Name: Heather Hefner
Professional Discipline(s): Graphic and Web Design
Portfolio | Twitter
Why are you involved with AIGA Raleigh?
I think it’s important to get together with others who work in my field. Networking is something everyone knows they should do but they don’t always want to do it. But it’s a lot easier when you’re networking with creative people because I’ve found they’re very friendly and fun.
What is your overriding professional goal?
I feel like I’m already living my professional dream. I’m working as a contractor for two companies and I get to work from home, set my own hours and take on different and challenging projects. Eventually I hope to do more side projects, particularly logo design.
How do you explain what you do to “regular people?”
Being a contractor in itself can be difficult to explain. I usually just tell people I design websites and do some design work for a public relations firm. Some people don’t really understand all that goes into web design, but they know the final result. My previous career was in public relations, so I’m used to explaining that field, which is typically misunderstood.
What professional accomplishment are you proudest of?
It was a big decision to change careers, especially since I decided to go back to school full time while continuing to work in PR part time, but I love design and it was worth the extra work.
What is your non-work creative outlet?
Like many designers, I enjoy photography. I have the most photogenic one-year-old niece and a ridiculously cute dog, so I take a lot of pictures. I’ll take even more in July when my baby is due!
What’s your biggest design-related pet peeve?
Awful websites. A friend of mine gave me a recommendation for a pediatrician, and I almost wanted to pick someone else because their website was so poorly designed.
What is the last thing that made you laugh out loud?
My 91-year-old father-in-law moved in with us recently, and he likes to have the TV on during the day for background noise. I work in a different room but I can always tell if Ellen or Judge Judy is on – or if Obama is cutting in to make a speech – based on the amount of curse words that come out of his mouth. It’s pretty entertaining
If you could wake up tomorrow having gained one ability or quality, what would it be?
I would love to wake up and realize that I’m suddenly a morning person.
What have you gained or what do you hope to gain through your involvement with AIGA Raleigh?
Last year I attended the Portfolio Review as a student and I learned so much in just those few hours. Once I have more experience, I plan on being a reviewer to return the favor.