Who is Rachel?
I’m a veteran creative and problem solver with over 10 years of experience in design. As an initiator and self-motivated learner, I’m passionate about improving systems and processes to help the people who use them. From not-for-profit clients in caregiving to fast-paced marketing agencies with international clients, I’m well versed in working with a wide range of client cultures and brand systems. I love talking through problems, collaborating, and bringing ideas together across disciplines. I’ve led teams tackling complex and dynamic projects to meet both business and user needs.
I haven’t always identified as a user experience designer, so what brought me to UX?
Discovering Design
2003
I decided that graphic design was the best way to marry my love of art and computers. My dad confirmed this was a viable path that wouldn’t end in starvation. Off to NC State Design School, I go. The program threw me in the deep end and honed my design thinking quickly.
Out in the World
2007
I graduated with my shiny new Bachelor of Graphic Design degree and set out. As a junior, I got my feet wet working in-house. I avoided hermithood as a freelancer (barely) and was continually adapting while a contractor at Birdsong Gregory, Tattoo Projects, and Concentric Marketing, among others.
It took months to shake off the social atrophy from not working with a team, but I finally got centered again while working at the agency, PureRed. I started refining my design process and grew into a leadership role while working for Lowe’s Home Improvement, RiteAid, Walgreens, etc.
The Tipping Point
2019
It all started with pizza, beer, and a panel discussion. When I heard that Meredith Davis, the researcher who literally wrote the book “Graphic Design Theory,” was moderating the panel I was on board. I’d never been able to take a course with her while at NC State, but her focus on design education and problem-solving resonated with me. Little did I know the least impactful part of the panel was the esteemed moderator. This was the first time UX design came to the forefront and became something I wanted to pursue. I started assessing myself and how I wanted to engage with design in the future. UX just clicked.
The Push
2020
It had been over a year since I realized that UX was my path forward but my progress toward UX was limited to a few tutorials. Thanks to the plague I was thrust out of my comfort zone and back into the unknown. But after some consideration, I knew it was time to make a change. My frustrations with where I entered the design process had only grown. Also, continuing in graphic design would soon push me out of a hands-on role in the design process. So I got serious about UX and joined my GA cohort. It’s been a wild ride of self-discovery and immersive learning.
What’s Next?
2021
You hire me and we keep this journey going together! I’m not a messy officemate and I realize I’m on mute very quickly, I promise.