Element would like to give a big warm welcome to our newest graphic designer, Jenna Garvin! Jenna comes from an extensive design background, most recently working as an account manager for a social media agency in the Fox Valley. Prior to that, she was an in-house designer for Sendik’s Food Market, a Milwaukee-based grocery store chain.
We sat down with Jenna to learn about her eye for design, creative process, and what kind of delicacies she would feature on her fantasy cooking show.
- What initially interested you in becoming a designer?
Jenna: I’ve always had a very strong passion for art, even when I was a little kid. When it was time to choose a career path, I wanted to find the perfect blend of analytical and creative. My parents are both in science-related fields, so it was a little scary explaining to them that though I wasn’t going to become a starving artist, I was venturing off into my own little world. Between their support and my sheer will to make it work, here I am, nine years after the fact, doing what I love!
- In the time that you have been designing, what have you seen change the most?
J: Designers are so much more than designers these days. We are expected to know how to effectively traverse every step of the creative process, from conception to execution to delivery. At the same time, we are dealing with 101 different types of mediums, resulting in constant learning and adaptation. A designer cannot sit still and stop “looking”. Every day we must expand our knowledge to better serve our clients. If you haven’t learned anything new today, you’re doing it wrong!
- You’re given an endless amount of time and money for a vacation – where would you go?
J: My husband and I are big national park fanatics. We’ve been to 12 of the 59 and currently have two more on the docket to visit in the next year. With an endless supply of money, I would love to visit Gates of the Arctic in Fairbanks, Alaska. It’s the northernmost national park in all of the United States and is so remote that most visitors don’t even encounter another person until their pilot comes to pick them up. There are no roads or trails, just 8.4 million acres of land to explore.
- With Christmas right around the corner, what’s on your wish list this year?
J: My answer may differ depending on my audience, so I’ll cover my bases! Walk into my closet and you will see two brands and two brands only: Kate Spade and J. Crew. No shame. I have my eyes on the cutest pair of Kate Spade earmuffs that have a huge bow on top. Who says winter gear has to be practical?? Not a fan of big fluffy girly earmuffs? You can’t go wrong with new kitchen gear! I always need more baking sheets, Bundt pans, or attachments for my mixer. OR, an Apple Watch. Or a puppy. Maybe a pony? Trip to Alaska? No? Maybe?
- Word on the street is that you’re a master chef, and all master chefs simply must have a cooking show. What would yours be called, and who would be your co-host?
J: “Bitchin’ Kitchen with Jenna Garvin and Emma Stone.” She seems to have a great sense of humor. Mix my love of creating fancy desserts, like tarts and layered cakes with her alleged lack of cooking skills and you’d have a wildly entertaining program.
Welcome to Element, Jenna! And remember, we work better when given dessert.
