Job Title / Profession
Graphic Designer at Stuller, Inc. & Freelance Artist
How long have you been a member of the AcA?
2 Years (Honestly might be more or less, not sure)
What books are you reading right now?
I am currently listening to the audiobook of “I Who Have Never Known Men” by Jacqueline Harpman. I have also been reading Jane Eyre at a pace of about one page a week. It stays on my bedside table.
What music are you listening to right now?
Lately I’ve been bouncing between Beyoncé, Remi Wolf, and Kacey Musgraves’ new album “Middle of Nowhere”.
Do you have a hobby or craft that fills your spare time?
I try to consistently take photos with my film camera. I find that it’s a more intentional way of capturing memories than when I take pictures with my phone. The film photos are more memorable to me, and those end up framed around my house most of the time.
What was the first concert you ever attended?
I saw The Cheetah Girls at The Cajundome. It was amazing. Hannah Montana opened for them.
Tell us about your favorite vacation or place you’ve traveled to.
I went to Seattle in May of 2025 and the weather was perfect the entire time. We spent so much times outdoors in nature. Ate great food as well. It was such a nice, relaxing vacation.
What is your ‘perfect night out’?
Dinner at Park Bistro, catch a portion of a show, in bed snuggling the dog by 10pm.
Have you lived outside of Acadiana? If so, where? What makes Acadiana special to you?
I lived in Baton Rouge for eight years. I have a lot of special memories associated with our state capital but once I moved back to Lafayette, everything clicked. That’s when I got to experience Courir de Mardi Gras for the first time and it was such a magical, inclusive experience. Plus, our food is unrivaled. I very happily put on weight when I moved home.
What are some of your favorite places to visit or frequent in Acadiana?
Cocodrie is my favorite place to be but I have to limit myself ’cause I’ll spend all my money there if I go too often. The best matcha in town is from Magnolia Pantry. And my favorite poboy place is Olde Tyme Grocery.
Tell us about an accomplishment you’re especially proud of.
Designing the Pelican for last year’s ball was so awesome! It was a big commitment and I was worried I wouldn’t be happy with the result but I really am proud of that piece.
Are you an artist? If so, what mediums do you work in?
My full time job is as a graphic designer, which I really enjoy. So that involves a lot of working on a computer in Adobe programs. As I’ve gotten older, I have been trying to reconnect with the analog art forms I worked in before collage. So I will occasionally paint and sketch. I have also been screen printing recently on fabrics and papers.
Do you have any artistic or creative goals for the upcoming year?
I am trying to make art inspired by my inner child. I feel like I really used to ponder big questions about nature and people when I was little and didn’t have anything to do at recess but lay in the grass and make flower crowns. I want to recreate that idle time to let my mind wander and see where it takes me.
What art forms are you most drawn to (even if you’re not a practicing artist)?
I love movies, particularly horror movies. Rosemary’s Baby is my favorite. What really connects with me is the emotions in them. Although the circumstances may be heightened, the emotions are real. I like to use horror movies as a catalyst to explore emotions that I don’t normally feel comfortable talking about.
Summarize what you do for work
Graphic designers can touch a lot of different processes depending on what role you’re in. Mostly in my career I’ve done brand identity projects so that involves setting up a client for success in advertising. Making sure they walk away with a strong brand identity (logo, colors, fonts, etc.) and a toolkit with which they can execute that brand. I really enjoy talking with clients about what they see for themselves and how to get them there.
What do you love most about your job or company?
Solving a problem creatively is my favorite part. I am lucky enough to collaborate with a lot of awesome people at my current job and sometimes it just takes us all getting into a room to figure something out. Talking with people in different roles offers new perspectives and allows growth in a really satisfying way.
What industry publications, podcasts, or resources do you follow?
I have recently become obsessed with this Youtube channel called Kathleen Illustrated (https://www.youtube.com/kathleenillustrated). It’s not so much about career development but more about exercising your artistic freedom through hobbies. She’s so relaxing to watch and very inspiring!
Why did you join AcA, and do you remember your first AcA experience?
I joined AcA when I moved back to Lafayette in 2022, but I’ve been going to the galleries for a long time. I remember going to ArtWalks with my friends in high school and thinking how cool it was to have a creative space like AcA in Lafayette.
What has been your favorite performance or event hosted by AcA?
I am partial to the 24 Hour Citizen Projects events because I’m part of their marketing committee, but they really are so inspiring and heart-warming. It’s basically Shark Tank for community ideas and you get to see teams explain why they love their idea and how it will benefit Acadiana.
Tell us about your favorite part of AcA membership.
I love the salons! First, I just feel fancy saying I’m going to a “salon”. But in addition to that, it is a genuinely fun night where you get to take in the new exhibits and usually do a little craft as well, which I’m always down for.
What is an AcA tradition, program, or annual event you look forward to every year?
I’ve only been to the Pelican ball once but now it’s getting marked on my calendar every year. It was so exciting to see everyone’s pelicans and experience a night mingling with people who cared about fostering artistry in Acadiana.
What’s the most memorable artist talk, workshop, or gallery opening you’ve attended at AcA?
I listened to a talk Tom Kenny did during one of the film festivals. I am a huge Spongebob Squarepants fan, so it was awesome to see him in Lafayette. He really immersed himself in the culture while he was here which was so fun to hear about. There was an audience QA after, and he was just really generous with his fans. I will always remember it.
