When I was little, I knew I was going to be an artist. It wasn't until a few years after I graduated from high school that I realized I wanted to go digital. I was a part of the yearbook club for two of the four years of my high school career, and I loved using some of the Adobe software for my AV class, like After Effects and Animate.
Hello, my name is Deborah, but you can call me Deb.
Once I realized that Graphic Design was the field I wanted to tackle, I transferred to Upper Iowa University (UIU) once I achieved my Associate's degree in Liberal Arts in early 2020. I finished my Bachelor's degree with a major in Graphic Design and a minor in Marketing at UIU in December of 2022.
Near the end of obtaining my bachelor’s degree I moved and was hired at a different print shop that specialized in large format printing. It was there I helped create different print graphics for a local nonprofit. There cause was suicide prevention which is something I am passionate about. It was an honor working with them and was one of the reasons I love creating art; to be a part of something bigger and help successfully market business and organization's target market.
Meanwhile, I was hired part-time at a print shop as a graphic designer, production assistant, and customer service. I was basically doing a little bit of everything from printing to designing and handling walk-ins.
I wanted to continue to work with nonprofits, so in September, I was able to land a position at Save the Water, as a Marketing Associate: Graphic Design. I got to collaborate and maintain communication with a team of my peers and allocate designs to get done by their deadlines.
After a major gala event, a lot of volunteers in the marketing department left, including the Marketing Director. Because of that, I saw a chance to step up and lead those who were left, at least until we had a replacement. The President took note of this, and after I spearheaded a project, she offered me a promotion to Marketing Director. As of January 1st, 2024, I became Marketing Director at Save the Water.
For a while, I worked on social media campaigns to target potential volunteers and donors. Another important part was looking to add to our team. A few months later I had to step down for personal reasons, but it was a great experience!
But what about outside of work? Are you passionate about anything else?
-
Things like video games, TV shows, anime, and recently board games. Whenever I have free time, which is unfortunately not often, I like to game casually. Games like Sims 3, Spore, Stardew Valley, etc. Also after meeting my partner, I got into board games like Wingspan, The Night Cage, and recently Ark Nova.
-
Before working as a graphic designer, I worked as a kennel attendant at two different vets collectively for over four years! I took care of boarding/injured cats and dogs. Walking, feeding, watering, cleaning the kennels, bathing the animals, etc. I learned to be patient with them and made me care even more about them. Ultimately, that is why I had to leave. But that does not mean I have not stopped caring. I continue to donate money, food and supplies, and adopt animals when I feel like I can do the commitment. In the past, I had adopted a cat and some pet rats. After my last pet rat passed I decided that I was ready to rescue a dog and on October 29th we officially adopted Stracko (now Zhaitan/Zhai Zhai).
-
Going to antique/second-hand stores is a weekend favorite of mine. I have found crafts, books, clothes, etc. It is nice to get lost in a store and just walk around. And you spend less money than regular shopping!
-
And I love nature in general. So bringing plants inside I feel really livens up the house. It is an amazing feeling to wake up and see new growth on your plants! My favorite has got to be the ficus ginseng bonsai trees. I have two and I just love how bizarre the trunks are!