Background facts
Let's hear a little background industry info about you.
I've been in the graphic design business for over twenty years. I've worked at both small design firms as well as large advertising agencies.
For the past two years, I've been on my own.
I'm originally from a small town in Oklahoma. I went to the University of Oklahoma where I received a BFA in Visual Communication. This past year, I was asked to come back to teach a senior portfolio class. I was also honored as one of three alumni showcased in the School of Art 100th anniversary show.
Dress code
How do you determine what you're going to wear to work each day?
It really depends on my schedule. For meetings, my style is classic with a creative twist. If I'm working from home, I'm usually in comfy workout clothes. If I'm traveling, on a photoshoot, or press check, then you'll only see me in flats.
Do you have a typical go-to look for when you have your client meetings?
I wear black probably 90 percent of the time, or neutral colors. I keep my wardrobe simple and classic. Accessories - on the other hand - are a much different story. I love statement pieces, anything that expresses my personality. Original with a creative flair!
Do you have a go-to brand that you tend to gravitate towards?
Zara is one of my new favorites. Their clothing is beautiful and relatively inexpensive.
Where else do you shop?
My go-to's are Nordstrom, Zara, Neiman Marcus, and T.J. Maxx.
When do you find the time?
Whenever I'm having a bad day, and I need some retail therapy, or on the weekends. I'm very spontaneous, and if I have a desire to go shopping, then I will just go.
When you travel, how do you take it all with you?
I pretty much take basics. I never over pack. I usually pack clothing that I can mix and match. I change it up with interesting jewelry.
Carry-on wise, I take my travel tote. It is used only for travel and contains the necessities I think everyone should have: a blanket, travel slippers, personal care items, silencing headphones, and a mini first aid kit. I throw in whatever I need for work; my iPad, notebooks, etc.
What are some of your favorite places to visit when traveling?
One of my favorite places to go for jewelry is called the Young Designers Market [The Market], in NYC. It's a great place for unique finds from up and coming designers.
For shoes, there is a store in Soho that I love, Keito. They're expensive, but worth it. Exquisite, one-of-a-kind shoes and boots. I promise you - if you shop there, you will never see anyone else wearing your shoes.
What's on your wish list for the upcoming season?
Right now I'm all into Stella McCartney handbags.
What type of daily tote or bag do you carry to your client meetings?
Large totes which will house everything. My favorite day-to-day bags: a black Gucci hobo, and a red Chloe satchel.
What's something that you wear that instills more confidence on the days when you just kind of need an extra boost?
I have a pair of J Brand jeans that I absolutely, absolutely love. They're the most flattering jeans. If I'm having a big day, small day, whatever - I love them. Then I usually wear a really fun, boat neck top, or a colorful jacket. I also have this great pencil skirt that has zipper accents that I pair with a crisp white shirt.
On most days, are you pants or skirts?
Pants - jeans actually. I consider jeans the "new" pants.
Heels or flats?
I wish I could wear flats all the time, but I have a plethora of heels.
So, wear heels most of the time, especially in meetings.
Lipstick or lip gloss?
Both. Lip gloss mainly. My favorite is Smashbox "Pout" in both lipstick
and lip gloss. It's a very natural, sheer pink.
What's the most important part of your beauty routine that you feel
helps complete your look?
All of my skin care regimen. I'm a horror when it comes to products.
What are you into now?
I love StriVectin. They have a great neck cream. I love that they have
great face serums.
What is your typical approach toward jewelry?
Anything original. I love unique, individual, one-of-a-kind pieces. My approach: less is more. If it's a statement piece, then let it make a statement.
On a daily basis, what are the jewelry pieces that you wear all the time?
I have an awesome twig necklace that I bought from a designer in Dallas - f. is for frank. I also wear a pair of diamond vintage drops that were my grandmother's.
Who are your favorite jewelry designers currently, and what are you looking to purchase for yourself?
BuDhaGirl. Her pieces are beautiful and I love the theory behind her brand. Veski Designs by Millie Veski, a local designer who is also one of my best friends.
Desk drawer
What would you say is your favorite office supply and why?
Sharpie pens, every size, every color. And Le Pens.
What is a work tool that's a must-have for you, app, hardware or software?
Adobe Suite, mainly Illustrator. Dropbox is a must.
What about on your iPad?
Love Flipboard. It keeps me inspired and up to date with the latest trends, fashion, design, interiors, etc.
How would you describe your office space?
Resourceful and inspirational. I have a huge library of creative books, reference material, and paper stocks. I display my favorite creative pieces that I've done, and design from others as well.
Where did you purchase your office furniture?
Most everything is from Ikea - my desk, filing system, and bookshelves.
It's funny that you use your cutting board basically for your mouse pad.
Yes, it works double-time! Simplicity.
Daily commute
We don't really have to ...
Yeah, exactly, I walk downstairs for a cup of coffee.
When you work, do you listen to music?
Sometimes. If so, I like soothing music or podcasts.
Workday
What essentials do you take with you to client meetings?
Sharpies, my iPad; I always use a notebook, always (I am a big notebook person - I probably have five or six of them), and client research.
Do you use different notebooks at a time or are you using multiples at the same time?
I use multiples at the same time - one for research, meeting notes; another for sketching and creative thoughts.
How do you handle job-related stress?
I get acupuncture every two weeks.
Agenda
How do you stay on top of industry news for design?
Through publications like Dwell and Communication Arts. Also, Flipboard's one of my big go-to's.
Do you have anybody that inspires you?
Kelly Wearstler [interior designer] inspires me all the time.
Have you gotten any advice during your career that really stuck with you?
I just think that you need to take care of what's the most important at the time. Sometimes, it's work. Sometimes, it's family. Sometimes, it's your self.
Downtime
What do you do during your downtime to refresh yourself?
I probably do what most people do; exercise, etc. For a major refresh, I travel. It's amazing how a great trip can rejuvenate you holistically.
Where are you looking forward to traveling next?
I would love to go to Thailand. I'm dying to see that part of the world. I've heard it's amazing.
"You need to take care
of what's the most important at the time. Sometimes, it's work. Sometimes, it's family. Sometimes, it's your self."
Her iPad case (top left) makes a cohesive color statement next to her portfolio (right) with the interior pouch (bottom left).
