Hi, I’m Donna.
Designer, creative director and consultant for hire.
I’ve spent the majority of my craft working in print but over the last decade have adapted to design for digital. I think good design should cross platforms seamlessly. I also dabble in cake design, furniture restoration, sewing and building random stuff.
The work you see in my portfolio has all been designed by me. I do all my own prepress, preparing files for different platforms and manage most (but not all) of the production for my work (print and digital).
I’m a type geek who loves design, strategy, and problem solving. I’ve been doing this for 20+ years and am still crazy about it. I feel lucky I get to do what I do. Design is fun, and challenging, and frustrating (in a good way), and very satisfying.
Working with a Graphic Designer
Visual References
Including visual samples in your brief. Visual samples can help designers understand your preferences for typography, color, and style. The more specific you are, the better the results will be.
Know What You Want
Clients who provide clear direction tend to get better work. Outline the scope and details (e.g., logo vs. marketing materials) to help designers deliver something that you will love.
Understand Your Business
A strong grasp of your business, target audience, and design goals will help create work that aligns with your strategic needs.
Set Clear Expectations
Establish processes early, including deadlines, amount of revisions, deliverables, and payment terms to avoid any misunderstandings.
Give Constructive Feedback
Focus on the issues rather than proposing specific solutions. Being clear about what isn’t working helps the designer make adjustments quickly.
Overexplain
Great designers want to hear what you have to say! Don’t hesitate to provide detailed briefs, including business objectives behind design requests. The more information you share, the better the work.
Keep an Open Mind
Designers bring creative expertise. While you may have a vision, trust their professional judgment if they suggest alternatives that improve the design.
