Mercy Lomelin, 20

Give us a brief bio:

Where are you from? Born? Raised?  

Born in Corpus Christi, raised in Lewisville and Flower Mound.

Where did you go to school?  

Flower Mound High School and the University of North Texas

What did you study, and how did you become interested in design?  

Communication Design at UNT. I was introduced to graphic design by an Advertising Design Class at the Dale Jackson Career Center my junior year of high school.

Do you find that there are difficulties for female designers to find their place in the design community? How about to become leaders in the field?

I personally have never had a problem, but I don’t believe that I have been in the field long enough to run into one.

Who are your personal role models, and what styles influence your work the most?

Over all, I’ve found myself admiring the work of James Victore, Louise Fili, Stefan Sagmeister, Jessica Hische, Chip Kidd, and Alvin Lustig, who are all very different. I enjoy creating a look and feel for each of my projects, so depending on the piece I’ll find different styles that may influence the mood, or even time period, that I’m trying to convey. I would say that in the end, my role model would have to be James Victore. He’s an elaborate character who puts a strong emphasis on concept rather than form. “I’m less interested in what the words look like than what they say.” – James Victore 

Who have you worked with who has impacted / influenced you the most?

Frances Yllana! I had the pleasure of working for her last summer at MasonBaronet. From last year to this year, I had a noticeable growth spurt in my design because I was able to come back with a completely different mindset. Not only did she give me the confidence I needed, Frances helped me to shape myself around creative thinking. I started to take risks and play more during the creative process, where I think before my complete lack of confidence mobilized me from exploring everything I could.

What are your personal organization or time-management tips – professionally and life-wise?

I think everyone needs to find a time management method that fits his or her own working style. I’ve created my own system with Text Edit to create a calendar/list type To Do List to strike through and keep up with different classes, projects, competitions, etc. It’s simple, quick, and works with how I work.

Have you had to make sacrifices one-way or the other (relationships, jobs, hobbies, etc) for any reason?

Oh definitely, I think everyone in my major has had to make some kind of sacrifice or another. It’s a competitive program, but I would argue that even though I’ve fallen out of a relationship before, I found someone later on through graphic design (we are in the same major together). We’re constantly challenging each other in our work, plus our dates include illustration nights, critiquing packaging at the grocery store, going to bookstores… fun little things that keep us creative with our busy schedules.

Do you think your persona is reflected in your work? If yes, what aspects, if any, of your designs and illustrations reflects parts of your personality?

Yes, but it might be a bit of a stretch… I think I have a very sporadic personality. I’m constantly excited and enthusiastic, and I think the majority of my work has a movement that’s gestural, or you could even say a little unrefined.

Favorites:

• 1 aspect of design you give the highest priority to.  A strong idea/conceptualization
• 1 design-related book you highly recommend to read.  I am Almost Always Hungry by Cahan & Associates
• 1 design magazine you read on a daily/weekly basis (online or offline). Communication Arts
• 1 website you have bookmarked (design / non-design)  Eight Hour Day and Good for Grasshopper

If you could take a trip anywhere in the world for design inspiration, where would it be?
Denmark!

What are three qualities that you admire most in a designer?

1. Creativity
2. Concepting (ability to create a wide variety of quality ideas)
3. Multitasking (ability to do a lot of projects, including personal ones, well)

If you had to choose another profession, what would it be?

A Marine Biologist! Or maybe even a Pilot.

Lastly, what would you tell people outside of DFW, about the opportunities for women here? How would you describe the women in the field here?

Badasses. The women here are smart, talented, and have been the most influential to my design career. 

Aubrey Klein, 24

Give us a brief bio:

Where are you from? Born? Raised?

From/Born/Raised in Wichita, KS

Where did you go to school?

Kansas State University

What did you study, and how did you become interested in design?

I grew up with a love for drawing and painting, but in high school, I became more interested in problem-solving than self-expression. This prompted me to (excitedly) pursue a degree in graphic design.

Do you find that there are difficulties for female designers to find their place in the design community? How about to become leaders in the field?

I believe all new designers struggle when they first enter the field, but women face a different set of challenges (particularly societal pressures to put careers aside to start families). Becoming a leader in the field requires a woman to continue pursuing her career goals, even in the wake of marriage and children.

How about the Dallas community specifically? How was your experience entering the field here and getting to where you are now?

The design community in Dallas is tight-knit, but very helpful and receptive to newcomers. My experience entering the field in DFW took three years. I made a point to visit Dallas every spring to re-connect with creatives I had met at my first DSVC Student Conference, and after landing a couple interviews, I was finally hired as a web designer at Fossil in the fall of ‘10.

What are specific milestones you’ve encountered? (Interpret at will)

• My first (and worst) design job ever: Designing vanity license plates and vinyl decals at a kiosk in the mall
• Volunteering at the National AIGA Conference for my first trip to New York City
• Going to the DSVC Student Conferences in ‘08,’09 and meeting my (now) mentors
• Finishing my senior portfolio (and seeing it published in Flaunt by UnderConsideration)
• My first internship and two “big kid” jobs
• Relocating to Dallas, TX, for my current position as a web designer at Fossil

What are the most significant things you wish you had known when starting out?

I wish I would have known more about talking money with freelance clients and negotiating with potential employers. Having formal training in UI architecture would have been extremely helpful as well.

What are the most difficult challenges a designer faces in her career?

Knowing when to leave a design job, particularly to relocate somewhere unfamiliar, has been one of the most difficult challenges I’ve faced.

How did you adapt your skills and knowledge to the challenges you faced?

My college professor used to say, “When you stop learning, it’s time to move on.” While it is difficult to leave fun coworkers and exciting projects behind, keeping that phrase in mind has helped me understand when it is time to pursue new opportunities.

What is the most disappointing mistake or problem that you’ve encountered in your career?

When I started my first job, I had difficulties with time management and saying “no.” I would accept more projects than I could comfortably fit on my plate, which resulted in poor execution and near burnout. I have since learned when to ask for help and how to better balance a heavy workload.

Who are your personal role models, and what styles influence your work the most?

My personal role models are individuals who dedicate themselves just as much to their personal work as they do their professional work. (Names that come to mind: Matt Stevens, Nicholas Felton, Kate Bingaman Burt)

Who have you worked with who has impacted / influenced you the most?

Overall, web developers have been some of the most interesting (and creative) coworkers I have worked with. Aaron Fisher, the first developer I worked with one-on-one, allowed me to practice front-end code and helped me understand basic concepts of UI and web design. I apply the knowledge he shared on a daily basis.

What are your personal organization or time-management tips – professionally and life-wise?

Prioritization is key. I still handwrite my to do lists so I can more easily memorize/visualize my tasks in order.

What are you dedicated to outside of work? How do you handle the pressure of deadlines and stay well-rounded?

Outside of my day job, I am a mix maker for Designers.MX, yoga novice and freelance designer. I try to leave work at the same time every day (if I can help it) and leave those stresses at the office. Making time to relax with friends on a weekly basis – even if I have to schedule it – keeps me sane, too.

Have you had to make sacrifices one way or the other (relationships, jobs, hobbies, etc) for any reason?

When I accepted the biggest job of my career, I had to sacrifice the closeness of my family and friends (geographically speaking, at least).

Technology is changing unbelievably fast. What are your feelings about all of this information and automation? What are some of the ways you keep ahead of the game and stay innovative?

I love the idea of changing technology. While traditional mediums will always have a place in my heart, I am fascinated by the way formerly printed materials are going digital. I try to brainstorm with developers and research trends in interactive design to stay innovative and inspired.

