Suzy Simmons

PRINCIPLE & HEAD OF CREATIVE, TEST MONKI, THE WOODLANDS TX

Suzy Simmons founded Test Monki in 2009 after more than a decade of managing creative services on the client side for large companies like Hewlett-Packard. That experience blossomed her addiction to all aspects of the brand experience – what it entails, how to use design to make it better, how research and strategy drive results, etc. Recognizing the need for a brand consultancy with a focus on strategic design in Houston led her and her partner to put things in motion during the economic trials and tribulations of 2008. Test Monki has taken off and the team now works with a wide variety of businesses from Fortune 500s with global reach, such as Eaton Corporation and Halliburton, to micro-sized businesses. The range of work Test Monki is asked to do keeps the whole team energized and always on their toes, designing internal and external brand experiences day in and day out.

WHAT ADVICE WOULD YOU GIVE A YOUNG DESIGNER JUST STARTING OUT?

Never stop learning or trying new things, especially when it comes to technology. You’ll always be able to find design inspiration and styles you want to emulate, but keeping on top of how to achieve the desired style efficiently is what can take you to the next level and save you blood, sweat, tears, and psychosis.

HOW DOES WHERE YOU WERE BORN, GREW UP OR LIVE NOW EFFECT YOUR DESIGN SENSIBILITY OR STYLE?

Since birth, I’ve been curiously creative. Unfortunately, Houston isn’t generally known for its creative culture. It is and has been home to major corporations that have subconsciously helped form my analytical business mind. That blend of right- and left-brain thinking is both atypical and extremely valuable (to some).

FAVORITE COLOR?
Orange

FAVORITE TYPEFACE?
DIN Next

FAVORITE APP?
Jackpot Party Casino

FAVORITE WEBSITES?
Pinterest, Sephora, HauteLook

FAVORITE TV SHOW?
The Goldbergs, The League

FAVORITE BOOKS?
Harry Potter

FAVORITE MOVIES?
The Hangover, National Lampoon’s Christmas Vacation

FAVORITE MUSICIANS OR BANDS?
Beyoncé (throw your H’s up)

FAVORITE FINE ARTISTS?
Erik Almas, Annie Ralli, Guido Daniele

GREATEST STRENGTH AS A DESIGNER?
Visualizing the big picture

WEAKNESS?
Hand sketching

TALENT YOU WISHED YOU POSSESSED?
Flying, photography

IF YOU WERE NOT A DESIGNER, WHAT WOULD YOU BE?
Martha Stewart-esque type figure

A MANTRA OR SAYING YOU LIVE BY?
What’s Next

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