Meet Teri Mez of Marietta

Today we’d like to introduce you to Teri Mez.

Hi Teri, so excited to have you with us today. What can you tell us about your story?
I loved graphic design before I had a word for it. As a proud Millennial I grew up alongside the internet, the dawn of personal computers, the transition into digital imagery. Using KidPix and Microsoft PictureIt! I developed all the pre-Photoshop skills a kid could ask for, building personal and fan sites using Expage and Homestead. Yes, even Facebook when it was just for college students. That era shaped me. We were all just figuring it out together, and I love that I was in the middle of it.


Choosing my field was easy. Landing a job in 2009 was harder. I was 22 and stepping into a recession I didn’t fully understand, but I found my way into an agency role that opened doors I hadn’t imagined. Ideas, creativity, and hard work are free, and I had no shortage of all three. I grew as a designer, learning to think not only creatively, but strategically. As I expanded into motion design and art direction, I realized graphic design is as much about how information is organized, understood, and experienced as it is about visuals.

In 2015, I opened my own freelance studio. I was working remote before remote work was a thing. I wanted what everyone wants, flexibility, life-work balance, and I was able to make that for myself in the most beautiful, exhausting way. As a woman, especially a mother, it’s so hard to have both worlds. We put tremendous pressure on ourselves to be it all and do it all just right. I’ve had to redefine success for myself more than once because the version I was chasing didn’t always fit the season I was in. I’ve learned how to pivot, adapt, and keep growing anyway.

And now in 2026, we’re at another turning point as a new wave of technology reshapes the industry. I’ll be the first to admit I’m already tired of the obviously AI-written LinkedIn posts and the poorly rendered stock imagery, but what I’m finding, and what excites me, even if it feels a little scary, is that there are thoughtful ways to use AI that are genuinely changing my workflow. It’s giving me day-to-day efficiencies, new product ideas, and expanding my creative abilities.

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?
It hasn’t been a perfectly smooth road, and I’m not sure anyone could say life is without its bumps. Starting my career during the recession was a rude awakening, but it gave me perspective and resilience I didn’t have before.

Freelancing brought its own challenges, balancing work, navigating changing clients, and constantly shifting gears. No two days look the same. Motherhood adds another layer of complexity. There are seasons where I question whether I’m doing enough in any direction, and other days where I feel like I’m crushing it.

There’s also the quieter struggle of being a creative. Imposter syndrome still sneaks in from time to time. Design challenges are exciting, but there’s always a moment in the middle of solving something where it feels hard, where you have to step away, reset, and trust yourself to come back with clarity.

And now, with AI shifting the industry again, there’s uncertainty, but also opportunity. Each chapter has required me to recalibrate and evolve. None of it has been perfectly smooth, but each challenge has sharpened me.

As you know, we’re big fans of you and your work. For our readers who might not be as familiar what can you tell them about what you do?
My background has been in financial services, fintech, SaaS companies, higher education, and nonprofit organizations. A lot of my work lives at the intersection of strategy and design: investor reports, brand systems, campaign assets, and thought leadership pieces, projects where clarity really matters.

I continue to pivot and adapt as a designer. This year I’m taking the UX Academy course through Designlab, and I’m excited to deepen my understanding of strategy behind the user experience and product design.

What I’m most proud of isn’t one single project. It’s the longevity, the ability to stay relevant by continuing to adapt. I’ve learned to grow as the industry shifts, and that mindset continues to shape how I approach my work.

Do you have any advice for those looking to network or find a mentor?
Community is crucial, but it evolves over time. The people you start with may not be the same people you grow with, and that’s okay. What matters is staying connected and being intentional about the relationships you value.

Stay in touch with former coworkers and professional contacts. Cheer on their successes. Networking works best when it’s built on consistency and mutual respect rather than competition or comparison.

In a digital-first world, it’s easy to feel connected but still operate in isolation. When possible, I’ve found value in showing up in person, whether through industry events or informal meetups. Relationships tend to deepen when there’s real conversation behind them, and authenticity builds stronger networks than perfection ever will.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.terimez.com
• LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/teri-mez-50405a13/

Image Credits
Project Credits: Fiserv, Intention.ly, Rivetica, Streetlamp Creative, WebMD Health Services