Carl-Eric Tangen

  • Communications, Publicity, Music, Evangelization
  • Edmonds, WA, USA
  • Apr 28, 2025
Full time Communications Design Graphic Design Media-Journalism Ministry, Music Public Relations

Work Experience

Freelance Designer, Music Publicist, and Creative Consultant
Jun 2010 - Present self-employed

Provide narrative-driven design, communications, and music promotion services for artists, nonprofits, churches, and small businesses. Offer graphic and web design (branding, print/digital collateral, album art, WordPress/Squarespace sites), publicity (bios, press releases, PR/media campaigns), and consulting on identity, strategy, and growth. Known for a holistic, story-first approach that integrates visual identity, messaging, and mission. Clients often come at a transition point—rebranding, launching a project, or shifting direction—and I help shape clear, cohesive strategies across platforms.

Pastoral Asst. / Coord. for Music, Liturgy, Communications & Media
Nov 2020 - Aug 2024 Holy Rosary Parish Edmonds (Arch. of Seattle)

Managed parish communications, including graphic design, branding, social media, email newsletters, and weekly bulletin editorial, layout, and production. Directed music ministry for liturgies and events; arranged, engraved, and licensed music; designed and produced worship aids. Oversaw media production and livestreaming; researched, installed, and implemented A/V, IT, and SaaS solutions. Collaborated with clergy, staff, and volunteers to ensure cohesive worship, effective communication, and smooth operations. Designed branding for events and ministries, including print layouts and multimedia assets. Trained and directed choir members and musicians. Scheduled and managed volunteers across music, media, and communications roles. Developed strategies to enhance the church’s online presence and community outreach.

Publicist
Feb 2014 - Sep 2020 Hearth Music

Ran national PR and communications campaigns for folk, roots, Americana, indie-folk, and global artists. Developed and executed integrated PR campaigns for album releases and tours. Secured coverage in major outlets like NPR, Paste, Rolling Stone Country, and BrooklynVegan. Specialized in narrative-driven artist bios and press materials. Managed radio promotion, coordinated artist visibility for high-profile outlets (Tiny Desk Concerts, World Cafe, Paste/Daytrotter Sessions), and ran PR for a national music festival. Provided in-house graphic design and managed media/radio contact databases. Managed on-site media tents, coordinated artist interviews and press appearances, and served as a liaison between artists, journalists, and production teams at music festivals and industry conferences.

Creative Arts Minister
Dec 2013 - Jan 2018 Maple Park Church

Provided comprehensive leadership and support across creative and operational functions, encompassing the direction of music and liturgy for worship and events, alongside teaching and facilitating ministries through volunteer coordination. Developed artistic projects to enhance worship and managed all church communications, including print and digital design, bulletins, and social media. Spearheaded a major organizational rebrand and a successful transition to a new church management system (ChMS), involving research, team training, data migration, and user adoption. Oversaw campus IT and A/V needs, from equipment to software implementation. Additionally, led music at worship services, supported volunteer ministry leaders, and assisted with pastoral care needs.

Co-Founder & Vice President
Dec 2013 - Aug 2017 Coastland Commons

As part of a co-founding team, I helped establish and lead a non-profit arts organization focused on community art projects that bridged the gap between the artist community and local churches. My responsibilities included helping secure grants and representing the organization at a national grant symposium and other conferences. I also developed the organization's branding and created print materials to support its mission. To support our album and merchandise release, I wrote, directed, and edited a short film for a successful Kickstarter campaign, which provided valuable experience in event planning and publicity. Additionally, I organized and presented at conferences, workshops, and retreats to promote the integration of arts and faith, facilitated weekly discussion meetings for artists, and gained experience in live music production and performance in various settings.

Education

B.A., Philosophy
Aug 2006 - May 2010 George Fox University
Running Start (transfer)
Sep 2004 - Jun 2006 Edmonds College