Claire Doyle Ragin
Member since 2002
What is your overriding professional goal?
I simply want to do my personal best at whatever I do, professionally or personally. I engage in creative exploration whether I'm designing a logo, doodling in my sketchbook, or cooking dinner. I'm passionate about results...I'll often put in extra time on projects simply because I know I can do just that much better. I also try to be an expert on the technical side of design...so I spend a lot of time learning about everything from print production techniques to theming for drupal to hand-binding books. The more I know, the better I can design for a medium, and the more value I can provide to my clients.
If you were a corporation, what would be your mission statement?
Red Beret Design is an LLC, so I in that sense, I am a corporation. My statement of purpose is "Red Beret Design provides strategic communication design to companies that need a dedicated partner to help reach their marketing goals". I view myself not as a freelancer who does odd jobs here and there, but as an integral member of a company's communication and creative team, if only for a short time.
What professional accomplishment are you proudest of?
This may sound odd for someone who works solo, but I'm most proud of the times I have led teams, directed projects and mentored individuals. I've mentored people who have gone on to have amazing careers. Most recently, I'm really excited about the Independent Communicators Alliance (icatriangle.org). I became president of the board a year ago, during which we've launched a new website, membership and marketing drives, and a series of speaker events. The board members are really energetic and enthusiastic, and the members are top-notch professionals.
What is your non-work creative outlet?
I've always had my hands in visual arts, writing and music. Music has been on the back burner the last few years, although I did teach myself the ukulele last year. I have started drawing and writing again on a regular basis, and have various art, jewelry, bookbinding and needlework projects that I would love to find more time to do. I also write a blog, and have started a memoir. I have outlines for several novels and hope someday to take a couple of months off to devote just to writing.
What do you see yourself doing in five years? And where?
I see myself doing exactly what I'm doing now, only further along with my plans for Red Beret Design, for several joint ventures I'm working on, and for my creative pursuits. I hope to still be working at home, which will probably still be in Durham, although I'd love to spend a lot more time at the beach and on the west coast than I do now.