Do you think your persona is reflected in your work? If yes, what aspects, if any, of your designs and illustrations reflects parts of your personality?

Most of my favorite work is illustrative (reflecting my fine arts background) and type-based (reflecting my fascination with words).

What should students and new designers focus on outside of their course work to advance in their careers?

Passion projects! Design-related or not, personal work gives a designer the opportunity to explore new things and learn about herself in the process.

What would you recommend to students who aspire to working in design? Any message to female designers specifically?

Volunteering at design conferences allows you to (somewhat inexpensively) gain inspiration and meet a lot of experienced creatives – I highly recommend it. Overall: travel, make friends with everyone, and don’t be afraid to ask questions.

Favorites:

• 1 aspect of design you give the highest priority to.  Content. If the content sucks, prettiness can only do so much to save it.
• 1 design-related book you highly recommend to read.  How to Be a Graphic Designer without Losing Your Soul
• 1 design magazine you read on a daily/weekly basis (online or offline). Smashing Magazine
• 1 website you have bookmarked (design / non-design)  Designers.MX

If you could take a trip anywhere in the world for design inspiration, where would it be?
Dubai, UAE. It is home to so much innovation and manmade first-of-its-kinds that it would be an incredible place to see where the future of technology and architecture is headed.

What are three qualities that you admire most in a designer.

Sense of humor, curiosity, humility.

If you had to choose another profession, what would it be?

Copywriter or Six Flags caricature artist.

Second to lastly, what is your favorite memory / recollection of working? Any incident? Any crazy deadline? Any inside joke?

With the help of my web group teammates, we choreographed, rehearsed, and successfully performed as a dance crew in front of the entire company. (Easily the strangest/coolest team building experiment I have ever been a part of.)

Lastly, what would you tell people outside of DFW, about the opportunities for women here? How would you describe the women in the field here?

I believe there are ample design opportunities for women in DFW. The ladies I have met here are very empowering and career-minded individuals, and they have inspired me to continue expanding my knowledge and become more involved in the design community.

Michèle Wong, 28

“it’s tough trying to be a badass and a lady at the same time”

Give us a brief bio:

Where are you from? Born? Raised?

Mauritius, Indian Ocean

Where did you go to school?

University of Dayton and North Carolina State University

What did you study, and how did you become interested in design?

BFA in Visual Communication Design and Masters in Graphic Design

Do you find that there are difficulties for female designers to find their place in the design community? How about to become leaders in the field?

I don’t think that there are difficulties for female designers to find their place in the design community but I think there are some obstacles being a rather young female educator. Working twice as hard and making sacrifices in order to excel at being a female educator seem to be the required ingredients to a successful career in design academia. Becoming a leader should not have anything to with one’s gender but talent and personality.

How about the Dallas community specifically? How was your experience entering the field here and getting to where you are now?

I didn’t struggle finding a job in Dallas, TX or other states. At least, I didn’t feel that the process was biased. I work with a group of very supportive colleagues who have always provided the best tailored advice to me, a budding female educator.

What are specific milestones you’ve encountered? (Interpret at will)

Going to graduate school for design was a milestone that led me to the career I’m currently devoted to. Being an assistant professor at this stage in my life is one of my biggest achievements. It’s a difficult but rewarding occupation.

Other milestones would include presenting papers at national and international conferences and getting my research published in prestigious journals.

What are the most significant things you wish you had known when starting out?
The toll of this field on personal life.

What are the most difficult challenges a designer faces in her career?

Maintaining a leading voice in the field while being a lady. A top chef female contestant caught my attention with the following: “it’s tough trying to “be a badass and a lady at the same time”

How did you adapt your skills and knowledge to the challenges you faced?

Part of being a designer is being a problem-solver. Always having a plan B, C, D etc. seems to work.

What is the most disappointing mistake or problem that you’ve encountered in your career?
I don’t have one specific example in mind but in general I wish I took more risks in the past. While I don’t think this has anything to do with being a female, it most definitely is a personality flaw.

Who are your personal role models, and what styles influence your work the most?

Meredith Davis was my mentor and thesis advisor in graduate school. She is one of the leading (female) voices in design academia. I admire her poise and question how one can be so calm and have such a powerful presence at the same time.

Who have you worked with who has impacted / influenced you the most?
My UNT Communication Design colleagues.

Being exposed to different personas has helped me grow as a designer, thinker and educator. Each one of my colleagues has provided essential advice that have allowed me to shape my design values and beliefs and teaching methodologies.

What are your personal organization or time-management tips – professionally and life-wise?

I use calendars, lists and time-management apps all the time. It’s really up to the individual but I find that calendar reminders make sure I don’t miss an appointment, lists help me categorize my workload and visualize what is possible and what is not and apps help me block distractions when I need to focus.

Do you have a family / kids? No

If so, how do you handle the pressure of deadlines and find time for your family? Other commitments outside of work/family?

Having an understanding partner and keeping my eyes focused on the goal at hand even if that means sacrificing other items on my bucket list seem to be a satisfactory solution at the moment.

Have you had to make sacrifices one way or the other (relationships, jobs, hobbies, etc) for any reason?

Yes. My motto has always been career first. I never used to have hobbies when I was in school. I was a workaholic and that has not changed much but I have given up on relationships so I could go to graduate school… in a different state. I also have given up on relationships and sometimes friendships so I could move to Texas to be a design professor. This field is sometimes so time-consuming that when I have down time, I just want to lay down and enjoy some quiet moments instead of nurturing long-distance friendships or relationships.

Technology is changing unbelievably fast. What are your feelings about all of  this information and automation? What are some of the ways you keep ahead of the game and stay innovative?

I teach interaction design and therefore my initial response is: I love technology.

However, I think it should be used in moderation. Sherry Turkle calls for a healthy diet with technology and I agree with her. Supposedly a typical employee can focus for 11 minutes on a task but then gets distracted. It takes that person about 25 minutes to get back on track and re-focus on the work at hand. I am mostly concerned for the current and upcoming generations of students. How do we teach them and how do we manage them as employees?

I keep ahead of the game by presenting at conferences and attending others’ presentations at conferences. I also download a lot of apps and am constantly on wired.com or fastcompany.com.

An interest in students also seems to keep me updated when it comes to technology. Engaging in non-academic conversations with them is refreshing and informs you about their lifestyles and the gadgets they use.

Do you think your persona is reflected in your work? If yes, what aspects, if any, of your designs and illustrations reflects parts of your personality?

As a design educator, my personal values and interests are reflected in my research agenda. I am vastly interested in technology but I am personally perturbed by the decreasing critical thinking skills of some students…a decrease that some blame on technology. In my work, I try to problem-solve ways in which technology can trigger critical thinking in users.

What should students and new designers focus on outside of their course work to advance in their careers?

Work ethic. Staying humble. Pick up new skills (design or non-design)

What would you recommend to students who aspire to working in design? Any message to female designers specifically?

Don’t be scared to take risks. Don’t be scared to ask for more).

Use design to problem-solve and make a difference.

Set long-term goals. Where do you see yourself in 10–20 years. How will you get there?

Favorites:

• 1 aspect of design you give the highest priority to.
  Research
• 1 design-related book you highly recommend to read.
  Information Anxiety 2
• 1 design magazine you read on a daily/weekly basis (online or offline).
  How magazine
• 1 website you have bookmarked (design / non-design)
  Harvard business review

If you could take a trip anywhere in the world for design inspiration, where would it be?
Japan or Prague

What are three qualities that you admire most in a designer.
Work Ethic/Honesty

Drive/Passion

Proactivity

If you had to choose another profession, what would it be?

