DESIGN DIRECTOR, HUMANAUT, CHATTANOOGA TN
Stephanie’s title is Design Director but, actually, she’s Humunaut’s unicorn. The majority of the firm’s work is reflective of her talent, passion and nerves of steel under pressure. Stephanie oversees the design department and works directly with the Chief Creative Director on identity and packaging, app UX and UI, website design and video art direction. But what’s most impressive is her attitude: She is a doer, not a talker. She leads by example by pushing her work, and the process, further than everyone else. Stephanie puts her ego on the back burner, rolls up her sleeves, and helps knock out any design challenge no matter how small. Her large body of design work was recognized by Ad Age when Humanaut was awarded Gold for Small Agency of the Year 2017 (Southeast). She was also a 2017 Webby Nominee (Best User Interface) for Felt, an app that lets anyone send a handwritten card from an iPhone.
WHERE WERE YOU BORN AND WHERE DO YOU LIVE NOW?
I was born in Chattanooga TN. Happily, I’m back again
DID YOU GO TO DESIGN SCHOOL?
SCAD in Savannah GA
LEFTY OR RIGHTY?
Righty
MORNING PERSON OR NIGHT OWL?
Night Owl, but equally bad at both
FICTIONAL OR HISTORICAL CHARACTER YOU IDENTIFY WITH?
April Ludgate from Parks and Rec
ARE YOU MUSICAL AND/OR DO YOU PLAY AN INSTRUMENT?
I aspire to be more musical. I sing and play piano, but I’m looking hard at stringed instruments
FAVORITE BOOK?
Jitterbug Perfume by Tom Robbins
FAVORITE MOVIE?
I can quote every line of The Princess Bride
FAVORITE TV BINGE WATCH?
Bob’s Burgers
FAVORITE SOCIAL MEDIA PLATFORM?
Instagram
FAVORITE FINE ARTIST?
I can never pick just one. Frida Kahlo, Ana Mendieta, Robert Rauschenberg
FAVORITE CHARITY?
CharityWater
FAVORITE FREE TIME ACTIVITY?
Anti-screen time: Hiking, kayaking, building things with my hands
COLLECT ANYTHING?
Notebooks that are too beautiful to use
COLOR USED MOST OFTEN IN YOUR DESIGN?
#808080 and #C0C0C0
TYPEFACE USED MOST OFTEN IN YOUR DESIGN?
Din Pro Bold
DOES PRINT HAVE A ROLE IN YOUR DESIGNS?
Print is always a part of my designs. Print is tangible, it’s a takeaway. People like to touch things and when they’re well designed, they keep and treasure them
DESIGN MENTOR/INSPIRATION/HERO?
I’m a huge admirer of kickass female letting artists and illustrators Jessica Hische, Jenna Blazeovich, and Tuesday Bassen
GREATEST STRENGTH/WEAKNESS AS A DESIGNER?
Strength is not playing into the stereotype / Weakness is proofing
ADVICE TO A YOUNG DESIGNER JUST STARTING OUT?
If there’s a project you want to begin or a new role you’d like to try, go after it. Teach yourself, utilize your creative network, and find a way. Don’t let it become a ‘what if’
IF YOU WERE NOT A DESIGNER, WHAT WOULD YOU BE?
IRL: Marine Biologist, Dream Life: Demolitions Expert
A MANTRA OR SAYING YOU LIVE BY?
Just keep livin’ – Jen Kirkman via Matthew McConaughey
