Unapologetically me.
Hi, I’m May!
With a deep-rooted belief in empathy, dedication, and a passion for all things creative, I thrive in establishing connections by crafting the narrative of a brand and integrating captivating stories into my designs.
Currently, I am a full-time Graphic Designer at an advertising agency in Minnesota. I've also enjoyed volunteering with organizations such as AIGA Minnesota and, more recently, the Northfield Chamber of Commerce, where I've had the opportunity to support creative and community-focused initiatives.
Understanding my strengths as a creative not only supports the continuous development of my design thinking, but also gives me the confidence to explore new ideas and push creative boundaries. I see every challenge as an opportunity to learn, refine my approach, and continue growing as a designer.
Strategy. Growth. Courage. Exploration. Strength. Perspective. Loyalty. Value. Confidence.
My Design Process
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Before meeting a new client or beginning a project, I dedicate time to thoroughly review all available information regarding this new opportunity. Following this, I compile a list of pertinent questions to clarify the problem I will be working to solve. During the initial project briefing, I actively listen to identify my client's true needs and goals. Uncovering the true essence of a project's needs can sometimes pose a challenge, but it is my responsibility to facilitate this discovery process.
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Following meetings with clients, I conduct research on similar projects to analyze both successful and unsuccessful outcomes. Utilizing the insights gathered, I initiate the process of mind mapping to generate additional ideas for the project. By including mind mapping techniques into my process, I organize the detailed notes collected into a more accessible format, allowing me to dive into the project.
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Once the project goals and themes are solidified, I kick off the creative process by sketching out my ideas. Consolidating all my sketches in one place allows me to systematically explore and refine potential solutions, revisiting alternative concepts as necessary. Afterwards, I translate my stronger ideas into digital formats and iterate on multiple variations. Seeking constructive criticism and feedback from peers enables me to enhance my work further, keeping their input in mind as I push the boundaries of my designs.
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At this stage, it's crucial to revisit the project goals and ensure that my understanding and proposed solution remain aligned with my earlier research. I carefully evaluate my work, deciding whether to proceed or refine my ideas. Moving forward, I explore potential enhancements to advance my work to the final stage of my process.
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Once each element of my work is thoughtfully selected, I proceed to create mockups that illustrate the real-life application of my designs. This allows me to present my ideas and rationale clearly, allowing my work to speak for itself.
Feedback from the clients…
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"Clean, sleek, modern... I really, really like this a lot"
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"IT LOOKS SO GOOD!!! I am welling up with joy, emotion, etc. Thank you SO much. The site looks so professional, clean, and functional. Thank you for bringing my dream to life!"
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"You guys are KILLING it and totally understand the brand I'm creating."