Lawyer

Lastly, what would you tell people outside of DFW, about the opportunities for women here? How would you describe the women in the field here?

I have not been here long enough to form an opinion about women in the DFW area.

In terms of opportunities, I have always been one to believe that location should not define opportunities. People make the best out of a situation. 

Lily Smith+Kirkley, 30

Give us a brief bio:

Where are you from? Born? Raised? I was born and raised in Dallas, TX

Where did you go to school? Maryland Institute College of Art, Baltimore, MD

What did you study, and how did you become interested in design? I studied design. I became interested in design through my parents. My mother and father were in the business and fostered my artistic inclinations.

Do you find that there are difficulties for female designers to find their place in the design community? How about to become leaders in the field?

At this point in my career I’m lucky enough to say that I’ve not experienced any difficulties due to being female. However, I fear that when I do decide to start a family that my male counterparts will continue on and my career will pause. I’ve been fortunate to work for many women who’ve had children and I hope that I can take what I’ve watched and learned and apply it to my life and career — I’ve witnessed several really talented women make that transition.

How about the Dallas community specifically? How was your experience entering the field here and getting to where you are now?

I entered the Dallas community part resident and part stranger. Thanks to my parents and their friends I returned to Dallas after being away for 7-ish years and felt really welcome and embraced — that is by all of my parents colleagues who are all much older than me. This wasn’t a problem as I’m used to having older friends but its taken me a while to bust out of my shell and make an effort to introduce to designers and colleagues my own age.

What are specific milestones you’ve encountered? (Interpret at will)

I lived and worked in NYC for three years. I feel very proud to have had that experience and will always remember that time — for better or worse that is where I cut my teeth as a designer.

Several years ago I bought my first printing press — a Vandercook SP-15. Designing and printing my own prints and products is fun, exhilarating and it’s what fuels me every day.

What are the most significant things you wish you had known when starting out?

MICA (Maryland Institute College of Art) was at the time I attended a very conceptual program. I came out of school with the ability to think and generate but I lacked any real knowledge of what it means to be in the service industry. I wish someone had sat me down and explained the client/designer relationship.

Also, I wish I had had the opportunity to take a business class. I suppose it’s never too late but I think I’ve figured it out…mostly.

What are the most difficult challenges a designer faces in her career?

Currently, the most difficult challenge I’m facing is the dream of striking out on my own but being afraid of making ends meet. Had I struck out earlier before mortgages and adult responsibilities maybe it would have been easier.

How did you adapt your skills and knowledge to the challenges you faced?

I’ve been extremely fortunate to have worked for great companies. Each place has taught me something different but in the end I think the three virtues I try to remember to embrace each day are:

be flexible — I remember being told not to “marry my work” and it’s the truth. The work belongs to the clients and we’ve got to be flexible to their needs and whims.

work hard — Nothing bad has ever happened as a result of working hard.

be nice — When I moved from NYC to Dallas I didn’t realize it but I guess I had an edge. Being homes has softened me and I think it suites me better. Plus — and I know this is trite — but, it’s a small world and everybody comes back around.

Who are your personal role models, and what styles influence your work the most?

Spur Design, Dave Plunkert and Joyce Hesselberth, Baltimore, MD — I interned at Spur all throughout college and still find it to be one of most profound experiences thus far. I loved getting to watch Dave and Joyce work — they are illustrator/designers and bearing witness to their process was eye opening. They also run their own studio and have three children.

Dirk Fowler, F2 Design, Lubbock, TX — Dirk is a designer, letterpress printer and educator. His work is whitty, light hearted and original — oh and it’s LETTERPRESS.

What are your personal organization or time-management tips – professionally and life-wise?

I’m a list maker — at home and work. I love nothing more than striking something off of a list.

Do you have a family / kids? Partner yes. Kids no.

If so, how do you handle the pressure of deadlines and find time for your family? It’s a give and take. We understand each others goals and try to communicate clearly and openly.

Other commitments outside of work/family? What else is there?

Have you had to make sacrifices one way or the other (relationships, jobs, hobbies, etc) for any reason?

No, not really. I’m really lucky.

Technology is changing unbelievably fast. What are your feelings about all of  this information and automation? What are some of the ways you keep ahead of the game and stay innovative?

My favorite piece of technology is an oily printing press from 1962. I stay innovative by staying old school.

Do you think your persona is reflected in your work? If yes, what aspects, if any, of your designs and illustrations reflects parts of your personality?

I hope so. In my letterpress work for sure. I love the unpredictable, unpolished, and folksy — maybe those are part of my personality too.

What should students and new designers focus on outside of their course work to advance in their careers?

Writing and business.

What would you recommend to students who aspire to working in design? Any message to female designers specifically?

Be flexible.
Work hard.
Be nice.
Don’t let boys walk all over you.

Favorites:

1 aspect of design you give the highest priority to.

Transformative powers — through design a boring, blah entity can be transformed into something more…more interesting, compelling…something to be noticed.

1 design-related book you highly recommend to read.

ULINE catalog — seriously.

1 design magazine you read on a daily/weekly basis (online or offline).

Design Work Life
Design Sponge
Dribbble
Yewknee

What are three qualities that you admire most in a designer.

Raw innate talent. Willingness to share and teach. Modesty.

If you had to choose another profession, what would it be?

1. Letterpress printing studio owner/operator
2.  Public Radio 

Lastly, what would you tell people outside of DFW, about the opportunities for women here? How would you describe the women in the field here?

Dallas is a great place to be a designer — there’s lots of business here and whether you’re looking to work in a studio or in-house there are many opportunities to be had. The women I’ve worked with have been very talented and strong. 

Kerry Franz, 32

Give us a brief bio:

Where are you from? Born? Raised? El Paso, TX

Where did you go to school?Texas State University in San Marcos

What did you study, and how did you become interested in design? Communication Design. I began drawing when I was really little. When I first began college, I didn’t really know what graphic design was. I discovered it from my best friend who planned to major it in. In the end, she ended up becoming an amazing teacher and I followed the design path.

Do you find that there are difficulties for female designers to find their place in the design community? How about to become leaders in the field?

I definitely think some work environments are harder for women. Of course that’s not just for graphic design, but probably in every field. Men are usually more aggressive and outspoken, which makes it challenging for women especially in situations that are lead mostly by subjective opinions like critiques. As a woman you have to really learn to stand your ground and make your opinions heard.

How about the Dallas community specifically? How was your experience entering the field here and getting to where you are now?

The Dallas community has a lot of strong women designers who have helped paved the way for all of us. My first design job here in Dallas was with Liz Burnett at Matchbox. She is a great example of a strong female designer and a successful business owner.

What are specific milestones you’ve encountered? (Interpret at will)

Confidence. I’ve always been my worst critic, which can be good– you don’t want to walk around with a chip on your shoulder, but too much can really hold you back creatively.

What are the most significant things you wish you had known when starting out?

That certain skills and knowledge comes with time. You have to just work hard and take it day by day.

What are the most difficult challenges a designer faces in her career?

When you first start out, you’re young and eager to take the design world by storm. Then you begin different chapters in your life which involve marriage and children. It’s challenging to find that sweet spot where every aspect of your life is in order, personally and professionally.

How did you adapt your skills and knowledge to the challenges you faced?

I try to work hard at my weaknesses by facing them head on and not being afraid of what I think I may not be capable of.

Who are your personal role models, and what styles influence your work the most?

