Allyssa Ellis
Designer / Art Director
Portland, OR
www.designbyallyssa.com
instagram @designbyallyssa
youtube @designbyallyssa
pinterest @designbyallyssa
Q What do you do?
“Hey! I’m an Art Director and Graphic Designer creating colorful brand campaigns for community and cause-driven clients.”
I love to work with people driving social, environmental, or cultural change. From full-scale brand campaigns to web design to social media, I love it all.
Q What steps did you take to get to where you are now?
My first experience with design was in a Communications class in high school, where I learned the basics of Adobe, screen printing, photography, and commercial embroidery. After that, I moved across the country to get a BFA in Graphic Design at my dream college. Since then, I’ve gathered over 6 years of professional experience between agencies and freelancing.
Q How do you stand out in your field?
What sets me apart is my commitment to making a positive impact with design. I am not just passionate about creating aesthetically pleasing visuals, but about the idea that design has the power to shape a better tomorrow. Throughout my career, I have collaborated with people and brands with a shared vision of making a positive difference in this world.
Q What are you working on right now?
Recently I’ve been exploring Risograph Printing, with a client as well as my personal work. Mostly poster designs and zines that share a cohesive aesthetic. It has reignited my love for print, and I love the bright colors, textures, and that it’s better for the environment than commercial printing.
Q What’s your style?
I believe that style and taste is always evolving, but there are always patterns. For me, I love bold colors and typography, and enjoy mixing illustration into my work. Most things I create are inspired by the natural world, whether subconsciously or consciously. This includes actual nature elements, social and environmental justice, and strong empathy.
Q Out of all your slashies, which one do you wish you could do more often?
I have always been someone with multiple hobbies and interests, I often find it hard to decide what to spend my free time focusing on since there’s so much to choose from! But if I had to choose, it would definitely be either as a chef or musician. I love food, and I love music, both of which have had profound impacts on me throughout my life.
Q What is frustrating you right now?
Recently I’ve been treading the line between making content and designing. Sometimes making content can be frustrating just because it can feel like shouting into a void. I want to build communities, and I feel like it’s getting harder to do that.
Q If you could hire someone for $20/hour, what would you have them do to make your day easier?
I was going to say someone like an agent to search for new/cool opportunities. But a personal chef would also be so amazing. I often get lost in my work and my eating habits get affected by that. I love to imagine delicious, balanced, and beautiful meals to delight the mind and soul.
Q What do you wish you could have told yourself, when, and why?
There are so many things I wish I could tell my past selves. I really wish I could have told myself that my hard work will pay off, particularly in high school. Mostly because I remember feeling so stressed about my future, and being so academically focused, that I didn’t have as much fun as I probably could have.
Q If you could talk to an expert to gain more insight on something, what would it be about?
I’m a self-proclaimed lifetime-learner. I believe there is always something new to learn. I would really love to talk to a business expert, just to get into the nitty gritty of being an entrepreneur.
Q What kind of opportunities/projects are you looking for?
Brand campaigns, brand identity/systems, web design, social media design/content, art direction, posters, album art, nature organizations.
Q Describe your ideal job/client/collaboration.
My ideal client/job/collaboration is with people who are kind, passionate, and open communicators. You don’t have to know exactly what you want, that’s where I come in!
Q What is your rate?
I typically price projects based on scope, complexity, urgency, and iterations. Breaking it down into a range, it’s typically between $50-$75/hr. I am open to working with solopreneurs, artists, and non-profits at a discounted rate.
Q How should someone approach you about working together?
Send me an email with a general idea of what your looking for, i.e. “I desperately need a hoodie design for an upcoming fundraiser.” and approximate timeline is always appreciated! If you have 2-3 visual inspirations that's a huge bonus!
Q Who is a creative you admire?
There are so so many talented designers and artists. Here’s a few that come to mind:
Salome @designbysalome, Jas @kool.type jasminchavez.com, James @jamesjunk.co
Q Oh! and… how do you stay creative?
Go outside and experience something new.
This member profile was originally published in March 2024