Today we’d like to introduce you to Rhea Hinger
Hi Rhea, thanks for sharing your story with us. To start, maybe you can tell our readers some of your backstory.
My journey into design was accidental. I started in business school—not exactly the most artistic background. I always loved the balance of logic and creativity but never considered design seriously because, honestly, I couldn’t even draw a straight line. But the more I learned about design, the more I realized it wasn’t just about artistic skill—it was about problem-solving, storytelling, and strategy. That clicked for me, so I decided to teach myself the basics, diving into design software and experimenting from there.
I started small—designing for university clubs, theater productions, and local events—just to build my skills and confidence. At first, I was hesitant to put myself out there, constantly feeling like I wasn’t “good enough” without a formal background. But I realized that if I waited until I felt ready, I’d never start. So, I took the leap, landed an internship, and eventually got my first job at a marketing agency. That experience was invaluable, exposing me to different areas of design—branding, digital, print, and more.
Wanting to push myself further, I moved to the U.S. to pursue my Master’s at the Maryland Institute College of Art. That’s where I really honed my process and discovered my passion for visual storytelling and brand design. Now, at Clutch Creative Marketing, I get to do what I love—helping brands find their voice, build their identity, and create meaningful connections with their audience.
Alright, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
Every new path comes with its bumps, and mine was no different. When I first started out, imposter syndrome hit me hard. I constantly felt out of place, like I had somehow stumbled into a world where everyone spoke a language I didn’t understand. Jargons flew over my head, and I was super insecure about my work. Putting it out there for people to see? Terrifying. But thankfully, I had some incredible mentors who guided me through it. They helped me realize that no one has it all figured out from day one—growth comes with time, practice, and a lot of learning along the way.
Another challenge I faced was finding my own voice as a designer while staying neutral. It’s so easy to lean into personal preferences or let your own biases shape the direction of a project. But design isn’t about what I like—it’s about what works best for the brand, the audience, and the story being told. I had to learn to step outside my own perspective and truly see things through the lens of others. Once I embraced that, I not only became a better designer but also found more meaning in my work.
Thanks for sharing that. So, maybe next you can tell us a bit more about your work?
I’m a concept-driven designer with a soft spot for giving brand’s personality and charm. I love when a brand has character, a bit of quirk, and feels human. That’s what I try to bring to the table with every project I work on.
I believe in making things look good and work better. That’s exactly what I get to do now. I currently work as a designer at Clutch Creative, where I focus on branding—but honestly, I end up doing a little bit of everything that comes my way. From building brand identities and designing websites to working on murals and packaging, I love how no two days are the same.
I’m always up for a challenge and never shy away from experimenting—whether it’s print, digital, or working at different scales. Pushing creative boundaries keeps things exciting, and I jump at any opportunity to explore new mediums.
One of my favorite projects was rebranding Group Project during my time at Clutch Creative. They didn’t just need a fresh look—they needed a brand with a bold personality and a strong identity to match their dynamic work. The concept took inspiration from their quirky, childlike energy and their knack for bringing different pieces together to form the perfect team for their clients.
At the end of the day, I believe design should feel human. If I can make someone smile, spark a connection, or bring a brand’s story to life in a way that sticks, I’ve done my job. And of course, I’ll always add a little fun along the way!
How do you think about happiness?
For me, happiness comes from both the big moments and the small wins. As a creative, nothing compares to the feeling of watching a brand come to life—when strategy, visuals, and personality align to create something truly authentic. That moment when a client looks at the final design and says, “Yes, this feels like us,” is everything.
But beyond that, I find joy in the little things—the messy middle of the process where I get to experiment, refine, and problem-solve. There’s something deeply satisfying about taking an abstract idea and shaping it into a visual language that resonates emotionally. Seeing a brand evolve, gain confidence, and connect with its audience makes the work feel meaningful.
Outside of design, it’s often the simplest moments that make me happy—great food, good conversations, and those unexpected sparks of inspiration that come from everyday life. It’s the combination of creativity, purpose, and small joys that keeps me inspired.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.rheahinger.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/rhea.hinger
- LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/rhea-hinger-14145a19a/
