Tell us a little bit about your 2018 with Lodge and AIGA Chattanooga.

2018 has been the year of growing pains, in the BEST way!

I have been very fortunate to be a part of some really cool projects at both Lodge Cast Iron (from art directing a helicopter shoot to getting a one-of-a-kind outdoor product ready for launch) and as AIGA Membership Director (from completing my first AIGA event as lead and bringing a #designforgood event to our chapter).

PLUG: Come check out AIGA Chattanooga’s GUTS event at the Chattanooga Haunted Market October 28th! Some of our design peers will be competing in a pumpkin carving competition while we raise money for the brave kids of Make-A-Wish East Tennessee!

But with new ventures comes mess-ups and learning opportunities. Every learning opportunity has pushed me in growth as a designer and leader thanks to my teammates and support system. Bring on 2019 because I am ready!

What has been your biggest challenge of this year. Did you conquer it? Or still working on it?

My biggest challenge this year has probably been decision making. I have really tried to be as intentional and thorough in every decision I make in order to conduct my best work and foster relationships. It is an ongoing process that I will most definitely be carrying over to 2019.

Have you learned a new design skill?

OH, TONS! My first year as an in-house designer at Lodge Cast Iron has been an amazing platform to learn from my teammates. I have also been taking my design eye back to the grid with a new found hobby of rug hooking on canvas.

Best design advice you’ve ever been given or would give?

Have a reason for everything you do in a project. Don’t create in a vacuum.

If not a designer, what would you be?

A Pastry Chef!

Favorite podcast?

NPR’s ‘Hidden Brain’ (which has really helped with my #2 answer)

What will you be for Halloween?

My husband and I are huge Old Western fans. So I’m trying to talk him into being Wild Bill and Calamity Jane!