Why are you involved with AIGA Raleigh?
I’m involved with AIGA for many reasons. I find our AIGA chapter in particular to be an incredibly powerful resource for connecting to talented professionals within my industry. I also enjoy participating in the valuable workshops and seminars offered and giving back to my creative community by taking advantage of the many volunteer opportunities that are constantly available. Finally, I’m a naturally social person and I just enjoy meeting new people, making new friends and I look forward to AIGA events because I know I will always be surrounded by people who share my passion for design and creative thinking.
What is your overriding professional goal?
To always produce the highest quality work every day, no matter the client, industry or content.
How do you explain what you do to “regular people?”
Most people are very open, even eager to hear about what I do and how I do it. Since design and interactive design are both highly visual and consumer oriented, its usually very easy for me to show samples of what I do and what I was trying to accomplish with each piece. Its even more fun to actually show some of the creative process (the pages and pages of fonts tested or the sketchbook full of logo concepts developed before even touching the computer) to people, then they really start to grasp how much thought and work goes into each aspect of a design piece.
What professional accomplishment are you proudest of?
I’m just getting started really, but so far taking the time to pursue video and other interactive mediums without having much experience at all has been a professional accomplishment that I’m most proud of. It can be intimidating to jump into things you haven’t had much experience with but extremely rewarding when you find out, hey, I can do this!
What is your non-work creative outlet?
My 2 boxers, Winston and Emma, goofy balls of joy and love that inspire me every day. Also, team sports, live music and trying out new recipes on my unsuspecting husband…
What’s your biggest design-related pet peeve?
Goodness this is a hard question. I try to keep an open mind to design concepts, styles and creative mediums. I find that my biggest pet peeve would just be working with those who can’t keep that open mind. What makes design so exciting is that there is no “right” way.
What is the last thing that made you laugh out loud?
My husband. Just meet him. You’ll understand.
If you could wake up tomorrow having gained one ability or quality, what would it be?
Teleportation.
Who is your favorite cartoon character?
Doug.
What led you to volunteer or join the board?
My AIGA Meredith Student Group led me to want to participate professionally with the chapter after I graduated. The AIGA board’s passion for our chapter and the amazing events we host led me to want to volunteer.
What have you done as a board member or volunteer that you are most proud of?
I helped organize one of the larger event’s that AIGA Raleigh has hosted, the Alina Wheeler event. I was very proud to be a part of that team. It was extremely rewarding when we sold out the event. I was so proud when Alina Wheeler said that she wanted to be a part of our chapter.
What have you gained or what do you hope to gain through your involvement with AIGA Raleigh?
I have gained a sense of community in the Raleigh area. I am a part of something bigger than myself working towards a unified goal and it feels good. I have a core group of friends and colleges to share my passion for design with. We all benefit from each other’s willingness to participate and give back.
