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CATHY BROWN
HAMILTON COLLEGE
Almost 20 years ago, Cathy Brown began the traditional freelancer's rounds with her portfolio. She gradually acquired clients like art museums, healthcare facilities and colleges. After 15 years as "Catherine D. Brown Graphic Design," Brown took the position of art director at Hamilton College, a long-time client of her's. The last four years have provided new personal challenges for Brown, highlighted by the opportunity to collaborate with a talented and hardworking team. Closing in on 200 years of age, Hamilton is a liberal arts college that is a national leader in individualized instruction, independent research, effective writing and persuasive speaking. The standard for all communications is equally as high and offers an exceptional environment to produce quality work.
Was graphic design your first career path?
Similar to many aspects of my life, I took the scenic route to graphic design: a year in college studying fine art; a 13-year stint in manufacturing as a machinist apprentice, toolmaker, lathe instructor and specialist in production control (this detour is another story); and a return to college via evening classes — where I found graphic design. It was the perfect combination of my love of art, design, typography, color, production and technology. The introduction of the computer shortly after was even better.
What talents do you wish you possessed?
I wish that I could be more comfortable with my writing. In this position I'm constantly exposed to great writing — from the serious and academic to the clever and funny.
When you have a deadline, do you start right away, wait until the last minute or switch back and forth between projects?
All of the above.
Where do you turn for inspiration?
Inspiration is everywhere: in the landscape, in the retail sector (fashion, sports equipment, home decorating), on the Web, in art of any kind and in magazines and books. One of the best aspects of working with a group versus freelancing is the ability to talk about a project with my colleagues — good ideas often originate with joint thinking.
What role does "green design" play in your work?
Our office makes a very conscious effort to be environmentally aware in our printing, particularly with paper selection.
Should graphic design be an instrument for positive social change?
Everyone should be an instrument for positive social change. Graphic design just provides an opportunity to do so on many different levels — whether as a pro bono project for a charity or another good cause, the careful selection of inclusive photography, a compelling layout of a socially important story, saying no to clients who request less-than-positive material, providing internship opportunities for young people or working within good environmental practices, to mention a few. I have also designed in my head some great billboards promoting socially important messages — I just haven't managed to secure the funding yet.
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