About

Hi! I am Valerie Russell, a graphic designer living in the wonderful city of Chicago. I grew up in the Great Lakes State and moved to the Windy City to attend The Illinois Institute of Art Chicago a while back. While working on my BFA in Visual Communications I began working as an intern at the magazine Time Out Chicago. Within a month I was hired on as one of their ad designers.

Upon graduating college I got a position at unique design studio located in Chicago's West Loop. I spent over 4 years there gaining a wealth of experience; everything from logo design to major photoshoots. Today I have found myself on a the grand adventure that is the wild wild west/freelance design. Being a full-time freelancer one week I am taking the lead and organizing the entire production of a website including site design, project management, art directing photography, working with a copywriter and directing development; to the next week jumping in on the middle of a project as the production designer working with an already established team in New York, Chicago and Texas. Like I said, I am on a grand adventure.

Design is my passion. I love the process that goes into each of my projects. From initial research and ideation, brainstorming, experimentation, color, mock-up, to final execution. That unique solution to each client's need is what drives me.

Among other things I love: living in Logan Square, music and attending a good show, my awesome friends and family, bright colors, being cheerful, participating in the design community, Google and wine.