ABOUT ME
Hi there, and welcome to my portfolio website. I’m a seasoned designer that’s always looking to learn something new. Thankfully, there’s a lot to learn when it comes to design.
I’m currently based in Prescott Valley, Arizona.
“Hannah is by far the most thorough designer I’ve worked with in 20+ years in marketing.”
My approach to design:
Design is art — with rules.
Design and Art share many similarities, including a core emphasis on creativity and visual balance. Unlike Art, however, Design operates within the framework of rules, guided by specific parameters and constraints. Artists create without a focus on how the art serves a function. Designers create to serve the client’s objectives, in a way where “success” has a measurement. And I thrive within these rules, parameters, constraints, and specifics.
Graphic design is a branch of customer service.
I treat everyone as a client. Beyond applying my expertise, I understand the importance of effective communication, honesty when mistakes are made, and patience. A restaurant can serve the most delicious, gorgeous, and unique dishes, but diners will walk away unhappy if an apathetic server throws the plate on the table with a mean glare.
Feedback is (almost always) invaluable.
Feedback serves as a cornerstone for growth in design. In college, gathering and providing feedback was a recurring practice after every project. It facilitates a deeper understanding of perspectives outside of my own, and refines the effectiveness of my designs. Even seemingly “bad” feedback holds value, as it often reveals underlying client concerns, which I can then address with an evidence-based approach.
Flexibility is key.
Flexibility is crucial in design for three key reasons: (1) Flexibility when accepting feedback allows for better understanding of client needs, allowing me to navigate diverse design challenges effectively and without taking feedback “personally.” (2) Flexibility is essential in a field where trends evolve and styles change rapidly. If a designer is rigidly attached to something, they will be unprepared for changes that can make their work most successful. (3) “That’s not my job” is rarely an option, since design is a complex, multi-faceted discipline. This is one of my biggest strengths I bring to an organization: I work with a lot of different people in a positive way to get results.
“It has been an absolute pleasure working with you.
Your positive attitude, timely and efficient communications and willingness to work with all departments and our vendors has been amazing and has allowed those other departments to work more efficiently. This is something we were lacking.
From the moment you came onboard we started to see improvements and those improvements continued forward. This, in my opinion, has been your greatest contribution to Sunfood even more so than the amazing content you have created!”
- Chad McClintock, Chief Operating Officer of Sunfood, in reply to my “goodbye” email prior to my last day at Sunfood Superfoods