Today we’d like to introduce you to Brenna Vaterlaus
Hi Brenna, thanks for sharing your story with us. To start, maybe you can tell our readers some of your backstory.
I feel incredibly fortunate to have found my passion in graphic design—a field my mom actually chose for me as a major, and I’ve never looked back since. If anyone could have a job that feels like a calling, graphic design has truly been that for me.
After getting my Bachelor of Fine Arts degree from Brigham Young University, I was excited to receive a job offer in 2020 from Cove, a home security company based in Orem, UT. During my time there, I helped unify the brand across all platforms, including packaging, web, social media, and print. Collaborating with some incredibly talented individuals, I gained valuable experience as an in-house designer.
In 2021, my husband Drew and I relocated to the Greater Sacramento Area in California. Fortunately, I was able to continue working remotely for Cove.
While maintaining my full-time role, I began taking on freelance projects, and by the end of 2021, I started contracting for Deseret Magazine. As my freelance opportunities grew, I really enjoyed the variety of work I was doing. However, by 2023, the demanding schedule of working 60-80 hours a week began to take its toll, leading to chronic pain in my arms, wrists, and hands.
Recognizing the need to prioritize my health, I decided to pivot my career. When an opportunity arose to contract as the lead designer for Deseret Magazine, I took the leap into full-time freelance work and left my job at Cove at the beginning of 2024.
Though the transition was scary, it felt like the right choice for me. Since then, I’ve had the privilege of working with a diverse range of businesses, startups, and agencies on truly exciting projects.
I’m sure it wasn’t obstacle-free, but would you say the journey has been fairly smooth so far?
The biggest challenge I’ve faced over the past two years has been dealing with chronic pain. Despite seeing multiple doctors, I still don’t have a clear diagnosis or specific treatment plan. However, after several months of physical therapy, I’m finally starting to see significant improvements, and I can function without constant pain.
We’ve narrowed it down to the need for a more ergonomic workstation, proper body positioning, and taking regular breaks to move around during my 8-10 hour workdays. It’s clear that our bodies aren’t designed to sit for hours on end, yet that’s what many jobs require. I hope that anyone reading this will evaluate their work stations. I’m only a handful of years into my career and experiencing this long-term is not something I want to happen to anyone else.
Another challenge, while working full-time, was finding other exciting companies to work with while living in an area with limited opportunities. The competition for remote positions is fierce, with a much larger pool of applicants compared to local hiring processes. I would have loved to transition to a role with a different company or studio, but local opportunities were scarce or low paying, and remote ones were oversaturated.
This is one of the main reasons I decided to pursue freelance work. It allows me to take on smaller contract jobs with cool studios, agencies, and businesses, giving me the chance to build connections and open doors for more opportunities in the future.
Can you tell our readers more about what you do and what you think sets you apart from others?
I’m currently a freelance designer, contracting with a variety of clients. My primary role is with Deseret Magazine, where I serve as the main designer, focusing on print layout and story design. I’ve also worked with brands like PB Fit, Oatsome, Quick Quack Car Wash, e.l.f. Cosmetics, Rodan + Fields, Giving Machines, and several other startups and local businesses.
I specialize in branding, print, and digital design. I’m known for my love of color and bold design choices, though I’m equally adept at following a design brief and tailoring solutions to client needs. I’m always exploring new ways to create impactful design experiences.
Starting a new project excites me so much that I often have trouble sleeping because I can’t wait to wake up and work. I realize not everyone feels this way about their job, and I feel unbelievably fortunate to have these opportunities.
One of my favorite moments is when someone sends me a photo and says, ‘I took a Brenna-inspired photo!’ or ‘You inspired me!’ Whether it’s a close-up of fruit at a farmers market or a fun sign they saw downtown, I love seeing others become more observant and aware of design in their daily lives.
It’s rare to find a creative who is also highly organized, and that’s one of my strengths. I love organizing files, creating systems, and streamlining processes. I’m passionate about trying new things, working hard, setting high goals, AND failing. Learning and growing have brought me to where I am today, and I always welcome a good critique.
Have you learned any interesting or important lessons due to the Covid-19 Crisis?
One thing I have always strived for is having an answer to the question, “What do you like to do for fun?” Since I was in high school I have believed that we have to take advantage of what we can in the here and now. Getting out and playing sports, learning a new craft, taking time to try something new, call your grandma. It’s about making the most of what you can.
During times in my life where I have had to re-evaluate or endure are the times when I have learned something new about myself. COVID-19 was a tough time, but I tried my best to still see what good I could do in my life and in the lives of those around me. Each Sunday, I try to take that day as an opportunity to reflect and re-evaluate what is most important and understand my needs, whether that’s to take a break or immerse myself in something new.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.brennavaterlaus.work/
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/brennavaterlaus/