I can drool over Louise Fili’s work all day. Her sense of typography and detail are just beautiful. Everything she does is so polished and elegant. I’ve also always been really drawn to Bauhaus design, like Herbert Bayer. The strong type, bold colors and geometric shapes are so intriguing.

Who have you worked with who has impacted / influenced you the most?

My first creative directors, Liz Burnett and Jeff Breazeale taught me the importance of unexpectedness and adaptability, among many other things. I also learned a lot from my good friend and fellow designer, Lily Smith-Kirkley, who has an amazing use of typography and detail.

What are your personal organization or time-management tips – professionally and life-wise?

I try to work smart and plan ahead on every project. Making lists, as detailed as necessary, is really important.

Do you have a family / kids? If so, how do you handle the pressure of deadlines and find time for your family?

I don’t have any kids, but I do have a husband, who I think is the best thing since sliced bread, so it makes it hard when I have to be at work for long hours. Fortunately, I’ve grown to appreciate Sunday football, in which he watches football and I can work if needed.

Technology is changing unbelievably fast. What are your feelings about all of  this information and automation? What are some of the ways you keep ahead of the game and stay innovative?

The way social media has exploded in the last five years is amazing. You have to stay on your toes and keep your eyes open and always try to be thinking ahead. My brain doesn’t automatically go in the technology direction, so I try to ask a lot of questions to the people around me.

Do you think your persona is reflected in your work? If yes, what aspects, if any, of your designs and illustrations reflects parts of your personality?

It’s hard to say since I feel like my work is growing all the time. I guess I have a tendency to design the same way I decorate my house. Lots of white, pops of color here and there and special little details that not everyone will notice, but are still extremely important and necessary.

What should students and new designers focus on outside of their course work to advance in their careers?

Really anything extra they can bring to the table is at their advantage. Any fine art skill like illustration, screen printing, painting, hand drawn type will benefit them greatly. Also, writing code and being able to create a website from start to finish is obviously becoming more and more important.

What would you recommend to students who aspire to working in design? Any message to female designers specifically?

Find a mentor, work closely with fellow designers/friends and learn to take criticism. Female designers tend to produce feminine looking design, so it’s helpful to be aware of that when approaching a project. When you’re working with different types of clients, you have to be able to adapt accordingly. You don’t want your work to get passed up by a client because it looks “too feminine”.

 
Favorites:

1 aspect of design you give the highest priority to. First, the message should be clear and second, it should be visually impactful.

1 design-related book you highly recommend to read. I’m a huge fan of the Type Directors Club annuals. They’re inspiring and it’s nice that you can actually read what font is used under each piece.

1 design magazine you read on a daily/weekly basis (online or offline). Well, it’s not a magazine, but I love browsing on designinspiration.net.

1 website you have bookmarked (design / non-design) lovelypackaging.com because we all dream of a world where products on shelves are all designed as well as the packaging on there.

If you could take a trip anywhere in the world for design inspiration, where would it be?
Greece. I’m a sucker for lots of white, clear blue water and antiques.

What are three qualities that you admire most in a designer.

Being able to illustrate well, the ability to knock out amazing logos and strong conceptual skills.

If you had to choose another profession, what would it be?

It’s tie between a wine maker in Napa and a host on one of those travel shows like “The Worlds Best Hotels” where I can travel around the world, stay at gorgeous hotels, eat at amazing restaurants and get paid for it.

Second to lastly, what is your favorite memory / recollection of working? Any incident? Any crazy deadline? Any inside joke?

I have a lot of good memories, but the first that comes to mind are the times when Jen Brehm (now Jen Singer), Lily Smith-Kirkley and I would have to work late. As soon as everyone would leave, we’d blast the most ridiculous music we could find. I mean like, Miley Cyrus, ridiculous. There would be some very loud singing and dancing involved.

Lastly, what would you tell people outside of DFW, about the opportunities for women here? How would you describe the women in the field here?

The opportunities in Dallas are probably the best in the country. It’s amazing how many good design shops/agencies there are. You can also meet a lot of kind and amazingly talented people here.

Samantha Reitmayer Sano, 33

Give us a brief bio:

Where are you from? Corpus Christi

Born? Laredo

Raised? Houston

Where did you go to school?Texas Christian University

What did you study, and how did you become interested in design? Graphic design, I’m an artist and needed to make a living, no idea what graphic design even was

Do you find that there are difficulties for female designers to find their place in the design community?

I do, but I have found my niche but for others trying to compete with BtoB clients I think it is still very tough.

How about to become leaders in the field?

I don’t think that is as hard… In my opinion, hard work and kindness get you a long way… and a little talent helps too ;)

How about the Dallas community specifically?

I think this is a very male driven community. So the few women who are leaders tend to stand out more easily than in other cities.

How was your experience entering the field here and getting to where you are now? Great, very thankful to my previous employers and my involvement in the DSVC to get to where I am today.

What are specific milestones you’ve encountered? (Interpret at will)

Oh boy… that’s a loaded question for anyone I’m sure. I think finding that balance of being young and tenacious with time to learn and gain experience.

What are the most significant things you wish you had known when starting out?

That I don’t know everything.

What are the most difficult challenges a designer faces in her career?

Family and work, hands down.

How did you adapt your skills and knowledge to the challenges you faced?

Hmmm… not sure how to answer this one. I stuck to what I liked and what I thought I was good at even though it may not be what everyone else is doing.

What is the most disappointing mistake or problem that you’ve encountered in your career?

Mistakes. You have to make them but I am always disappointed. I think I take them to heart more than most.

Who are your personal role models, and what styles influence your work the most?

So many people, Chris Rovillo taught me so much in the time I worked for him but as women we look at all kinds of people. My husband who is a graduate of a 2 year design program and now runs an amazing studio. Phil Hollenbeck for his undying and insane passion, my editor from FD Luxe, Tracy Hayes or Grace Bonney from the blog Design Sponge. I feel lucky to have connections with these special people and all of their grace, creativity and curiosity influence me constantly.

Who have you worked with who has impacted / influenced you the most?

Chris Rovillo

What are your personal organization or time-management tips – professionally and life-wise?

Oh gosh, I’m a workaholic and the wrong person to ask! I’ve always had three jobs since I was about 19.

Do you have a family / kids?

Not yet, just four dogs and my sweet husband who thankfully is in the same industry and patient.

Have you had to make sacrifices one way or the other (relationships, jobs, hobbies, etc) for any reason?

Absolutely. I would rather not get into all of that but definitely… the job has almost always come first. I’m learning to work on that and I think that’s something that requires a huge balance… too lazy — work harder, work too hard — slow down.

Technology is changing unbelievably fast. What are your feelings about all of  this information and automation? What are some of the ways you keep ahead of the game and stay innovative?

Gosh, Just live on the internet and keep talking to other people. If you don’t look around you will miss it!!

Do you think your persona is reflected in your work? If yes, what aspects, if any, of your designs and illustrations reflects parts of your personality?

Yes, I love all things beautiful and I love interior design. I think that definitely plays a huge role in the tactile qualities and execution of my work.

What would you recommend to students who aspire to working in design? Any message to female designers specifically?

Work hard and be a sponge. Find people you like and admire and shower them with love and graciousness so that you can learn all you can. (and likely make wonderful life long friends too!)

Favorites:

• 1 aspect of design you give the highest priority to. Paper/Materials
• 1 design-related book you highly recommend to read. Hand Job by Michael Perry
• 1 design magazine you read on a daily/weekly basis (online or offline). Design. Work. Life.
• 1 website you have bookmarked (design / non-design) ffffound.com

If you could take a trip anywhere in the world for design inspiration, where would it be? New York

What are three qualities that you admire most in a designer.

