Phebe Pierson
Q What do you do?
“I’m a graphic designer and illustrator!”
I design logos, branding, campaigns, website, social media graphics, and more for businesses and non-profits large and small.
Q What steps did you take to get to where you are now?
Throughout my career in nonprofit communications, I’ve pursued graphic design. I took classes in design at SVA and Parsons and worked on freelance projects on the side. I finally decided it was time to switch to design full-time in 2021. I enrolled in Shillington, an intensive 3-month graphic design bootcamp, and dived deep into learning print and digital design. I’m so excited to finally be pursuing this career professionally!
Q How do you stand out in your field?
Because of my experience in other fields, I’m an extremely effective communicator, with skills in writing, social media, and events. These skills give me a unique leg up when designing because I have an understanding of the client’s perspective that comes from lived experience, and I know how to articulate my ideas.
I’m enthusiastic about concept development and research and love pulling inspiration from a project’s history and context. I also have tons of visual references based on years of self-education in art history, and I find it so helpful as a basis for my brainstorms.
Q What are you working on right now?
Right now I am working on expanding my portfolio with creative freelance work and personal projects. I'm donating my time to create a logo for a student collective at Hunter College that's organizing to fight for better compensation for social work grad students. I’m also completing a full 36 Days of Type alphabet, trying to really push myself to learn new techniques. I'm always crafting something on the side, too; right now I am making a crocheted tote bag!
Q What’s your style?
I try not to have a single identifiable style because I never want to be pigeonholed by it. I love being able to work in many different media, in different software, and with lots of visual styles.
That being said, I think a lot of my conceptual choices come from art history and graphic design history, which helps me create work that looks beyond the trends rather than falling into what everyone else is doing. I love using a structured grid, bold color choices, hand-drawn illustrations, clever typography, and iconic logos!
Q Out of all your slashies, which one do you wish you could do more often?
I think illustration and hand lettering are such amazing skills. I do illustrations that complement my designs but would love to build up the confidence to really call myself an illustrator. And I would love to learn calligraphy and how to create beautiful hand-drawn type.
Q What is frustrating you right now?
Structure is super important to my workflow, and freelancing makes that harder. I’d love to be able to create a structure for myself in this new career phase that promotes a really helpful and realistic schedule.
Q If you could hire someone for $20/hour, what would you have them do to make your day easier?
I would have them take care of tasks like cleaning and paying bills so that I could focus on my work and my projects! I also love cooking and meal prepping and the idea of not having to clean up afterward sounds super appealing :)
Q What do you wish you could have told yourself, when, and why?
I wish I could go back to myself in high school or early in college and tell past me that it’s ok to study something creative, that you’re talented enough, and that all you need to do is practice. Because even though I loved art and design, I never considered myself “good enough.” I never thought art could be more than a hobby for me, I felt like I needed to do something more “practical.” And I would let myself know that graphic design is the perfect marriage of art and practicality, career-wise! It didn’t occur to me until years after college.
Q If you could talk to an expert to gain more insight on something, what would it be about?
I would love to hear one of my design heroes talking about imposter syndrome and how to push through it. I also love hearing about how creative people got their start in their industries, how they work and structure their time, and I always appreciate organizational tips.
Q What kind of opportunities/projects are you looking for?
I’m looking for freelance projects where I get to work closely with other creative people on inspiring projects, and I would also be interested in a full-time job at a creative studio.
Q Describe your ideal job/client/collaboration.
My ideal client would be somewhere like Suay Sew Shop in LA, which uses deadstock fabric and secondhand clothes to create new products while paying its workers a fair wage. I love DIY and crafts, and I’m a big fan of mission-driven businesses. I am an environmental and sustainability advocate, and I would love to work with a company like that to help them achieve their full potential. I also am really passionate about sustainable food and agriculture and would be so excited to work with organizations and restaurants that align with that mission.
Q: What is your rate?
My freelance rate starts at $65-70/hour, depending on the project. I am open to talking about sliding scale or bundle deals with non-profits or individuals!
Q How should someone approach you about working together?
Check out my website or shoot me an email. I always like to know as much about the company and the project as possible, so include whatever might be relevant in your intro, as well as your timeline.
Q Who is a creative you admire?
Alta Buden - multimedia artist
Jeff Johnson - cinematographer / filmmaker
Alessandra Angelini - designer and art director
Hailey Porth - designer and photographer
Landry Edwards - designer
Q Oh! and… how do you stay creative?
I look at things constantly, take pictures of everything, and I’m always making something. You never know what will spark an idea!
This member profile was originally published in April 2022.