Christine Foltz
Artist / Graphic Designer (Brand & Packaging)
Brooklyn, NY
www.christinefoltz.com
instagram @christinefoltz
Q What do you do?
“Most broadly put, I do graphic design, with most of my experience within branding and packaging design. I like to joke and call myself a professional vibe catcher, but still there’s a truth at the center of this joke. What I do most in my career is a lot of vague information synthesis—a visual puzzle is presented to me, and I use a mix of strategy, creativity, and technical-know-how to solve the puzzle.”
This presents in various ways from bringing my imagination to life by teaching myself 3D rendering to formulating a deck design system for a non-profit company. Staying true to my nature, I perform best when I’m not put in a limiting box of just-get-it-done. I approach each project, personal and professional, with an open and innovative attitude—carrying all past project learnings with me always, but not using the same key for a different lock, so to speak. Like most creatives, I do it all. I really can’t help it, though. A list of my most common creative engagements with clients include: commissioned paintings, 3D/2D product renders, brand guidelines, social media campaigns, packaging design, motion graphics, typography design, art/photo direction, and identity systems.
Q What steps did you take to get to where you are now?
Taking an initially traditional route, I went to university for my BFA in graphic design and art history. I was quickly the top student in my graduating class, and frequently sought opportunities to expand each class project so that I could be more creatively fulfilled and professionally challenged. This attribute of mine is still present more than ever, as my pursuit of curiosity has led me to lovely career heights. I frequently make efforts to learn new software and to get to know current software at an even deeper level. For example, I invest my personal time to learn Blender just because I enjoy the technical challenge of bringing my imagination into reality. Similarly, I make the effort to learn from every creative director that I’ve had so far. This has informed a lot of my current behavior as a designer, as I care to pay attention and listen to the years of experience that I work beside. When it comes to creative and art direction, I learned it from asking questions from a past creative director of mine. All this being said, the steps I’ve taken to reach this experienced level in my career is all due to my curiosity and efforts to learn at every step of the way no matter how experienced I consider myself to be.
More untraditionally, in my career as an artist, I’ve maintained a consistent daily art practice. Knowing that in discipline and repetition there lies the overlooked sources of inspiration.
Q How do you stand out in your field?
I care to bring authentic humanness into all of the design and artistic process.
Additionally, I bring a meticulous devotion to detail and organization. These two attributes paired with my endless idea generation makes me a very strong asset and gives me a very unique perspective.
Q What are you working on right now?
Always working on quite a handful of things. I’m really excited about the product and packaging development that I’m spearheading for a new brand in the beauty industry, can’t share more than that currently! Additionally in my graphic design work, I’m developing the event brand identity for Project Healthy Minds’ 2025 Gala and Festival. In the more artistic field, I’m developing a series of interactive and nearly philosophical artworks that are centered around unexpected content and atypical forms.
Q What’s your style?
Experimental, innovative, pixel-perfect, unexpected details, evergreen where it’s important. A classic designer who cares to not make everything the same, either through style or application.
Q Out of all your slashies, which one do you wish you could do more often?
I want to blend my technical and professional graphic design career into my artistic career. I want the design work I do to be artwork, and the artwork that I make to resemble the highly technical process that I perform in graphic design. I feel torn choosing between the two industries, but I see a future that blends the two — that’s where I’m aiming my focus.
Q What is frustrating you right now?
I want to do everything, but I’m merely human. If I had just 5 more hours to the day, I think I could meet all my needs AND wants. Alas, I’m stuck deciding between the want-to-dos after I’ve completed the need-to-dos.
Q If you could hire someone for $20/hour, what would you have them do to make your day easier?
I'd hire someone to be my driver around the city. No more 40 minute train commutes and more time back for myself. Or maybe I’d hire a chef… a chef would be nice.
Q What do you wish you could have told yourself, when, and why?
You don’t need to limit yourself. You’re more capable than you think you are.
Q If you could talk to an expert to gain more insight on something, what would it be about?
An accountant. I love atypical forms of self-care such as feeling confident from learning about a topic more deeply, and expert-level insight into accounting practices is very intriguing to me.
Q What kind of opportunities/projects are you looking for?
Long-term brand & identity building work.
Project-based packaging design.
Full-time design work.
Artist studio assistant work.
One-off projects.
Or really anything that includes the following:
- 3D/2D product renderings
- Branding & Identity
- Packaging design
- Multi-media
- Illustration
- Event design
- Poster design
- Archiving and organization
Q Describe your ideal job/client/collaboration.
Empathetic, direct, professional, and timely communication. Collaborative — knowing when to trust my expertise and when to take the reigns. The type of projects and work I want to be apart of shouldn’t add more noise to the cultural stratosphere, but thoughtfully contribute in some way.
Q: What is your rate?
Hourly rate starts at $60
Daily rate starts at $455
Project rate is variable—I need to understand the extent of the work before pricing. The higher the technical expertise, the higher the rate. Lowest budget for a small project that I’ll take on lands at around $1500.
Let’s work together to establish a rate that works for us both.
Q How should someone approach you about working together?
Send me an email, and I’ll reply within the day: christinef.jpg@gmail.com
If you have a project proposal, message me with as much context as you’re comfortable with sharing, your budget, and your proposed timeline.
Q Who is a creative you admire?
Luana Lloyd, @lulubss — design
Benjamin Lederach Styer, @ben_styer — painting
Suzie Maez, @suziemaez — photo
Q Oh! and… how do you stay creative?
By always paying attention. I find inspiration in the details of life, so I’m always keeping my eyes peeled and open to receive what someone else might consider to be an “ordinary nothing”.
This member profile was originally published in March 2025.