FOUNDER & CREATIVE DIRECTOR, BARNETT DESIGN, INC., RAMSEY NJ
From a very young age, Debbie has had a pencil in her hand. Her passion for design led to the creation and success of the highly acclaimed, full-service studio that bears her name. With more than 100 industry awards to date, it is clear the Barnett Design team has mastered a unique melding of strategy, design, and technology. The studio’s diverse client list includes national and international corporations, non-profit organizations, and regional businesses. Debbie has worked in the design and communications space for 30+ years, with many well-known brands including Panasonic, Eight o’clock Coffee, Volvo, Walgreens, and Ferrero. In addition, Debbie has taught as an adjunct professor at Montclair State University and has been a guest speaker at Fairleigh Dickinson University, at Baruch College, and for civic groups. She conducts inspirational workshops for area schools and mentors students interested in entrepreneurship, promotion, branding, and design. When not in the office, she occasionally puts down her pencil to enjoy family, fitness (hiking, skiing, martial arts), photography, origami, gardening, and music.
WHERE WERE YOU BORN AND WHERE DO YOU LIVE NOW?
Born in Yonkers NY and now live in Bergen County NJ
DID YOU GO TO DESIGN SCHOOL?
I have a BFA in graphic design from Montclair State University and MS in packaging from Pratt
LEFTY OR RIGHTY?
Righty
MORNING PERSON OR NIGHT OWL?
Both
ARE YOU MUSICAL AND/OR DO YOU PLAY AN INSTRUMENT?
Love classical, jazz, pop, and play the piano
FAVORITE BOOK?
The Good Earth and Pirkei Avos
FAVORITE MOVIE?
Singing in the Rain
FAVORITE TV BINGE WATCH?
HGTV, Shark Tank, The Profit, Everybody Loves Raymond
FAVORITE SOCIAL MEDIA PLATFORM?
Snapchat
FAVORITE CHARITY?
So many good ones – some of whom are our clients, the work they do and the services they provide are crucial and incredible
COLLECT ANYTHING?
I’m trying to collect space, but it keeps getting filled up
TYPEFACE USED MOST OFTEN IN YOUR DESIGN?
For body copy it’s Myriad Pro SemiCondensed and Formata, both highly readable, with many style variations
DOES PRINT HAVE A ROLE IN YOUR DESIGNS?
When designing for print, we have figured out how to be extremely creative with ink on substrate while ensuring it can be printed successfully and within budget
DESIGN MENTOR/INSPIRATION/HERO?
Inspiration: Bob Gill
GREATEST STRENGTH/WEAKNESS AS A DESIGNER?
Strength is REALLY listening to our clients; weakness is the studio candy jar
ADVICE TO A YOUNG DESIGNER JUST STARTING OUT?
Listen. Surround yourself with good people. Remember you’re a problem solver, and there’s more than one way to solve a problem
IF YOU WERE NOT A DESIGNER, WHAT WOULD YOU BE?
A teacher
A MANTRA OR SAYING YOU LIVE BY?
Balance
