Today we’d like to introduce you to Hollie Vandenberg.
Alright, so thank you so much for sharing your story and insight with our readers. To kick things off, can you tell us a bit about how you got started?
From a young age, I remember being creative, crafty, and full of imagination. I loved nearly every assignment in school that had to do with art—whether it was something I got to draw or something I got to make, like dioramas in elementary school, (where are my millennials at?) My talent for drawing came from my dad and my creative passion came from my mom who has always encouraged me to put my imagination to good work.
I continued to work on magnifying my talents throughout my education. The passion to create has never left me. I still love to draw and create things with my hands. My favorite part about being an artist is starting with a blank canvas—a space of emptiness, nothingness, and yet full of possibilities. Then, usually working with a pencil or stylus, that blank canvas begins to come alive. Something takes shape. Every line, every curve, every shadow works together in harmony to deliver a work of art that wasn’t there in the beginning. It’s so fun!
I decided that I wanted to pursue a career in graphic design a few years ago. I worked hard to learn how to transfer what came comfortably on paper to a digital screen. The best part about digital design? Command+Z. #AppleMacVibes. There’s still a multitude of skills I desire to learn and polish, but I am so grateful for the steps that have brought me this far in my craft.
I’m sure it wasn’t obstacle-free, but would you say the journey has been fairly smooth so far?
Haha about as smooth as Lightning McQueen left the road in his first pass with “Bessie.”
Some of the struggles? What a vulnerable question. I think the biggest struggle is believing in myself. Believing that I am great at what I do, and that I make a difference with the talents I already have. Comparing yourself to others isn’t healthy, but it’s easy to do and it’s something I think we could all work on in varying degrees.
A cousin to comparison is “Impostor Syndrome,” and it’s not a comfortable condition to experience. It all comes back to not feeling adequate, qualified, or talented enough. One thing I know, everyone has struggles that come in different packages. No one gets through life unscathed. So let’s choose to cheer each other on.
Thanks for sharing that. So, maybe next you can tell us a bit more about your work?
Design is everywhere! It’s on billboards, store signs, social media, packaging, clothing, and menus! As a graphic designer, I create visuals for both business owners and individuals who need designs for various applications. The best way to find out if I can design something for you is to just ask! I specialize in logos and custom graphics for apparel or merchandise, but more services can be found on my website for easy reference.
I’m known for being detail-oriented, honest, approachable, and a hoot and a half to be around. I’m also known for frequently communicating in movie quotes.
After pondering on what I’m most proud of, I’d like to change the question to: “What are you most grateful for,” if I may?
I’m most grateful for my Savior, family, and loyal friends. I wouldn’t be who I am without them.
Being both a graphic designer and an illustrator is one of the biggest things that sets me apart. A graphic designer organizes and designs visuals to communicate ideas clearly and an illustrator creates original artwork to bring ideas to life visually. Simplified? As a graphic designer, I arrange and design visuals to make ideas easy to understand and look good. As an illustrator, I create original drawings or graphics to make ideas stand out. As both a graphic designer and an illustrator, I bring originality, greater cohesion in designs, flexible creativity, and lower project costs by eliminating the need to hire multiple creatives.
How can people work with you, collaborate with you or support you?
Awesome question! Aside from hiring me for their graphic design needs, the best way others could support me is to refer me to those who ask for recommendations regarding graphic design needs such as logos, business cards, product labels, apparel, and digital ads/announcements. Multiple studies have shown that referrals significantly drive sales, expand reach, and increase the number of clients a business gains. I would love to earn the trust of clients so they feel comfortable referring me to their family and friends.
I’ve also launched an Etsy shop as another creative outlet! I would love for readers who’ve made it this far in my interview to “favorite” my shop, items they love, and share the link with other Etsy shoppers. I take custom design requests so if there’s something a shopper wants, I’d love the input and challenge to create something new and meaningful!
I’m happy to include links to my website (which includes a contact page), shop, and social media as well. I love bringing ideas to life for those who aren’t designers or illustrators themselves, so let’s collaborate on your next design project, busy bees!
Contact Info:
- Website: https://thedesignhivestudios.com/
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thedesignhivestudios/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/TheDesignHiveStudio/
- Other: https://www.etsy.com/shop/TheDesignHiveStudios
