How do we make real & lasting change?
Through our connections. Every touchpoint within our lives builds up to make change. Unfortunately, the modern world is so busy and cluttered that we often miss the truths living in the direct connections between us all. What I love about design is that it makes those connections clear and inviting.
Design can break down silos and just as easily build them stronger. It can grow a relationship or exploit it. So it’s important to be intentional and use these designs to build better, stronger connections. Good design should improve communication so that people can learn, grow, and understand each other. That’s the kind of world I want to live in, so that’s what I strive to create every day, and it’s what brings clients back to me again and again.
We design holistically.
Every design is part of a larger system. Each new piece we add or remove causes a chain reaction to the user and their ecosystems. Because of this, Illustrative does not accept one-off projects where I cannot see the system it exists within. Here are some of the important aspects I consider when designing for clients:
The Mission - why is this even being designed?
The User - who benefits and uses it?
Accessibility - who is excluded by the nature of the design?
Usability - will it work?
Simplicity - is it necessary?
Innovation - what does it bring to the overall system?
A few fun facts about me
I’m a mom of tween kids and a rescue pup
In my opinion, parents are the ultimate service providers. Each child is so unique and the daily challenges require courage, persistence, and a heavy dose of humility.
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I’ve moved a lot
I’ve lived in 6 different states and 10 different cities along the east coast of America. Each new place taught me something about myself and others that fed my understanding of humans.
I love squirrels
Their tails are so fluffy and they build beautiful new things in this world because they are so scatterbrained, it gives my ADHD self hope - hence the logo ;-)
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I’m writing a children’s book about neurodiversity!
And of course when it’s finished, you’ll know about it! (If you’re on the email list, you’ll be the first to know!) For obvious reasons, the main character is a squirrel.
Values I live by
Intentional
Choices
I’m not afraid to suggest against something if the research shows it’s a should and not a necessity.
Service over propaganda
You may feel very strongly about your idea, but if it’s tied to winning vs. loving - we’ll pass, thanks.
Quality
over speed
You’ll get a clear timeline for the project that doesn’t skip steps and respects our personal lives.
Sustainability in all aspects
Solutions can be simple & respectful to you, your team, your users and your environment.
How can I be of service to you?
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Get Informed
Grab a beverage and cozy up with over 50 free articles, videos and examples to help you intentionally design the world you want to see through your business.
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Try It Yourself
Tend to specific areas of your business ecosystems with bite-sized guides and courses informed by over a decade of design expertise.
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Get a Design Partner
Take design work off your plate and rest assured that it’s in experienced hands. I’ll take care of strategy, design and implementation.