What is one thing you learned in school or via an alternative learning source that has made you a better professional? What was the name of the school / instructor / resource?

I have been snowballing lessons and skills throughout my entire growth as a graphic designer, and have been shaped by the influence of everyone I’ve had the chance to work with.

I went to George Mason University in Fairfax, VA where I graduated with a BFA in Graphic Design. I then worked in-house at Discovery Communications for 3 years, since which I have been freelancing for 6 years with various clients.

Some of the key lessons I’ve learned along the way are:

• Stress passes, but sh*ty work stays.
• Each client, no matter how big or small, deserves that you give their project 110%.
• Take every opportunity and make it *the* opportunity.
• Be nice, to everyone.
• Make time for personal projects and exploration.
• Find what makes you unique as a creative and own it.
• Don’t. Miss. Deadlines.
• Know what your limits are, and don’t overcommit.
• Work/life balance is a real thing.

And whenever possible: underpromise and over deliver.

As a woman in graphic arts, how do think the female perspective has impacted the evolution of the industry?

In almost every case, having multiple perspectives on a problem can lead to some of the most creative and effective solutions. This holds true with having womens’ perspectives in design. Every person is shaped by their own journey, and you’d be doing the world a disservice by excluding the perspectives of 49.6% of the world’s population from an entire industry.

Name a female graphic artist, living or deceased, that made an impact on your aesthetic or work style (Include their social media handles if available). How does that impact present itself in your work?

Oh man, all of them?? Everything I ever look at teaches me something; whether it’s what not to do, an extremely clever technique, or a new skill or trick, I try to absorb as much as I can from every designed element I encounter.

These are some names that immediately jump to mind though of women who have taught me so much from their books:

Ellen Lupton, for teaching me the basics.

Susan M Weinschenk, Ph.D., for teaching me how people think

Jessica Hische, for teaching me how to treat type right

Martina Flor, for teaching me invaluable tips on hand lettering (and for being a badass Argentinian!)

Heather Bradley, for teaching me how to design funny

And although she wasn’t a graphic artist: my mum has been my biggest supporter my entire life and I know I am among the lucky ones to have had parents who not only believed in me, but cheered me on in my career as a designer. (To give you some context, my parents bought me my first coloring book at the age of 6 months, and it was 3 inches thick…) I hope every woman has someone as supportive in their life cheering them on.