Designer - graphic, Web, Brand, Visual & Beyond
My name is Lacey. I am a designer currently living in the Tucson, Arizona metro area while also working full time as a remote web designer for a national company. I am always learning new things and I love a good design challenge. Interested in a design consult? Get in touch!
- 3 Bachelors Degrees - Summa Cum Laude
- Frequent Moves - Military Spouse (Bring on the remote work & freelance gigs!)
- Ongoing Professional Development - Online courses, industry books and blogs, trying new things
![Oh look, something shiny...[how I fell in love with graphic design]](https://laceyleigh.design/wp-content/uploads/2021/02/about_header.png)
Background
Over the years, I have taken many different avenues in search of my passion. Throughout my journey, I have collected a wide range of experiences from which to draw creative inspiration. I have learned a little about many subjects, and a lot about a few important ones. On first glance, it may seem as if I am flighty, always chasing the next shiny object, but in reality many of my pursuits have taken a lot of learning, hard work, and persistence.
Twisty History with Graphic Design
I majored in Graphic Design, back in 2004, but I did not earn my Graphic Design degree until 2019. The truth is, I got scared. I ran away from learning the creative technology because it seemed “too hard for an artist.”
After traversing the long and winding road of self-doubt, I got back on track. Unimaginably, wildly, crazily, I got a job doing graphic design with no experience. My boss taught me on the fly (Thanks for taking a chance on me!). I was so empowered by what I was learning that I started watching tutorials, online courses, and reading everything I could find on design.
Fast forward through a move and a frustrating job search, I decided to go back to school to finish what I had started all those years before. Now, I can confidently say that I have a Bachelors in Graphic Design and Media Arts and several years of experience.
Reflecting on the Journey to Becoming a Graphic Designer
Looking back, I see that all of my vast experiences brought me to the place I am today – employed full time as an in-house designer, freelance graphic designer on the side – and I am so grateful for the journey.
- My management degree and wide range of work and school experiences have developed my professionalism.
- My love of learning and research background (Art History Degree) are a huge asset in the discovery process of each new project.
- Likewise, my art history knowledge supports my design thinking and helps give context to so many things.
- Working in-house has given me insights into how every touchpoint builds the brand.
- Being a freelance designer has allowed me to work with a variety of people in different industries with different needs.
- Most of all, my travels and moves have exposed me to a wide range of people and cultures helping me develop the designer secret weapon – empathy.