Confidence, Humbleness, Kindness

If you had to choose another profession, what would it be?

Anything related to art and design. I love it all.

Second to lastly, what is your favorite memory / recollection of working? Any incident? Any crazy deadline? Any inside joke?

Toooo many. I think one of my most favorite memories was opening the Sales Center at Cowboys Stadium or maybe seeing the Jean Paul Gaultier exhibit for the first time before anyone else. Both very rare and special.

Lastly, what would you tell people outside of DFW, about the opportunities for women here? How would you describe the women in the field here?

It’s the biggest small town you will ever live in. You can make your life what you want it to be. It’s up to you. Decide who you are and stick to that. I think if you look at the women (that I admire anyway) they all know who they are in the business world and stay true to that vision.

Karen Dorff Bio // Age: 53

I was born and raised in North Dakota. I went to school  first at Moorhead State University in Minnesota and finished my degree at the University of North Texas (North Texas State at that time.) I studied painting and drawing and became interested in design when I was hired fresh out of school to draw digital images with one 
of the first digital drawing programs for computer based training for AT&T.

Do you find that there are difficulties for female designers to find their place in the design community? How about to become leaders in the field? 

Back in the ’80s when I first started designing, the design field was populated with mostly male designers. I think all that has changed now and women have many more opportunities and avenues to succeed.

How about the Dallas community specifically? How was your experience entering the field here and getting to where you are now?

My first job working as a designer was with Dr Pepper/7-Up. It was the late ’80s and the culture within that organization was very Dallas with a hint of Mad Men. It was an interesting time to work for a large corporate art department as I witnessed the unraveling of traditional print processes as the design department began the 
transition from analog methods to digital media. Southwest Type used to set all our type and by the time I left, most of the type was being set on Macs using Quark Express. 

What are specific milestones you’ve encountered? (Interpret at will)

In order: The transition from analog to digital design in the late 80’s and early 90’s, my personal transition from designing to teaching design, and finally the current explosion of social media and how it’s changed the way we interact with one another.

What are the most significant things you wish you had known when starting out?

I wish I had known how consuming the design process is and how important it is to take breaks from the 
process to refuel and get enough sleep to sustain good health.

What are the most difficult challenges a designer faces in her career?

Balancing family and career. 

How did you adapt your skills and knowledge to the challenges you faced?

I taught myself software, how to use the computer to design (back in the day) and was part of the first group of designers to make that transition. I read a lot and taught myself how to design. I still do… read a lot an teach myself _______________ (fill in the blank).

What is the most disappointing mistake or problem that you’ve encountered in your career?

I wish I had known about design when I was much younger. I was 30 with a young child when I began my design career and that made it much harder to work at the level I would have liked to and where I would have preferred.

Who are your personal role models, and what styles influence your work the most?

Currently it’s Elizabeth Warren. She’s smart, ethical, a real patriot and passionate about instituting meaningful change in this country.

I teach design so I’m very aware of current style trends as they tend to get overused by students (and professionals) and often become a poor substitute for good ideas. I encourage my students to get beyond style—concept is king. Style is merely the paper we wrap great concepts in.

Who have you worked with who has impacted / influenced you the most?

Eric Ligon, Associate Dean for Academic and Student Affairs at the University of North Texas. He’s been a good friend over the years and I wouldn’t be where I am without his help and mentoring. 

What are your personal organization or time-management tips – professionally and life-wise?

I use a timer, set specific goals and time currency for those goals, and get off the computer as much 
as possible.

Do you have a family / kids?  If so, how do you handle the pressure of deadlines and find time for your family?

I was just getting started when my daughter was a baby and I missed a lot of early time with her but decided to work for myself, freelancing when she was in elementary school which allowed for more flex time to be with her.

Technology is changing unbelievably fast. What are your feelings about all of  this information and automation? What are some of the ways you keep ahead of the game and stay innovative?

I think there’s too much information to be useful and we’re all suffering from information overload. The human ability to process information remains a constant while the digital explosion keeps accelerating. 

Do you think your persona is reflected in your work? If yes, what aspects, if any, of your designs and illustrations reflects parts of your personality?

Not sure that it does or should if you’re solving a client’s design problem.

What should students and new designers focus on outside of their course work to advance in their careers?

Everything. Travel, listen to new music, read all the time, make new friends, try new food, go to the theater, make art, adopt new hobbies… it takes a long time to become well rounded but dive in and get started… the process is as fun as the end product.

What would you recommend to students who aspire to working in design? Any message to female designers specifically?

Get a good education (design and general) and be assertive. Don’t be afraid of the ‘B’ label and stop trying to please everyone. Not that you aspire to be labeled as such, but as females we often acquiesce when we should take a stand. Believe in yourself and surround yourself with talent.

Favorites:

• 1 aspect of design you give the highest priority to.  Research.
• 1 design-related book you highly recommend to read. The Art of Looking Sideways
• 1 design magazine you read on a daily/weekly basis (online or offline). Communication Arts.
• 1 website you have bookmarked (design / non-design)
• Design Observer, Painter’s Table

If you could take a trip anywhere in the world for design inspiration, where would it be?

The Netherlands.

What are three qualities that you admire most in a designer.

Great eye (for color, form, space and typography). Keen conceptual skills and the ability to execute well.

If you had to choose another profession, what would it be?

Pastry chef.

What is your favorite memory / recollection of working? Any incident? Any crazy deadline? Any inside joke? 

Probably the funniest thing that happened was, in a frenzied hurry to get to a design presentation (with a new 
client), all the designers piled into the car and (unbelievably) someone forgot they had placed the presentation portfolio on top of the car. We arrived at our client meeting and after a bit of small talk we started our pitch… and realized we didn’t have the work. We had to talk our way through ideas… not an effective way to present visual work. On the way back to the studio, we found our portfolio lying in the middle of the road, having been run over a few times.

Sharon LeJeune, 45

Give us a brief bio:
I was born and raised in Lafayette, Louisiana – the youngest of 4 children. I went to school at the University of Louisiana where I earned a BFA. I am 45 years old.

Do you find that there are difficulties for female designers to find their place in the design community? How about to become leaders in the field?

I think it can be difficult for women, especially as they get older. The demands on your time and energy can be a challenge. Sometimes it can be hard to keep all the balls in the air. 

How about the Dallas community specifically? How was your experience entering the field here and getting to where you are now?

My experience entering the field in Dallas was better than I could have imagined. I was lucky enough to land at David Carter Design, which was filled with great clients, travel experiences, good budgets and a wonderful boss. 

What are the most significant things you wish you had known when starting out?

I wish I knew how much things were going to change.

What are the most difficult challenges a designer faces in her career?

You face different challenges at different phases of your life but I think the most difficult challenge overall is to try and keep a work/life balance. This is especially difficult if you have a family. 

How did you adapt your skills and knowledge to the challenges you faced?

You have to learn to adjust, be flexible and make it work. 

Who are your personal role models, and what styles influence your work the most?

I think Paula Scher is a great role model. She has managed to rise to the top in a male dominated organization. She has real conviction in her work. 

Who have you worked with who has impacted / influenced you the most?

My first Creative Director at David Carter Design was Lori Wilson. She taught me so much about good design, client relationships and the importance of pushing every piece to be the best it can be.

What are your personal organization or time-management tips – professionally and life-wise?

I’m a list maker. I love the satisfaction of checking things off as I accomplish each item. It also keeps my head clear so I’m not always trying to remember what I need to do.  

