How did you become designer?

I was always drawn to making art when I was a kid, but I didn’t see how that could turn into a career. In fact, I didn’t know anyone who was a designer, and I had only a very vague idea of what a designer does. I studied Environmental Science in college with a minor in Studio Art, and got a communications job when I graduated. I found that the part of that job I enjoyed the most was when I got to create posters or mailers for events. Meanwhile, a friend of mine studied graphic design, and began telling me about the kind of work she was doing. Design seemed like a good mix of my creative and analytical skills, so I decided to go back to school for a certificate. Afterwards, I worked in a few different design agencies, and started freelancing full time about a year and a half ago.

How would you define your vision of design, your style? 

As a designer, I tend to adapt my style to the communication goals of my clients, so my work ranges from clean and geometric to organic and whimsical. My illustration and painting style often includes watercolor or layered artwork inspired by older printing techniques.

For the future, what are your professional projects?

Current projects in the pipeline include a website/brand refresh for a community development nonprofit, design/layout for an academic book about data visualization, and branding for an organization that celebrates community in my area. I hope to continue to work with clients that aim to have a positive impact. Additionally, I’m hoping to further hone my illustration skills and dip my toes into the world of editorial illustration.

I love making personal connections with my clients, and creating something that feels exciting, strategic, and “just right.” When I start a project, I often don’t know where it’s going to end up, so it’s exciting when I wind up somewhere unexpected. This process can be frustrating at times, but it is so rewarding when it all comes together.