I’m always searching for the balance between having a personal space to be creative and social/community outlets. Last year, I was lucky enough to work beside the folks at Stream Collective (a co-working space in Ithaca, NY) and had a great experience. I loved the idea of a co-working space because you can share ideas and resources with other small business owners and freelance graphic designers. But this year, I’ve decided to move to a studio —a creative space and “a room to call my own”—in the Dewitt Historic district of downtown Ithaca, NY.
My “boutique graphic design business” is a fast growing, small firm producing lively and original brand identities, illustrations, publications (and more … ) for both print and web environments. I’m able to maintain a high-quality creative spirit of the work because I always communicate directly with the client and have a passion for the arts.
I thought I’d share with you a few questions a senior graphic design asked me about starting out and working in the field of graphic design.
1. What is your favorite project that you have worked on? Why does it mean something to you?
My favorite project was the Walkway Over the Hudson brand development. It means something to me for a couple reasons—personal and professional! At the time, I was the Senior Designer at Pirtle Design! During that year, the project was building momentum and all the materials were getting produced in preparation for the Grand Opening in October of 2009. Logo[s], Signage, Wayfinding, Maps, Banners, Gates, Tee-Shirts, Pins, Brochures, you name it, we did it! When the day of the Grand Opening came, Woody Pirtle and I felt good about the work we had done—it all looked great because we had been a solid team. As the masses walked through the gates for the first time, I felt an enormous rush of excitement on how graphics interact and help unite people together. Banners hung above the crowds, people reading about the history on interpretive panels, using maps, wearing shirts and hats excited to be supporters of this new New York State Park! For the first time since the late 1800’s people were using the bridge—this time as a pedestrian walk!
Living a block from the Hudson River myself, it had become a special place for reflection and taking breaks away from the computer. The launch of a project like this gives me some perspective that graphic design and branding are not just means to market—they are an opportunity to contribute.
2. When did you know/ what inspired you to become a designer?
I made a decision, late my senior year in High School, that I really wanted to be able to make a living in the arts. I felt that graphic design would be a good choice (even though I didn’t know too much about it yet). I was never absolutely sure about my career choice, but felt inside that that if I stuck with something long enough, and was opportunistic, I would be able to make a living working in the arts.
3. What has driven you throughout the years as a working designer?
Being around creative, and just really good people of any age. My mentor, Woody Pirtle, and his wife, Leslie, have been very solid and positive influences in my life and career. I’m also driven by just simply wanting to do a better job, learning from all my mistakes, and picking up tricks of the trade along the way.
4. Who has inspired you along the way?
My mentor, Woody Pirtle, who I have now worked with for over 10 years!
In November 2014, I gave a talk at the Type Directors Club to the Marywood University MFA Design/Illustration students. I was so excited to be introduced as (and representing!!!) a Woman in the Graphic Design field! It was so great to share my work and my unique story to an inspiring crowd of designers and illustrators. — at Type Directors Club.
It’s no surprise that Fruition Chocolate and Windward Orchard made Oprah’s “O” List. They have such a great and honest product that really does raise the bar.
It’s nice to see our chocolate bar packaging design, and brand identity, in October’s issue!
With the help of the Kingston Land Trust, Kingston, NY is getting closer to becoming a green city! It has been a trend, in many industrial cities to repurpose with hopes to encourage community, health and recreation. This recent project involved a logo design for the regional trail networks for Ulster County, NY.
“The group’s vision is a system of non-motorized transportation routes linking Kingston’s residents to important social, cultural and recreational anchors and securing the city’s position at the heart of the County’s growing regional trail network.” Friends of Kingston Rail Trails
When I started the logo project, I realized that the letter “K”, has a nice convergence of lines, which was an inevitable solution to represent the connections of trails, bike paths and walkways. The logo is also reminiscent of the old railroad signs. I hope to see this Kingston Greenline sign, as often as Railroad signs in the near future.
Last night I had the opportunity to give a few opening remarks to the BFA graduating students at SUNY New Paltz. The student show was inspiring, and I was reminded of the strong design community and great teachers at New Paltz. I don’t think I had ever stood up in front of a mic and room full of people [yikes!]. But, as I prepared for the talk, so many memories and thoughts surfaced, so I was excited to share those first experiences in the field of graphic design.
Here are a few lessons learned: 1) When Opportunity Knocks, follow through 2) First couple years are about learning from others, being a team player and having a strong work ethic. 3) Nurture a creative environment / life and work are one 4) Altruism creates opportunity and high visibility of work 5) the creative process works same way in school, as in out of school, but its the job of the designer to pull it together as an inevitable solution 6) depend on research leading to inspiration, and just beautiful, clean design 7) explore the variety in the field, and you’ll find your niche. 8) Every new project presents different challenges, which keeps one passionate about the work, and excited about the field.
work credits: Pentagram Design, Woody Pirtle, Pirtle Design and Duba Design
The Kingston Parks and Recreation department has a vision for the city to become a “park-to-park” and “greener city”, a place where people walk and bike to work; a place where people and kids have recreational opportunities and healthy outlets. I felt that watercolors were the best approach so I painted the cover and the inside map with blue (water) and green (parks). Water is a prominent source of recreation throughout Kingston since the city reaches the Hudson River’s edge. Design: Duba Design Printing: 100% Recycled, Chlorine-free Paper using Soy Inks
I’ve been traveling to Alexander Isley‘s studio in Connecticut, to work on the TED MED conference program. We designed 50+ unique portraits for each speaker. The design process was very experimental. I photographed black and white portraits on the tv/computer screen to get the moiré pattern effect. Typically this is something photographers try to avoid. But, it allowed each one to be a unique, and the effect added depth and texture to the flat black art. I then added color overlays behind the black and spotted them with white line art for more texture. Portraits recognized in the CADC Excellence Award as the portrait Illustrator for TED MED 2011.
Hard to believe I’ve been designing calendars since 2004! Each year is a new challenge in typography. One of my favorites–a glow-in-the dark lunar calendar with the moon phases!
![20151208_1054091[2]](https://www.dubadesign.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/12/20151208_10540912-233x300.jpg)
I’m always searching for the balance between having a personal space to be creative and social/community outlets. Last year, I was lucky enough to work beside the folks at Stream Collective (a co-working space in Ithaca, NY) and had a great experience. I loved the idea of a co-working space because you can share ideas and resources with other small business owners and freelance graphic designers. But this year, I’ve decided to move to a studio —a creative space and “a room to call my own”—in the Dewitt Historic district of downtown Ithaca, NY.