Do you have a family / kids?If so, how do you handle the pressure of deadlines and find time for your family?Other commitments outside of work/family?

I am married with 2 kids ages 5 and 8. My husband and I have worked together at Monster Design for the last 11 years. 

It’s tough to keep a work/life balance – especially when you work with your husband. You can’t do it all 100% of the time. Sometimes family comes first and sometimes work comes first. You just have to learn to make it work and have an understanding partner.

Have you had to make sacrifices one way or the other (relationships, jobs, hobbies, etc) for any reason?

You definitely have to make sacrifices, unless you are one of those people who do not need sleep – which I am not! Different things have to give way at different times of your life. You just have to adapt to whatever phase you are in and enjoy it as much as possible because before you know it, things change. 

Technology is changing unbelievably fast. What are your feelings about all of  this information and automation? What are some of the ways you keep ahead of the game and stay innovative?

Just trying to keep up is challenging sometimes. You can’t be an expert on everything. It’s important to hire the right people and to have great vendor/partners to learn from.

Do you think your persona is reflected in your work? If yes, what aspects, if any, of your designs and illustrations reflects parts of your personality?

I like things clean and simple. I think this is reflected in my life and my work.

What should students and new designers focus on outside of their course work to advance in their careers?

I think that traveling increases your perspective on design and exposes you to a lot of different influences. I also think all designers should take basic marketing classes, public speaking classes and a business course or two.

What would you recommend to students who aspire to working in design? Any message to female designers specifically?

Make sure it is something you love to do.

FAVORITES:

• 1 aspect of design you give the highest priority to.
  Problem solving.
• 1 design-related book you highly recommend to read.
  All design book gives me inspiration. I love looking at good work.
• 1 design magazine you read on a daily/weekly basis (online or offline).
  I don’t have that much free time but I do enjoy CA and The Dieline.
• 1 website you have bookmarked (design / non-design)
  Pinterest is my latest addiction.

If you could take a trip anywhere in the world for design inspiration, where would it be?
Paris, France. I love the architecture and history.

What are three qualities that you admire most in a designer.

Talent, honesty & enthusiasm.

If you had to choose another profession, what would it be?

Interior Architecture or Photographer.

Second to lastly, what is your favorite memory / recollection of working? Any incident? Any crazy deadline? Any inside joke?

I have many great memories of working in this crazy business. My greatest memories are all of the friends that I have made along the way.

Lastly, what would you tell people outside of DFW, about the opportunities for women here? How would you describe the women in the field here?

I think DFW is a great place for women. There is a lot going on commercially and it’s a very family friendly place to live.

Tabitha Bogard, 42

Give us a brief bio:

Where are you from? Born? Muskogee, Oklahoma  Raised? Skiatook, Oklahoma 

Where did you go to school? 

The University of Oklahoma

What did you study, and how did you become interested in design?

Visual Communications in the School of Art at OU. I’ve always been creative but the truth is I became interested in design because of a movie I saw in the ‘80s. I wanted to be an interior designer until I found out how much math I had to take! I didn’t realize graphic design was an option and/or field until my advisor enrolled me in art school. 

Do you find that there are difficulties for female designers to find their place in the design community? 

Not at all. Since this profession is so liberal, I haven’t witnessed any difficulties for females. If you’re talented, work hard and are passionate about what you do, then you’ll succeed.

How about to become leaders in the field? 

Drive, talent and a lot of hard work. Expression and creative thinking play a big role. 

How about the Dallas community specifically? 

Again, I don’t think so. Plus, this is the only area I’ve experienced.

How was your experience entering the field here and getting to where you are now? 

My first place of employment was VWA Group, a small design firm that focused on residential living and hotels/resorts. From there, I moved to David Carter Design – which while in school I told myself… “I’m going to work there one day.” The learning experience was amazing, from both a creative standpoint as well as business. That’s where the turning point of my career happened. I credit my experience at David Carter for who I am today. 

I dabbled a little in web design at IMC2. It was interesting but I missed print, so I interviewed with Don Sibley and he hired me on the spot. I was at Sibley Peteet Design for a few years then moved to my current place, TPN. 

TPN specializes in shopper marketing, and was quite a change from smaller firms. I started on the Moët & Chandon, Dom Pérignon account, and eventually moved to a new account we acquired, Bank of America, as the Creative Director. Financial services was a new discipline for TPN. In the first year, we went from three AD’s and two Account Execs to a creative team of 14, production team of five, and an account team of 12. It was a huge accomplishment, considering we were building the plane in the air. We were in charge of all of the in-store creative – signage, collateral, fixtures systems, etc. I was on the account for five years. I’ve since moved on to work on new business as well as my current accounts, MWV and SHC.

What are specific milestones you’ve encountered? (Interpret at will)

• My first logo in CA

• Winning the Ogilvy award

• Working for David Carter

• Traveling to five continents

What are the most significant things you wish you had known when starting out? 

That clients have budgets, the printing process, the art of selling your creative strategically (to clients).

What are the most difficult challenges a designer faces in her career?

• Enlightening clients on what’s best for their brand

• Unorganized organizations/companies

• Educating the client on the creative process

How did you adapt your skills and knowledge to the challenges you faced?

Through experience. You have to remember that communication is our job; be flexible and understand that the ultimate goal is answering on the objective. 

What is the most disappointing mistake or problem that you’ve encountered in your career? 

When a project you’ve worked so long and hard on gets cancelled. It’s heartbreaking.

Who are your personal role models, and what styles influence your work the most?

Role models: Lori Wilson, David Carter, Margo Chase

Styles: It’s ever changing. All fashion and design – Architecture, Interior, Environmental, etc.   

Who have you worked with who has impacted / influenced you the most?

There are several people who have impacted me throughout my career.
Lori Wilson, my CD at David Carter. Jill Hatfield, our Bank of America client. 

What are your personal organization or time-management tips – professionally and life-wise?

Learn to multitask; use file folders; and stay current with your industry. Understand your team, cultivate and nurture their growth (therefore, they trust in you and that leads to better results –“team”).

Do you have a family / kids? 

Not at the moment.

If you are single, what are you dedicated to outside of work? How do you handle the pressure of deadlines and stay well-rounded?

Volunteer for CASA, my bowling league, exercising, traveling.

Have you had to make sacrifices one way or the other (relationships, jobs, hobbies, etc) for any reason? 

Hasn’t everyone… Yes when I was younger, I try not to now. I’ve learned that priorities change and you need to take care of what’s most important at the time.

Technology is changing unbelievably fast. What are your feelings about all of  this information and automation? 

I think it’s great – more opportunity. 

What are some of the ways you keep ahead of the game and stay innovative?

Definitely stay current with the industry. Never stop learning, do research, attend conferences. Understand your audience.

Do you think your persona is reflected in your work? If yes, what aspects, if any, of your designs and illustrations reflects parts of your personality?

My nickname is Tweaky Tabby because I’m a perfectionist. It depends on the project; there’s always some reflection of my personal style. 

What should students and new designers focus on outside of their course work to advance in their careers? 

Understanding how to communicate to different audiences. 

What would you recommend to students who aspire to working in design? Any message to female designers specifically? 

Follow your heart and don’t settle. Always remember your values – in life and design.

Favorites:

1 aspect of design you give the highest priority to:
Typography

1 design-related book you highly recommend to read.
Fascinate by Sally Hogshead

1 design magazine you read on a daily/weekly basis (online or offline).
dwell

1 website you have bookmarked (design / non-design)
artifacturestudios.com

If you could take a trip anywhere in the world for design inspiration, where would it be? Sweden

What are three qualities that you admire most in a designer. 

