Today we’d like to introduce you to Kaylee Hoelscher.
Hi Kaylee, we’re thrilled to have a chance to learn your story today. So, before we get into specifics, maybe you can briefly walk us through how you got to where you are today?
Growing up, I always enjoyed making creative decisions, whether it was picking out my outfit for the day or helping my parents decide on a paint color for the house they were renovating. However, I didn’t fully understand my creative abilities until my senior year of high school, when a graphic design course ignited them. I really enjoyed it, and my classwork ended up gaining attention from a few teachers, including the principal. I was asked to design materials such as coaches’ uniforms, stadium signage, homecoming shirts and event flyers. It was exciting to see something that I thoroughly enjoyed at such a young age come to life!
Going into college, I knew that this was something that I wanted to continue throughout my career. I decided to attend the University of Kentucky where I received my BA in Advertising and Digital Media Design. Being a first-generation college student, I didn’t have a ton of guidance when it came to navigating college, but what I did have was support and determination. During my time there, I started to get more involved with the Ad community and became the graphic design officer for the Ad club and received an Addy Award in 2019. I was so fulfilled chasing my passions and balancing my social life alongside with it.
After college, I applied to many jobs in many cities, having faith that whatever was meant to be, would be. In January 2020, I received a job offer as a junior graphic designer at a real estate agency here in Buckhead. I shortly found out that Atlanta was exactly where I was meant to be. Fast-forward to the pandemic, it left a lot of people thinking about what they wanted for their future, including me. During my time here, I learned about the Savannah College of Art and Design. I was attracted to the work that they were producing and wanted to be a part of it!
While I was pursuing my MA in Advertising, I transitioned to freelancing, picking up work for an array of clients and also starting a business designing and selling graphic tees. After graduation, I accepted a position with a full-service media agency where I get to work with globally recognized brands and an extensive list of public figures and celebrities.
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?
Of course, it hasn’t all been easy, but I’m a firm believer that obstacles get you to where you’re going. Originally, I accepted a job out of undergrad in Phoenix, Arizona that I knew in my gut was not for me. I had moved across the country, but something just didn’t feel right. I trusted my instincts and moved back to my college town to regroup and start fresh. Obviously, this cost me time and money, but it led me to Atlanta and made me realize things about myself that I didn’t know before. I’m thankful for my journey, no matter what is thrown my way. There is always a lesson to be learned.
Thanks – so what else should our readers know about your work and what you’re currently focused on?
Essentially, I’m a graphic designer. But I believe it’s way more than that. It’s about telling stories and communicating them visually. It’s about problem-solving for clients. It’s about coming up with big ideas that sometimes aren’t always good but they lead you to great ones. It’s about building relationships with brands and consumers and creating a community. But yes, it also knowing adobe programs like the back of your hand.
If you would have asked me 2 years ago, I would have said I specialized in illustration and branding. Which is still true, however, I have grown a lot since then. Today, I work a lot with social media and am able to apply different skills to my work such as animation and video editing.
I’m most proud of my fearlessness. It has allowed to accomplish everything I have set myself up to accomplish this far.
If we knew you growing up, how would we have described you?
I was a pretty involved kid always playing sports, and in piano lessons for a period of my life. I played softball, basketball and volleyball up until my sophomore year of high school when I decided to focus on volleyball and play all year round. I believe sports helped shape me into who I am. They taught me determination, motivation, time management, how to handle wins and losses, and how to develop relationships with different types of people.
Contact Info:
- Website: www.kayleehoelscher.com
- Instagram: @designxkaylee @kaylee.hoelscher
