Partner Highlight: Stephanie Audette Design
Things are always exciting when you’re deep in the creative trenches, working on awesome branding and design projects. Nothing new there.
However, nothing makes it more exciting than having more creative minds and perspectives along for the ride. With that, I’m excited to say the studio is partnering up with our long-time friend, Stephanie Audette, on some new projects. Stephanie’s an amazing brand designer who runs Stephanie Audette Design, a studio geared towards providing branding and graphic design services for local small businesses. More than that, she’s a longtime friend of mine, a fellow alumnus from Massachusetts College of Art & Design, and a former classmate.
We’re getting the deep dive on her, her work and what she’s about below:
When did you decide to go full-time with the studio? What was the “ah-ha!” moment?
I was able to go full-time with my studio in 2015 after 3 years of building my business part time. My “ah-ha’ moment came when my CFO (a.k.a. my husband) ran the numbers and we both felt comfortable enough to make the financial leap into trying to make a full time income. I had to get out of my comfort zone, so I started attending networking groups where I met other professionals who became clients and friends. With every satisfied client, my confidence in my abilities grew. Now, there are times when my project calendar is so full that I need to turn jobs down! It has been such an amazing journey and I’ve learned something from every project that I have used to make myself a better designer and a better business owner.
What got you into design as a career choice? Have your professional experiences thus far met or exceeded your expectations?
After graduating from Massachusetts College of Art and Design with a Bachelor of Fine Arts in Graphic Design, I found myself back home struggling to find a job. For nearly three months, I applied for every graphic design job in Worcester County. I even sent my resume to numerous creative agencies who weren’t hiring!
After working at a young startup in Millbury, MA (Cre8: A Do-It-Yourself Studio), I got my first full-time job as a designer and worked as a labor horse for a few years at a couple of agencies. It wasn’t long though before I realized that my creativity and ambition couldn’t be satisfied by laying out newspaper ads.
I wanted to be in control of my process and have the opportunity to really connect with my clients and work alongside them every step of the way. I started taking on freelance design jobs while working as a part-time financial assistant. It was so satisfying and I had finally found my calling as a designer! Once I had built my clientele and portfolio, I made the leap to open my own full-time design studio on January 1, 2016.
What is your favorite part of the design process?
I didn’t even know what “the design process” was when I started college, and once it was explained, it honestly sounded like a waste of time. When it came time to put the process in action however, that’s when I fell in love with graphic/communication design. That being said, the best part is creating the rough identity system. I truly enjoy watching how my client reacts when they see the potential of their new brand.
Design has changed leaps and bounds over the years, especially the need for great design in business. What are your thoughts on that, and how have you experienced this in your studio’s work?
I’ve always thought design was essential in business, but even more in today’s world. With so many new startups a business really needs to stand out amongst their competitors. I recently worked with Pherdal on redesigning their pitch deck and here’s the direct impact it had on their business: “I thought I had done a great job with my pitch deck, and I had . . . from a content perspective. All of the critical components were there to communicate my problem, solution, and business model. However, based on Stephanie's previous work for PherDal, I knew that she would be able to give our deck the extra dose of professionalism it needed. She didn't just give our deck a little additional wow factor—instead, she turned it into a masterpiece,” shared Jenn. “Everyone from our board to our investors was blown away by her presentation of the content in a unique, beautiful, and convincing fashion. Thanks to Stephanie, I successfully pitched and was selected to the famous and prestigious South by Southwest ® (SXSW) Pitch Competition, where I can't wait to show off her designs to thousands of people. I know the return on this investment will be several hundredfold. Stephanie took my vision and turned it into a beautiful reality.
What has been your favorite project thus far, and why?
Definitely giving Little Spark Theater a rebrand! I love working with brands that are passionate about making an impact with children. Little Spark Theater brings thoughtfully designed and dynamic state standard-aligned theater education to cities/towns through local schools, libraries, and more! The fact that my client completely trusted me through the process gave me the ability to have fun and get creative with iconography and pattern design.
Top 5 Favorite Artists/Bands. Go.
90’s Hits on Spotify
Hootie & The Blowfish
The Laurie Berkner Band
Fairplay by Eve Rodsky (Audiobook)
SERP’s Up SEO Podcast
Where can people find and follow you?
📧 audette.stephanie@gmail.com
💻 Website: www.stephanieaudette.com
📷 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/audette_stephanie/
