Profile

Creating Graphics for small to mid size companies. This involves creating logos, business cards, brochures, signs, trade exhibits and conference graphics. I also do some web and email work.

A lot of time is spent using the computer and sitting doing sketches. A small portion is spent going to meetings, and doing self promotion work at networking events.

Mostly entrepreneurial businessmen and women who work in the Austin, TX area.

I start the day by checking my email messages and phone messages. Depending on timelines of projects, I will either respond to these first thing, or I will finish up any design work that has a deadline. Throughout the day I do a lot of switching from email/phone to doing layout and design work and sending off any completed concepts to the client.

If projects have been approved, I finalize any production work (making sure images are up to specification for printing, color checking, and spell checking) and then sending artwork off to the printers or exhibit companies. At days’ end, I make a list of any necessary work for the next day.

Client communication, detail oriented, deadline aware and motivated, and the ability to “sell” your services and solutions to clients.

Can be typical 9-5 pm or less depending on the load of work, but can also be the opposite where you spend every moment from awaking to going to bed late in the evening in order to complete projects on time.

Minimal travel at present as most of my clients are in the Austin area.

Having different kinds of projects with different goals where I get to apply my creativity to a design problem.

I do not always enjoy sitting as much as is required. I am a fairly active person.

Other designers, art history, and doing other creative work outside of design. These influences can be very important as they give you something to go back to when you get stumped. Sometimes the best thing, is to leave it for a while. Epiphanies happen for me all the time when I am away from it entirely. So I guess I would say taking a break!

It may surprise my parents, but my parents. They always told me not to accept the status quo, and that I was capable of anything I put my mind to. My dad is an entrepreneur as well, so it was good to see that you could make a living without having a “job”. It taught me a lot about independence and self reliance.

A teacher I had in community college before I got my act together. I will never forget having him sit me down in his office to tell me how creative I was, and that I needed to quit “coasting”.

I can’t think of any. Normally, I figured out my own way, and if I thought advice was “bad” I ignored it.

Believe in yourself! I have talked to a lot of girls and one thing that strikes me is how little they believe in themselves, and listen more to the negatives in life vs. the positives. Not everything will go right, but what you need to have is a good sense of self. If you have that, you can overcome and achieve almost anything.

I think I might suggest shadowing someone who does the career you are thinking you would like. It gives you a lot of perspective on what the “job” will be like vs. what you will learn in school. These are often very different. It’s something I wish I would have done.

I do a lot of outdoor stuff: Hiking, swimming, gardening, and traveling when I can. I also read a lot and sew, and knit when I can’t be outside.

Art in general. I love to paint and be creative. I am always trying new things, techniques, etc. The newness keeps me inspired.

Hard work. Good decisions, and bad ones too. I wouldn’t change any of them.

Hmm. Originally, my path was going to take me to London, to be an art director, or associate designer. I always loved the idea of it.

I didn’t get there. I unfortunately fell seriously ill right around the time I would have made that decision to go.

Eventually I ended up here in Austin, as my health never fully recovered to what it was. I met a wonderful man, and started my business. I learned that my “path” is more organic than I thought it could ever be. I also learned that even with physical limitations, I could still make my own choices and live a great life, which I do.

Being able to get a job, and still be creative.

As I mentioned in my “path”, I got off course with falling ill to Lyme Disease. It’s where I learned there was no set path, and that I needed to be able to make everyday as good and happy as I could even in the face of something you can’t see or necessarily even change out of will.

It ultimately has made me a stronger person in many ways. That personal strength is what continues to get me through the tough days, and fully appreciate the really great ones.

So make as many of them great. Believe in yourself, and pursue the life you want to have. Do not lament the bad days, or not being exactly where you wish you were, enjoy the process, as it is truly what it’s all about.