012
Worked as a graphic designer and photographer, creating
custom brochures, newsletters, posters,
and other publications for the library. Photographed
events and custom photos for publications and promotional
materials. Also assisted in redsigning and maintaining the
library website. Additionally worked as a temporary administrative
assistant doing secretarial work.
Southern Utah University Art Department, September 2010 to April 2012
Monitored the digital photography Mac lab and assisted students
with printing, scanning, and Adobe programs. Helped students
in the lighting studio with photography projects, lighting
equipment, and studio ettiquette.
Self-Employed, 2008 to Present
Create custom website design, print design, and photography
for businesses and individuals.
Cedar City, UT. Fall 2012
My series Elemental Galss was selected to be displayed in Southern Utah
University's Art and Design Curriculum Exhibition. This exhibition wss
put together to highlight some of the best work completed by previous students to
promote classes offered by the Art and Design program at SUU.
Cedar City, UT. Winter 2011
Displayed my series Food for Thought in Southern Utah University's
Senior BFA Exhibit at the Braithwaite Gallery.
Buena Vista, VA. Spring 2008
Photography published in The Review, Southern Virginia
University's literary and art magazine.
Syracuse, NY. Summer 2007
Awarded third place in the adult color photography competition in the New
York State Fair. Entries were from the entire state, including the
New York Metro area.
References available upon request.
My name is Marissa K. Gifford. I am a freelance photographer and graphic designer based in Salt Lake City, Utah.
I am excited to work with you, whether it is a photography project, a graphic design project, or both. Below is a list of some of the services I offer. To see a complete list of prices, be sure to check out my prices page. If you don't see something listed that you'd be interested in, be sure to contact me.
I come from a very artistic family and a hometown (Ithaca, NY) with a rich culture for the arts, and have always naturally aspired to be an artist myself. I initially discovered my passion for photography and graphic design after taking a few classes in high school that introduced me to the field. It was in college that my passion grew when I acquired my first SLR camera (the Nikon D50) and my own Adobe Creative Suite.
I began college at Southern Virginia University in their multimedia design program. Sadly the school cut the major, so I decided to transfer to Southern Utah University to pursue my interests. I graduated from SUU with a BFA in Photography + Digital Design in December 2011.
In 2010 I married Isaac, my best friend. We recently moved from Cedar City to Salt Lake City to pursue new career paths since we both recently graduated. Isaac is working at Viint as a software developer. I must mention that he is a brilliant computer programmer and he develops the websites I design for clients. We make a great team.
When I am not working on photography or graphic design projects, I enjoy cooking and baking, learning about ancient history, playing the piano, playing tennis, listening to music, shopping, and hanging out with my husband, friends, and family. Most of all I love learning new things and I am always looking for new and exciting things to do.
Check out my most recent projects on my blog: marissakg.com/blog
Check out and like my facebook page: facebook.com/marissakg
Check out my husband's work: geekingreen.com
Check out my cooking blog: thatsyummyinmytummy.blogspot.com
