Today we’d like to introduce you to Vanessa Grigsby.
Hi Vanessa, it’s an honor to have you on the platform. Thanks for taking the time to share your story with us – to start maybe you can share some of your backstory with our readers?
I’m Colombian, but I grew up in China for 17 years, which gave me a very global perspective from a young age. Moving between cultures and speaking three languages fluently shaped how I think about communication and design. I studied at the Savannah College of Art and Design at SCAD Hong Kong, and when that campus closed, I relocated to SCAD Atlanta to finish my degree. After graduating, I worked as a Digital Designer at Rooms To Go, where I gained experience designing at scale in a corporate environment. Now, I’m reopening my design studio, combining my multicultural background, education, and in-house experience to build strategic, globally minded brands.
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 definitely hasn’t been a completely smooth road. Growing up between Colombia and China meant constantly adapting to new environments and cultural expectations, which wasn’t always easy, but it made me resilient. A major challenge came when SCAD Hong Kong closed while I was studying at the Savannah College of Art and Design. Having to relocate and start over at SCAD Atlanta was unexpected and emotionally challenging, but it pushed me to adapt quickly.
After graduating and working at Rooms To Go, I also faced the challenge of navigating my career in a new country while figuring out how to balance stability with my long-term goal of building my own studio. Each transition came with uncertainty, but those struggles strengthened my adaptability and clarified what I truly want to build something of my own.
Thanks for sharing that. So, maybe next you can tell us a bit more about your work?
I specialize in brand identity, logo design, and packaging, with a strong focus on building cohesive visual systems that feel intentional and elevated. My background working as a Digital Designer at Rooms To Go taught me how to think strategically and design within real business constraints, not just aesthetically. I’m known for creating clean, refined identities that balance emotion with structure.
What makes me different is my multicultural perspective and artistic foundation. Growing up internationally and speaking three languages allows me to approach branding with cultural awareness and sensitivity. In addition to branding, I’m also a painter, which brings a more intuitive, expressive layer to my work. I combine strategy with artistry, so my brands don’t just look polished, they feel intentional and alive.
What’s next?
My plan is to build a strong solo design studio where I lead the creative direction and work closely with clients on brand identity and packaging. I really value intimacy in the creative process, so I see it staying primarily independent with the flexibility to collaborate with a small circle of trusted creatives and friends when a project calls for it.
I don’t necessarily want a large agency. I want something intentional, boutique, and highly curated where the quality of the work and the relationships matter more than scale. The goal is to create a studio that feels personal, strategic, and artist-driven, blending my branding expertise with my painting practice in a way that’s distinctive and authentic to me.
Contact Info:
