Meet the LCC Designers
Lianne Charlene Creative has hit another milestone by hiring a second designer, making us a team of three! With the studio moving into this next phase of growth, we wanted to give you a little more insight into our team members and who we are. For our full bios, you can visit our About Page. Otherwise, here’s a quick Q&A with our two junior designers, Shaylyn and Michaela!
Shaylyn Evans - Junior Graphic Designer
Began working at LCC in August 2020
1. Background
I have always had an abundance of creative energy and love to express that through the work that I do. When I am not working you can usually find me at a dog park with my dog Archie, doing a spin class or checking out what’s new in Edmonton’s food scene.
2. Hobbies
I love cooking, and most weekends I spend mostly in the kitchen. I also love to cycle, go thrifting, try some home décor DIY’s, and spend time with family.
3. What was your original career path?
I was never too sure what I wanted to be when I grew up but I always wanted to do something that made me happy. I started in web design and development at school and shortly learned that it was graphic design and branding that really made my heart sing.
4. What brought you into this industry?
I’ve always been a creative person and wanted to do work every day that I loved and made a difference. I feel graphic design is a great way to use my creative thinking and skills to help people grow their businesses and stand out amongst competitors.
5. How did you feel when you first got hired at LCC?
Excited! To get hired as a brand-new grad in a pandemic felt like a huge accomplishment. I love the work Lianne has done and felt our style, values and personality worked well together. I knew it was going to be a great opportunity for mentorship – and I was right.
6. What was your first project and What are some of the favourite projects you've worked on so far??
My first project was to design a logo for Kakwa Plumbing and Heating. In the last year and a half, I would say my favourites are the apparel for The Makers Keep - Keepsakes Collection, various branded websites as well as creating full logos and brand identities for our small business clients.
7. What are the highlights from working at LCC so far?
Getting to work on client projects right from day one and getting to jump right in. Within the year I have gotten to work on branding, packaging, signage, corporate, apparel, websites. Taking some time to learn what’s new in the design industry through virtual conferences and tutorial days are also a highlight. Work is never boring, and we are always learning.
8. What have you learned so far?
Anything and everything that has to do with printing and print projects, video ads and GIFs, illustrations, as well as how things work behind the scenes with the business and project management.
9. What advice would you give to anyone who is just graduating and entering the industry?
Take advantage and say yes to opportunities that come your way whether that is networking, small freelancing projects, coffee with someone you look up to in the industry. There are always experiences you will learn from. Use Instagram and Pinterest as sources of inspiration and not comparison. Doing passion projects is a great way to creatively let loose and learn new techniques and methods.
10. Who is your ideal client?
Small business owners are so passionate and fun to work with. A client that has a clear direction for where they see their business and are excited to be a part of the design process. Collaboration is so important – Teamwork makes the dream work!
11. What is your dream project?
I’d love to do branding, graphics, and pattern design for a pet-based small business. The pet industry has grown so much in 2021 and it would be so fun to play with typography, colours, and graphics we don’t get to use daily.
12. What's your favourite thing about being a graphic designer?
I love that work doesn’t feel like work. I genuinely enjoy coming to work every day and getting to create things daily that help business owners succeed. I love that there is always something to learn or improve on as a graphic designer, so things always stay challenging and never boring.
Michaela Pichert - Junior Graphic Designer
Began working at LCC in October 2021
1. Background
As a child, I was always drawing and creating, and my family has always pushed me towards using those creative skills. I went to school for a business degree because I knew it was the practical option. I’ve also worked in customer service since I was 16 and I always knew the positions I was working in weren’t the right fit even if I was doing well in them. I am a big believer in doing what you love, so when I found graphic design, it just felt right.
2. Hobbies
I love photography and cooking, so I enjoy spending time practicing those skills. I also love to try new things, so I tend to spend weekends learning how to play tennis, snowboarding, or exploring trails, restaurants, or cafes around Edmonton. Although it’s been tough to do the past couple of years I also absolutely love traveling and experiencing other cultures.
3. What was your original career path?
When I was younger, I always thought I would be an interior designer. Once I grew up a bit, I realized maybe I needed to think more practical, the stereotypical idea that creative fields weren’t sustainable. So, I went into business school and got my BCOM with a major in marketing. I really thought that by choosing the “creative” sector of business I would be happy.
4. What brought you into this industry?
When I was in school for marketing, many of my projects involved creating or figuring out the best ways to market products. It clicked in my head that there are people out there who are designing all the cool packaging we were suggesting in our marketing plans. That lead me to research graphic design in the first place, once I saw what it was, I jumped on taking classes at NAIT. The first class I took I created a magazine cover in Illustrator, and I immediately knew this was something I needed to pursue.
5. How did you feel when you first got hired at LCC?
I was so excited, I tried to play it cool, but I don’t think it worked. I had been following LCC for a few years and I always loved the work she did. I was honestly so happy that she decided to take a chance on me, and it was great to feel like all the hard work I put in was finally paying off. To have a mentor like Lianne is really the ideal when you are first starting out, so I mainly just feel very lucky to be where I am.
6. What was your first project and What are some of the favourite projects you've worked on so far??
My first project on my first day was a social media graphic for thanksgiving. I wasn’t expecting to have to draw on my first day, I was a little stressed about it, but it turned out okay. My first client work was creating a logo for a logo home builder. So far, I’ve really loved creating business cards and apparel for a new cafe opening up in Edmonton. I have also been working on some of the Salted seasonal packaging which might be one of my favourite projects to date!
7. What are the highlights from working at LCC so far?
One big highlight is working with Lianne and Shaylyn, we all get along well and it’s a fun work environment to be a part of. I look forward to coming to work every day. Another one would be the variety of projects I have already had the opportunity to work on!
8. What have you learned so far?
So far, I have learned a lot about layout design. I have learned more about file types and preparing files for print. Just general design tips and tricks, ways to streamline my workflow and become even more efficient. I have also learned how to communicate with customers and set boundaries.
9. What advice would you give to anyone who is just graduating and entering the industry?
I found that even though I had a portfolio of schoolwork, I didn’t feel like I had enough. I ended up doing a ton of passion projects or I would find design challenges with briefs on Instagram and participate in those. That really helped me practice and become more confident in my work and it also helped me build up my portfolio. The other thing I would suggest is taking on any work that comes your way, I think at the beginning you shouldn’t be too picky. Try a bit of everything until you find what you are passionate about because it might not end up being what you thought it would be!
10. Who is your ideal client?
Any small business, I just really appreciate how involved and dedicated they are.
11. What is your dream project?
Honestly, it’s hard to pick just one, any kind of packaging probably. I put a few different things on my wish list, but I think my number one would be packaging for a beauty brand or food/beverage. I would love to design a bottle/label for a high-end cocktail brand. Otherwise, maybe apparel design or a trendy pizza shop with fun and unique branding.
12. What's your favourite thing about being a graphic designer?
I think my favourite thing is just how creative I get to be and the design process. When you’re given a brief of some guidelines or keywords and company information, and you turn that into an entire brand. I think that’s pretty cool.
I hope you’ve enjoyed the read and getting to know the team behind Lianne Charlene Creative. If you want to know more about our background and expertise, head to our about page.
- The LCC Team