CREATIVE DIRECTOR, SEQUEL STUDIO, NEW YORK NY
For more than two decades I’ve been doing what I love – merging words with imagery to create designs and brands with a purpose. Whether I am designing print collateral, a website, a new identity or brand my starting point is always the same: what’s the story, who’s it for, and why does it matter. Discovering what makes each of our clients unique never gets old. I designed or led creative teams on key engagements for major clients – including luxury retailers, consumer products companies, financial services companies, and cultural organizations including Bank of America, CA Technologies, McGraw-Hill, Goldman Sachs, Campbell Soup Company, Neiman Marcus Group, CBS, SAP, Mead and Appleton Papers, Brightpoint Health, Alternative Pick, Pitney Bowes, Rockaway Brewing Company, RISE (Rockaway Institute for a Sustainable Environment), and the New York Metropolitan Opera. My work has been recognized by leading publications and organizations. Learn more about Dana and her career, development and character.
WHERE WERE YOU BORN AND WHERE DO YOU LIVE NOW?
I was born and raised on Long Island and I live in the beautiful borough of Brooklyn.
DID YOU GO TO DESIGN SCHOOL?
I went to Syracuse University for graphic design. I also studied at Pentagram in London during my semester abroad.
LEFTY OR RIGHTY?
Righty (But my political views swing left.)
MORNING PERSON OR NIGHT OWL?
I get up before the sun does.
FICTIONAL OR HISTORICAL CHARACTER YOU IDENTIFY WITH?
The Notorious RBG
ARE YOU MUSICAL AND/OR PLAY AN INSTRUMENT?
I can carry a tune. (Usually when I am folding laundry.)
FAVORITE BOOK?
Team of Rivals by Doris Kearns Goodwin
FAVORITE MOVIE?
The Shining (The original Stanley Kubrick movie, not the horrible, made-for-TV movie remake.)
FAVORITE TV BINGE WATCH?
Peaky Blinders, because I love gangster epics and Tommy Shelby.
FAVORITE SOCIAL MEDIA PLATFORM?
Instagram, because I get to post what inspires me and see what inspires others.
FAVORITE PODCAST?
The Dollop, because who doesn’t like a little history mixed in with a lot of comedy?
FAVORITE FINE ARTIST?
David Konigsberg, Mark Rothko, Georgia O’Keefe and Frida Kahlo
FAVORITE CHARITY OR CAUSE?
ACLU and the Women’s March Organization. Favorite free time-activity? Baking, reading, running, writing and spending time with my boys.
COLLECT ANYTHING?
Shoes, shoes and more shoes.
WHICH AREA OF GRAPHIC DESIGN IS GROWING THE MOST?
The goal is to succeed at every touchpoint of interaction, whether that be print, digital or experiential. Successful, strategic and smart branding knows no boundaries. However, we do see an opportunity to design new, innovative user interfaces for applications that leverage emerging technologies and digital product experiences, whether for employee- facing, AI-driven applications or for marketing campaigns using augmented/virtual reality. Novel, disruptive technologies are right around the corner, and we see good design as the gateway for making them accessible.
DESIGN MENTOR/INSPIRATION/HERO?
My colleagues, especially David Phan (my better half), are my source of daily inspiration. Paul Rand, Bradbury Thompson and Milton Glaser are my all-time favorite designers.
GREATEST STRENGTH/WEAKNESS AS A DESIGNER?
Strength: I put my heart and soul into everything I do. Weakness: I work too hard.
ADVICE TO A YOUNG DESIGNER JUST STARTING OUT?
Young designers who stand out are those who can speak eloquently about their work. It is not about quantity. I am looking for designers who can think strategically and creatively about their work. Think before you design.
IF YOU WERE NOT A DESIGNER, WHAT WOULD YOU BE?
Politician or activist (Both occupations run in my family on both sides of the aisle.)
A MANTRA OR SAYING YOU LIVE BY?
“Make work that matters. Love something outside of yourself. And have an opinion.” – James Victore
