Tricia Lee
Creative Director / Art Director / Designer
Los Angeles, CA
www.tricia-lee.com
instagram @tricialee.design
Q What do you do?
“I design fresh, colorful brands with personality, strategy, and a touch of cheekiness. Specializing in playful branding and illustration, my work blends thoughtful design with a love for color and that just-right feeling when everything clicks.”
Q What steps did you take to get to where you are now?
I started with a Communication Studies background at UCLA, which gave me a foundation in storytelling and understanding how people connect with ideas. From there, I pursued Graphic Design at Otis College of Art and Design, where I developed the creative skills to bring those ideas to life visually. My path wasn’t linear — I gained experience across different industries first, which helped me see design as more than just aesthetics. It’s strategy, it’s problem-solving, it’s about helping people and brands grow. That mix of perspectives shaped the way I approach my work today: combining clarity, playfulness, and a focus on making design both fresh and meaningful.
Q How do you stand out in your field?
I don’t just design for looks — I design for stories. My work blends strategy with personality, balancing fresh, colorful, and playful visuals with a clear purpose behind them. I stand out because I bring a unique lens: I love using illustration, humor, and color to add life to brands, while making sure the design is simple and on trend without being trendy. I also bring a personal touch to every project — clients often say I make the process feel approachable, and fun, while delivering designs that just feels right.
Q What are you working on right now?
Most recently, I partnered with Reach PR on their rebrand and website, creating a look that felt fresh, approachable, and different from traditional PR firms. In the past, I’ve worked with brands like Dollar Shave Club — and it’s always a little surreal (and pretty fun) to spot my design work in stores. Outside of client projects, I’ve been experimenting with a t-shirt series that mixes illustration and humor, because sometimes design should make you smile as much as it makes sense.
Q Out of all your slashies, which one do you wish you could do more often?
Illustration. It’s where I get to be the most playful and bring personality into branding in ways that feel unexpected and fresh. I use it often in client projects, but I’d love even more opportunities to let it shine.
Q What is frustrating you right now?
Keeping up with content creation. Between client work and design projects, social media can feel like another full-time job — especially with algorithms that change just as quickly as I hit post.
Q What do you wish you could have told yourself, when, and why?
I’d tell my early-career self not to second-guess every design decision. Trusting my instincts sooner would have saved me a lot of overthinking — and my work always turns out better when I lean into that gut feeling.
Q If you could talk to an expert to gain more insight on something, what would it be about?
I’d love to talk to an expert in the beauty industry. The skincare and beauty world fascinates me — from packaging to storytelling to how products are actually created. It’s an industry where design plays such a big role in how people connect with a brand, and I’d love to understand it from the inside out. I worked in the apparel product development side but I do think there are layers to how products are made that are different.
Q What kind of opportunities/projects are you looking for?
I’m looking for branding and website projects with clients who want something different from the usual “corporate clean.” I love working with people who want to stand out through color, playfulness, and a strong brand story.
Q Describe your ideal job/client/collaboration.
Working with clients that are open to ideas — people who want their brand to feel like an extension of their personality, not just a logo on a page. They would have the room for you to explore, experiment and trust your creative expertise. I've had some amazing clients and projects and I can't wait to work with the next one!
Q: What is your rate?
Typically branding projects starts at $1800. Rates vary by project — happy to discuss based on your needs.
Q How should someone approach you about working together?
Feel free to email me at design@tricia-lee.com and include some information about your project. Memes are welcome as well!
Q Oh! and… how do you stay creative?
Designing for fun, fueled by snacks
This member profile was originally published in May 2021, Updated October 2025.