Artist or Designer?
As I'm talking with clients and customers, they often ask the question, "So, what exactly do you do?" Customers I meet at art fairs are surprised I also design websites, and my design clients are shocked to find out I also paint watercolor landscapes. So am I an artist or a designer? Both!
After four glorious (and challenging) years at Hillsdale College where I studied English and Art and painted, illustrated, and designed to my heart's content, I went to work for a design firm. I've always been an avid learner, constantly wanting to explore new ideas and master new skills, so I relished the opportunity to grow as a designer and expand into website development as well. I worked there for several years, learned and grew, and eventually became lead designer.
When it came time to start my own business, Wonder & Joy Design Studio, I knew I wanted to combine these two passions and these two parts of my career and education. I'm so blessed to be able to create art through my shop and also continue designing, both for my own clients and as a freelancer for other firms. And often, art and design overlap: painting florals for a wedding invitation or creating hand-lettering for a unique logo.