How It Started vs. How It's Going

Many people are surprised when I explain that I have an art degree. Trust me, I struggled with what that meant at first, too. Fortunately, in the 90s, I discovered graphic design at Indiana University’s fine arts department—a field that combined my love of visual communication, technology, and problem-solving.

I spent my college years immersed in the fine arts building, but I knew that wasn’t where I truly belonged. I constantly challenged my professors about my desire to be in the business school across the street—because deep down, I knew that was the world I’d ultimately work in.

Learning from Clyde

My first job out of college as a designer at a small agency outside of Indianapolis left me feeling conflicted but also gave me clarity. The agency had two owners: one, a creative who hired me, and the other, Clyde, who ran the business and handled client relationships. I was drawn to how Clyde operated—always moving and constantly engaged. I soon asked him if I could ride along with him day-to-day.

I watched him juggle everything: checking in with the team, running errands, coaching in the community, writing personal notes on our paychecks, and making time for his family. He led difficult conversations with kindness and never lost momentum—perhaps fueled by the endless caffeine runs he’d send me on (which conveniently came with my own fresh cup of coffee).

Clyde took me under his wing, showing me that client and team relationships were about trust, not transactions. He never sold—he built genuine relationships. He was honest, reliable, and a true partner. I wanted to be part of that. I tried to understand our clients, define the problem, and help solve it. I started as a designer but left that job as a hybrid account executive/designer, forever grateful for the lessons Clyde imparted. He always modeled what it takes to be a good partner and find great partners or clients.

A Career Shaped by Curiosity

Before launching my own business with Kelly Komp in the 2000s, I was lucky to have so many various experiences from freelancing, managing book publishing projects, diving into research and brand strategy, producing work for a global design studio, dabbling in code, and even marketing tools in the hardware industry. I taught the business of design to undergrad students and constantly debated whether I should finally cross the street and get that business degree.

But in the end, my art degree was exactly what I needed. It trained me to think critically, solve complex problems, and create work that advances brands, services, and products. It introduced me to an industry I love and a network of amazing clients, designers, writers, photographers, videographers, and developers across so many sectors and industries.