A Graphic Designer’s Studio

I’m always searching for the balance between having a personal space to be creative and social/community outlets. Last year, I was lucky enough to work beside the folks at Stream Collective (a co-working space in Ithaca, NY) and had a great experience. I loved the idea of a co-working space because you can share ideas and resources with other small business owners and freelance graphic designers. But this year, I’ve decided to move to a studio —a creative space and “a room to call my own”—in the Dewitt Historic district of downtown Ithaca, NY.

My “boutique graphic design business” is a fast growing, small firm producing lively and original brand identities, illustrations, publications (and more … ) for both print and web environments. I’m able to maintain a high-quality creative spirit of the work because I always communicate directly with the client and have a passion for the arts.

Find me on Google – My Business.

a graphic design student asks questions

I thought I’d share with you a few questions a senior graphic design asked me about starting out and working in the field of graphic design.

1. What is your favorite project that you have worked on? Why does it mean something to you?
My favorite project was the Walkway Over the Hudson brand development. It means something to me for a couple reasons—personal and professional! At the time, I was the Senior Designer at Pirtle Design! During that year, the project was building momentum and all the materials were getting produced in preparation for the Grand Opening in October of 2009. Logo[s], Signage, Wayfinding, Maps, Banners, Gates, Tee-Shirts, Pins, Brochures, you name it, we did it! When the day of the Grand Opening came, Woody Pirtle and I felt good about the work we had done—it all looked great because we had been a solid team. As the masses walked through the gates for the first time, I felt an enormous rush of excitement on how graphics interact and help unite people together. Banners hung above the crowds, people reading about the history on interpretive panels, using maps, wearing shirts and hats excited to be supporters of this new New York State Park! For the first time since the late 1800’s people were using the bridge—this time as a pedestrian walk!
Living a block from the Hudson River myself, it had become a special place for reflection and taking breaks away from the computer. The launch of a project like this gives me some perspective that graphic design and branding are not just means to market—they are an opportunity to contribute.

2. When did you know/ what inspired you to become a designer?
I made a decision, late my senior year in High School, that I really wanted to be able to make a living in the arts. I felt that graphic design would be a good choice (even though I didn’t know too much about it yet). I was never absolutely sure about my career choice, but felt inside that that if I stuck with something long enough, and was opportunistic, I would be able to make a living working in the arts.

3. What has driven you throughout the years as a working designer?
Being around creative, and just really good people of any age. My mentor, Woody Pirtle, and his wife, Leslie, have been very solid and positive influences in my life and career. I’m also driven by just simply wanting to do a better job, learning from all my mistakes, and picking up tricks of the trade along the way.

4. Who has inspired you along the way?
My mentor, Woody Pirtle, who I have now worked with for over 10 years!