Hand skills, problem solving/thinking, ownership.

If you had to choose another profession, what would it be? 

A Sports Commentator OR an Interior Designer 

Second to lastly, what is your favorite memory / recollection of working? Any incident? 

Lori Wilson picking up a rusted can at Matt’s Rancho Martinez then later using it for a new business presentation. She taught me to see things differently.

Any crazy deadline? 

There have been too many!

Any inside joke? 

Just a few… 

“Overlay???” Ask Ashley Mattocks. 

Also ask about Jon Tony’s birthday card we did at Sibley Peteet. It’s crazy funny and the joke was on me.

Lastly, what would you tell people outside of DFW, about the opportunities for women here?

A great city with wonderful culture and many resources. 

How would you describe the women in the field here? 

Smart and talented.

Rhonda Camp Warren, 48

Where are you from? Born? Raised? / Where did you go to school?/ What did you study, and how did you become interested in design?
Basically my life as a designer is quite by accident. I was artistic at an early age, but only because I was highly competitive with my older sister. My sister had true natural artistic ability and my mother enrolled her in private “art” classes. I insisted that I get to take the classes as well. So, at the age of seven I was creating not so fabulous oil paintings that my mother still has hanging in her home – along with my sisters. From then on I thought of myself as an artist which led to my majoring in Design Communication at Texas Tech University. Maybe I was meant to be a designer, the work in school for the most part came fairly easy to me – not that I didn’t have my moments of sobbing after a hard critique – but I learned to take the critiques as the constructive criticism as they were intended and moved on from there. I graduated – the first in my family with a 4 year degree, you can imagine what my dad thought, being from a blue color family, he thought I should just get a job at 7-11 when I didn’t find a design job my first month out of school. Now at age 48, and still in the design field I think my dad thinks I made the right choice.

Do you find that there are difficulties for female designers to find their place in the design community? How about to become leaders in the field?
I never even thought about the fact that being a woman might make it more difficult. I’m sure in the earlier years it was harder, but I don’t feel I ever had difficulties, I felt equal to my male counterparts and was treated as such. 

What are specific milestones you’ve encountered? (Interpret at will)
The biggest milestones I encountered were self inflicted, the ability to have confidence in my abilities as a business person and designer. I went out on my own 7 years ago, I think I could have done it earlier if I had had the confidence. But, I have no regrets, I have learned an enormous amount about design, dealing with clients and the business side of things everywhere I have worked. 

What are the most significant things you wish you had known when starting out?
When I graduated I didn’t really have a sense of all the details and procdedures to get a project printed successfully. I think this is still true of graduates today, something design programs should focus a little bit more on. 

What are the most difficult challenges a designer faces in her career?
For me, the ability to present a project to a client is one of the hardest things designers face, and something I still struggle with. I’m always interested in how other people present in order to get the strongest solution out there for the client. 

How did you adapt your skills and knowledge to the challenges you faced?
My favorite quote, (Lily Smith+Kirkley  has created a print with this quote, which I still need to purchase), The harder I work, the luckier I get. – Samuel Goldwyn. I think this quote holds true on every level of design and creativity, when you run into a lack of knowledge or a challenge, educate yourself, do your research and get the job done, even if it takes longer than you think it should. 

Who have you worked with who has impacted / influenced you the most?
Oddly the person that has impacted me the most is not a designer. Vera Reid of VWA Group taught me an enormous amount about the business side of things. Now that I have settled into having my own business I don’t necessarily run it the way Vera would, but the lessons I learned are invaluable.

What are your personal organization or time-management tips – professionally and life-wise? Do you have a family / kids?
If so, how do you handle the pressure of deadlines and find time for your family? 

Other commitments outside of work/family?
Work hard, but you have to take time off  to take care of yourself and your relationships too. I have a wonderful husband who reminds me when I’m working too much. He also  plans our vacations and trips, all I’m required to do is show up – but I have to go, no canceling. 

Have you had to make sacrifices one way or the other (relationships, jobs, hobbies, etc) for any reason?
Luckily I love what I do, so when all I have time for is work, sleep and a little time with my husband it’s not so bad. But a few days or a few hours a day doing something you love sure helps your creativity. 

Technology is changing unbelievably fast. What are your feelings about all of  this information and automation? What are some of the ways you keep ahead of the game and stay innovative?
I do feel a bit behind when it comes to producing work for anything non-print. But, I just partner with someone who knows the rules and tricks to that sort of work and so far have been ok. In my business, since we specialize in event design of all sorts most of what we produce is still print – so that’s in my favor.

Do you think your persona is reflected in your work? If yes, what aspects, if any, of your designs and illustrations reflects parts of your personality?
I do feel like it is reflected in a good portion of my work. Especially any piece that I use my own illustration in, which I think is me. Some times you need to do what is best for the clients, which isn’t always me. But, I feel I can create for anything and still do a good job.

What should students and new designers focus on outside of their course work to advance in their careers?
Students should just be enthusiastic observers and participate in life. Take in as much information as you can. 

What would you recommend to students who aspire to working in design? Any message to female designers specifically?
This would apply to male and female, it’s not as easy as It might look. Put in your time, educate yourself and you’ll do fine.

FAVORITES
1 aspect of design you give the highest priority to.
Communication, make sure you get the message across.

1 design magazine you read on a daily/weekly basis (online or offline).
Print, CA, I also read a lot of interior design magazines

1 website you have bookmarked (design / non-design)
My latest favorite is pinterest, great for inspiration

If you could take a trip anywhere in the world for design inspiration, where would it be?
That’s tough, I guess Paris, which I plan to visit next year. But my real answer would be the whole world.

What are three qualities that you admire most in a designer.
Patience
Loyalty
Hard working

If you had to choose another profession, what would it be?
When I’m really tired, I’ve always said I would be a UPS truck driver, seems hard physically maybe, but lots of time just driving and not thinking about too much. Note to all the UPS truck drivers out there – let me know if I’m wrong so I can work on a new backup career. 

Second to lastly, what is your favorite memory / recollection of working? Any incident? Any crazy deadline? Any inside joke?
I was on a photo shoot in Vieques, Puerto Rico years ago. It’s a small island, and at the time the US Navy held practice bombings there. It was an interesting trip. 

First, there was no good floral on the island and the stylist who worked for the client brought the floral for the photo shoot, what he brought was terrible. So, I would drive around in the middle of the night with my clippers and cut branches off the businesses and some residents bouganvilla plants and anything else that looked interested so that we had some flowers. I did have to duck behind a railing once when the police stopped by and were shining there lights near where I was.

Next, the construction on the resort was not finished, so we were using generators for power while shooting, and this photographer liked to shoot at night for inside shots so that he could control the light completely … the generator ran out of gas in the middle of the night and on a small island EVERYTHING closes at 5 including the gas stations. So, in order to stay on schedule I had to beg the resort guards to siphon gas out of their cars into our generators. They actually sucked the gas up in a tube with their mouths. I paid them generously for their services.

And last, we needed a great sunset shot for the center spread of the brochure.

The best location was a beach that happened to be on the naval base, which you could visit during the day when they were not practicing bombing. So, we get in our rickety van and head to the base. You have to give your drivers license when you enter and tell them where you are going. The guard didn’t think we had enough time to get to the beach we wanted for the shot. He told us we could only go to one certain beach, so we said ok. Then as fast as we could drive we went to the original beach, trekked the equipment quite a ways, got our perfect shot and I mean perfect. Got back to the van as quickly as we could. Drove as fast as we could back to the guard station. We didn’t get arrested, bombed or run over any baby turtles thanks to my quick maneuvering in the van – thanks to riding with my race car driver husband for years.

