Hallmark Cards

When did you fall in love with design and how did you get started?

I realized I was going to be a graphic designer when I stumbled into a Basic Design class in college. I had zero confidence, but I got a teacher that encouraged me and I followed her advice to take her calligraphy class the next semester. I think having a mentor is invaluable—I lucked out that mine was my professor. You may have to work harder—you should try to find one every step along the way.

Give us the elevator pitch on what you do.

I am an artist in the Visual Studio at Hallmark Cards. I am part of an 8 member team of Lettering Artists—our motto is “we bring the words to life”. We all do a range of lettering styles; we also illustrate, design, make prototypes, and teach classes. We collaborate with almost every branch of the 500+ creative community. Hallmark is an incredible company to work for. They offer a limited number of summer creative internships—if you’re interested you should go to Hallmark.com and look under ‘career opportunities’.

What do you look for in a great portfolio?

When I coach students on their portfolio preparation, I try to get them to make sure it reflects their personal voice. Many college classes have similar design projects. What more can you show? Do you keep a sketchbook or can you show the sketches you did for a project? Can you showcase how you think, how you brainstorm? Besides having great visuals—can you talk about or show how well you work with team members and collaborate? I think most companies need team members that have great ideas but also know how to work together for the greater good.

How did you develop your style as an illustrator and what tips would you have for others?

I am still developing my style after 32 years working in the industry. Which I think is exactly how it should be. I have never thought I was “there”. I keep trying new tools and techniques. I surround myself with design images that I love—some of it I did, some if from friends, and some is research. Two years ago when I joined Instagram I started trying to create something every day. I sit with friends over lunch and we see what we can create in 45 minutes or less. It’s sort of like an exercise program—many days I feel like I don’t have the energy or the time, but once I start I really enjoy it and I feel really good when I’ve created something. Sometimes it’s just doodles from a meeting. But I keep it all in a sketchbook and that helps me see how I am developing my creative voice.