Today we’d like to introduce you to Andrea Paulus.
Andrea, please share your story with us. How did you get to where you are today?
I was raised in Alaska. My father was a biologist and a commercial fisherman and my mother a teacher. We moved to Dutch Harbor for several years in our early teens, which was really tough for a family who lived a suburban life near the “big city” of Anchorage. We lived in a tiny World War II cabana with no running water or electricity for about six months before finding a better place to live. Because my father was fishing, we often didn’t see him for days on end and worried about him coming home safely. Coupled with horrendous weather, harsh lifestyle and isolation, it was a miserable experience. After several years we returned to Eagle River, Alaska where I finished high school.
I moved out at eighteen and worked full time, uncertain what I wanted to do with my life.
Fortunately, my twin sister introduced me to the Graphic Design program at the University of Oregon, which proved to be a great career choice for me. After graduation, I went into educational software for children k-12, which was probably the most fun I’ve ever had working. From there, I went into video games here in San Diego then transitioned back into graphic design for good.
I have over 15 years of experience as a visual/graphic designer, working with marketing and development teams on large scale websites and designing print and digital materials for marketing campaigns, presentations and tradeshows. I’ve worked with such globally recognized brands as Amazon, Microsoft, Petco and Xerox and continue to do so.
I’m also pursuing certification in Design Thinking methodology with the Interactive Design Foundation (IDF).
In my spare time, I love to travel with my husband, paint and go wine tasting. I’m a huge foodie and I’ve written a cookbook which I’d like to re-write again someday. I also adore my french bulldogs, Harry and Phoebe, who keep me company while I work.
I love every minute of what I do. I thrive in a collaborative atmosphere designing beautiful customer experiences and will never stop learning and growing. The community I live in is exciting, friendly and has a flourishing design scene. I feel lucky to be surrounded by it all!
We’re always bombarded by how great it is to pursue your passion, etc – but we’ve spoken with enough people to know that it’s not always easy. Overall, would you say things have been easy for you?
When I worked in the video game industry, it was really tough. I was the only woman on my team and I’d just moved here from Portland, OR. so I didn’t know anyone. There were very long hours, stressful demands on our time, and no time for a personal life even if I’d wanted one. I never felt like I was “one of the guys” and constantly had to deal with such underhanded things as being left out of team lunches, not being invited to meetings and so on. I worked hard, but was never treated like an equal. I’d like to think things have changed for women in that industry, but I’m not sure it has.
My advice is to stand strong for what you believe in. Don’t assume you know everything, be humble, work hard, learn whatever you can and don’t give up. No one has the right to treat you badly and if they do, stand up to them. You’re a woman and you can do anything.
Tell us more about your work.
I’m a visual/graphic designer…which means I design both print and digital artwork and have experience in UX design. My focus is in marketing and development, with a background in software design. I’ve worked in educational software, video game development and in marketing.
I’m most proud of my work with well-known brands such as Amazon, Xerox and Microsoft. I’ve been able to use my training in Fine Art and Art History, as well as skills and experience in graphic design to develop a clean, modern style.
I think what sets me apart from others is my 15 years of professional design experience, background in fine art and ability to collaborate with globally sourced teams.
Who do you look up to? How have they inspired you?
Maya Angelou because she was such an amazing woman, writer, poet and civil rights activist. I’ll never forget reading I Know Why the Caged Bird Sings in high school. It was the first time I ever thought about racism in America and very impactful in raising my awareness of social issues.
Michelle Obama because she’s the best First Lady EVER. Her impact on our nation, helping our children, promoting healthy eating, supporting her amazing husband, and overall just being an awesome woman.
Julie Andrews because The Sound of Music is my most favorite thing. (ha!) But seriously, my mom looked just like her when I was little, and I adore the music, adventure and excitement in that movie. I’d love to sit down and have dinner with her someday and ask her all about making music and movies. I think she’s fascinating. And since she reminds me of my mom and growing up, she’s always been a part of my life in some way.
Contact Info:
- Website: www.thinicedesign.com
- Email: apaulus@thinicedesign.com
- Other: https://www.linkedin.com/in/thinicedesign/
Image Credit:
Andrea Paulus
Suggest a story: SDVoyager is built on recommendations from the community; it’s how we uncover hidden gems, so if you or someone you know deserves recognition please let us know here.