Lastly, what would you tell people outside of DFW, about the opportunities for women here? How would you describe the women in the field here?
In my opinion the Dallas design community is great. There are lots of opportunities and many events to meet other designers and become friends.

Meta Newhouse, Age 46

Where are you from?  
Dallas

Born? 
Dallas

Raised? 
Dallas, but now living in Bozeman, Montana

Where did you go to school?
Vanderbilt University with a BA in Fine Arts (Art History) and University of North Texas with a MFA in Communication Design.

What did you study, and how did you become interested in design?
I studied Art History when I was an undergrad and I didn’t really know what graphic design was. It wasn’t until my senior year that I decided I wanted to get a job in Advertising and it wasn’t until my first job as an intern working with Cindy Slayton at a small firm called HTR that I began to learn what graphic design was.


Do you find that there are difficulties for female designers to find their place in the design community? How about to become leaders in the field?
No. I think the design community is incredibly open to female designers. I have had no sense that there are any kinds of ceilings. Or maybe I was just incredibly lucky to work with some amazing people (colleagues + clients). Again, no issues with leadership. If a woman wants to be a leader in the community here, SHE WILL BE.

How about the Dallas community specifically? How was your experience entering the field here and getting to where you are now?
My first “boss” was a woman — Cindy Slayton, and she was a tremendous mentor. Open, honest, self-deprecating, committed. Easy to look up to and learn from. She later went on to start her own business out of her house, and then it just kept growing and growing. Now, I teach design full-time. Unfortunately, academia is a bit more dusty than the professional world. I’m looking forward to shaking all that dust off. We’ll see how that goes.


What are specific milestones you’ve encountered? (Interpret at will)
One of the first people I showed my sad little book to (after graduating college) was Alan Lidji. He told me I had the wrong kind of work in my book and that I needed to go back to school and study DESIGN. I chose instead to work and learn on the job at a small firm that is no longer in business. Two years later I showed my work to him again and he hired me on the spot. That was a milestone. After six years working at GroupBaronet I was promoted to Associate Creative Director and then Creative Director shortly thereafter. Another milestone. And making the decision to teach design full-time? Another. 

What are the most significant things you wish you had known when starting out?
Well, studying design in the first place would have been really helpful. 

What are the most difficult challenges a designer faces in her career?
By far the toughest challenge is pairing your skills/wishes/desires with like-minded people (colleagues and clients). 

How did you adapt your skills and knowledge to the challenges you faced?
I learned a lot on the job. I didn’t say no to much of anything. I love the adage: “leap and the net will appear”. 

What is the most disappointing mistake or problem that you’ve encountered in your career?
Letting someone else talk me into doing something that my gut told me I shouldn’t do.
I’ve made a lot of mistakes and that is a good way to learn. I don’t perceive them as disappointments though.


Who are your personal role models, and what styles influence your work the most?
My mom! She is smart, funny, resourceful. She is constantly inventing things that she wants to get patented. She has had a lot of hardship in her life and you would never know it. Every thing is a marvel to her. She is only cynical about politicians.

Who have you worked with who has impacted / influenced you the most?
Everyone I have worked with has influenced me, whether they were someone who hired me or I hired them. No brainer answers would be Alan Lidji, Steve Gibbs and Willie Baronet. I’m inspired most when people make major changes in their lives – whether it is a career change, or they move to a new locale or they take on a new hobby. Very little designed product inspires me. It is the ideas that change how we work/play/live that are inspirational.



What are your personal organization or time-management tips – professionally and life-wise?
Make time for the important things first and then fill in all the extra spots with stuff that pays the bills.


Do you have a family / kids? If so, how do you handle the pressure of deadlines and find time for your family?
I have a family: one husband, two dogs, two aging parents, a sister, a brother-in-law, a baby niece, an uncle and aunt and all of them are important to me and deserving of my time, so I try to follow the recipe I listed just above.

Other commitments outside of work/family?
I enjoy volunteering for certain organizations and causes and one of the ways I have dealt with that lately is to just be pickier about who/what I do outside of work and family. I’ve learned to say NO more often and without guilt. 

Have you had to make sacrifices one way or the other (relationships, jobs, hobbies, etc) for any reason?
Sacrifice is too strong a word. Doesn’t apply. 

Technology is changing unbelievably fast. What are your feelings about all of this information and automation? What are some of the ways you keep ahead of the game and stay innovative?
First, I learn a lot from my students. They are the best “cool hunters”. I also try to go to a different kind of conference each year. I read a lot, visit blogs. Entertainment Weekly has an app that picks the best TV/books/films/music/apps/whatever each week. They call it the hot list, I think. That is just one source that has cool things aggregated for you. And you are right, technology is changing so fast that we might sometimes adopt things without thinking about what the ramifications are first. A good example of that is how someone can really hurt someone else by texting a rumor. A few minutes later the world knows about it and there is no “truth filter” for it. That said, I have no reservations about adopting new technology. It just requires a rapid learning curve. Lucky for us, I think “smart” technology finds you and you don’t have to look too hard to find it. The market is so competitive that it weeds out a lot of the non-starters for us.



Do you think your persona is reflected in your work? If yes, what aspects, if any, of your designs and illustrations reflects parts of your personality?
I really like working with people who are very direct, and I appreciate that in my friends too. I like to think that the work I create is very direct and too the point. Little fuss.



What should students and new designers focus on outside of their course work to advance in their careers?
It takes a while to figure this out, but students should focus on what they love to do. It shows through in their work. I’ve seen a lot of “bad” work in books because students feel it is important to show that they know how to do a brochure or flyer. They should only put dream projects in their portfolios. They need to understand that portfolios can include more than assignments they completed in school. They can be full of projects they invent and produce on their own time.

What would you recommend to students who aspire to working in design? Any message to female designers specifically?
Read everything. Pursue cultural literacy with a passion. Work on your public speaking and presentation skills.



FAVORITES:

1 aspect of design you give the highest priority to.
Well, the obvious answer is clear communication but I’d like to add social responsibility as a close second.

1 design-related book you highly recommend to read.
Megg’s History of Graphic Design. If you don’t know where we’ve been, you can’t move forward.

1 design magazine you read on a daily/weekly basis (online or offline).
I read the New York Times almost daily.

1 website you have bookmarked (design / non-design)
http://www.retronaut.co/


If you could take a trip anywhere in the world for design inspiration, where would it be?
India.

What are three qualities that you admire most in a designer.

1.     A sense of economy in their solutions.
2.     Smart, sharp writing
3.    Empathy 

If you had to choose another profession, what would it be?
Filmmaker.

Second to lastly, what is your favorite memory / recollection of working? Any incident? Any crazy deadline? Any inside joke?
I think a great example of an epic FAIL was when I walked back into the studio at GroupBaronet and told one of the designers (who were all male at the time) that “I liked his top.” That comment was swiftly responded to with a chorus of “Oooooh, Brad, I like your top too!” and “Meta, what do you think of my top?”. For months afterward conversations like this would happen whenever I was near the studio. It was like, “OK, fellas, I get it, men don’t wear tops.” In a weird way my complete cluelessness in that instant helped create a more comfortable culture that lasted for a long time.


Lastly, what would you tell people outside of DFW, about the opportunities for women here? How would you describe the women in the field here? 
Just that the DFW area is an incredibly open community and that if you want to succeed all you need is the desire. I found the women in the community to be incredibly supportive and kind, not to mention ridiculously talented.