How it All Started

I started making art as soon as I could hold a crayon, as most of us do. Growing up in a household where I was encouraged to be creative, I was able to draw, paint, write and read constantly. As I reached the ever-looming age of deciding what my vocation would be for the rest of my life, I searched for something "practical." Try as I might, I simply couldn't see myself in any of the traditionally "stable" jobs like doctor, lawyer, "manager," etc. Thus, I started making moves toward graphic design.

As I waded through "the college experience," I felt I had truly found my calling. Every assignment wasn't a chore, but instead an oppourtunity to push something as far as I could, experiment, and make mistakes that I learned from. Even as I learned how to make digital products, I never lost my enthusiasm for traditional art. I would find every possible way to incorporate it into my projects. A texture from a drawing would add dimension to an annual report, or a painting would become an album cover. That's when I learned that all of my experience with analogue art could be just as useful as learning software.

Freelancing

It didn't take long for me to deduce that the best direction for me was freelancing. I enjoy working with clients, but didn't want to continue down the employee road and all of nine to five culture and NDAs that went with it. The freedom to take the lead on a project and run things how I wanted to was too tempting to pass up, no matter the challenges involved. It removes the barrier of bosses and simplifies the dynamics to me and the client.

Why Dawn Studios?

When it came to picking a name for my studio, I started with "eternally curious," which, though addressing my desire to learn, didn't exactly scream "design studio." After talking with a friend, it was suggested I use my middle name instead. My face immediately lit up- not only did it sound pleasant, but Dawn is also my mother-in-law's middle name, who was also an artist. Suffice to say, it was an immediate "yes" from me.

These Days

Currently, I'm working on art and design projects on the daily, working from home with my husband and ex-stray/extremely fussy feline named KIt Kat. Be it a passion project or client work, I'm always happy to take on something new!