PRINCIPAL, 2K DESIGN, CLIFTON PARK NY
A strategic thinker with great attention to detail, exceptional organizational skills, and an endless enthusiasm for her work, Kris Fitzgerald founded visual communications studio 2k Design in 1995 where she designs custom solutions to fit the unique purpose and goals of any project. Most of her work includes brand identity, print collateral, web, packaging, signage, and exhibit design for the National Park Service’s Erie Canalway National Heritage Corridor, New York State Archives Partnership Trust, Girl Scouts of Northeastern New York, Union College, and other educational institutions. Since most clients are non-profits, she understands the need to do more with less. From discovery to delivery, she works closely with each of them to ensure that thoughtful planning guides the design process, that form is driven by function, and that every solution is consistent with who they are and what they want to achieve – and that it fits their budget. Outside of work, Kris enjoys being outdoors hiking, rollerblading, cycling, skiing, golfing, and paddling. Each summer, she and her family visit different Major Leage Baseball stadiums in a journey to see all 30 – they are three-quarters of the way there!
WHERE WERE YOU BORN AND WHERE DO YOU LIVE NOW?
I was born in Glens Falls NY, a small upstate city at the base of the Adirondack Mountains, heaven on earth; I currently live 40 miles south in Clifton Park NY.
DID YOU GO TO DESIGN SCHOOL?
RIT
LEFTY OR RIGHTY?
Righty
MORNING PERSON OR NIGHT OWL?
Both, it depends on the day and what I am working on.
FICTIONAL OR HISTORICAL CHARACTER YOU IDENTIFY WITH?
Ariel, the Little Mermaid. She is headstrong, independent, curious, and a collector.
ARE YOU MUSICAL AND/OR PLAY AN INSTRUMENT?
I love to listen to music and sing in the car.
FAVORITE BOOK?
The children’s book series: What Do You Do with a Problem? What Do You Do with an Idea? and What Do You Do with a Chance? by Kobi Yamada.
FAVORITE MOVIE?
Collateral Beauty
FAVORITE TV BINGE WATCH?
Law and Order
FAVORITE SOCIAL MEDIA PLATFORM?
Pinterest
FAVORITE FINE ARTIST?
Mark Rothko
FAVORITE CHARITY OR CAUSE?
The Quest for Grace Foundation, a store where foster kids and foster parents can shop for free clothing and toys.
FAVORITE FREE TIME ACTIVITY?
Spending time outside with my son and my husband golfing, paddling, hiking and exploring.
COLLECT ANYTHING?
Wood and letterpress type, books, especially children’s books, scarves, fabrics, kitchen tools, beautiful design, and experiences
WHICH AREA OF GRAPHIC DESIGN IS GROWING THE MOST?
UX because as Steve Jobs made it abundantly clear: design is not just what something looks like and feels like. Design is how it works.
DESIGN MENTOR/INSPIRATION/HERO?
Mentor: Roger Remington, the Massimo and Lela Vignelli Professor of Design at RIT. Inspiration/hero: I met and worked with Kit Hinrichs at his Type Director’s Club workshop in 2008 and we have kept in touch ever since.
GREATEST STRENGTH/WEAKNESS AS A DESIGNER?
Strength: ability to create solutions that really fit the needs of a project, the client and their budget. Weakness: not taking the time to step away from the desk.
ADVICE TO A YOUNG DESIGNER JUST STARTING OUT?
Always work hard because your effort, enthusiasm and perseverance will pay off. Seek out new experiences so you find those things you love the most. Never stop learning: about design, your clients, your colleagues and the world around you because the pace of change is incredible and you will constantly need new skills and perspectives to be ready for the opportunities ahead. Always be humble and kind.
IF YOU WERE NOT A DESIGNER, WHAT WOULD YOU BE?
I can’t imagine being anything else.
A MANTRA OR SAYING YOU LIVE BY?
“Everything happens for a reason.”
