Kathryn Kushion

I attribute my success to a strong sense of determination, a genuine passion for design, and a commitment to always delivering my best work. I am fortunate to have a career doing something I truly love, and that passion motivates me to go above and beyond to find solutions and ensure every project is successful. I have also been incredibly fortunate to learn from several great mentors throughout my career who have challenged me, supported my growth, and helped shape me into the leader and designer I am today.

The best career advice I have ever received is to not be afraid to speak up. Whether you are advocating for a coworker, contributing as a team member, or representing a client or brand, your voice and perspective matter. Some of the most impactful moments in my career have come from sharing an idea, asking a question, or advocating for what I believe is the right solution. You never know when speaking up will help a client achieve a better outcome, strengthen a relationship, or support a teammate. Having the confidence to share your perspective is an important part of growth and leadership.

I'd tell them to be curious, speak up early, and don't wait until you feel 100% ready to take on new opportunities. Creative careers are built by doing the work, asking questions, and being open to feedback.

Focus on developing both your creative and strategic thinking. Great design isn't just about making something look good—it's about solving problems, understanding business goals, and creating experiences that resonate with people. The ability to explain the "why" behind your work will set you apart.

Also, don't underestimate the value of building relationships. Find mentors, collaborate with people outside your discipline, and build a network of people who challenge and support you. Some of the best opportunities in my career have come through those connections.

Finally, advocate for yourself. Ask for the leadership opportunities, promotions, and compensation you've earned. Your creativity has value, and confidence grows from experience—not from waiting until you feel like an expert.

One of the biggest challenges in creative today is the rapid rise of AI-generated design. AI has made it easier than ever to produce content quickly, but it has also created the misconception that good design is simply about generating visuals. In reality, great design requires strategy, empathy, critical thinking, and a deep understanding of audiences and business goals—things AI can't replace.

At the same time, I see AI as one of our biggest opportunities. When used thoughtfully, it can automate repetitive tasks, accelerate ideation, and free designers to focus on higher-value work like creative direction, brand strategy, storytelling, and innovation. The designers who will thrive are the ones who embrace AI as a tool rather than compete against it.

Ultimately, I think the future of our industry belongs to creatives who can combine human insight with emerging technology. AI can generate options, but people create the ideas, relationships, and strategic thinking that make brands truly memorable.

The values that are most important to me in both my work and personal life are integrity, growth, collaboration, and commitment. I believe in doing the right thing, following through on my commitments, and being someone others can rely on. In my work, I value collaboration and creating an environment where everyone feels comfortable sharing ideas, because the best solutions often come from different perspectives working together.

I also place a strong emphasis on continuous growth, both personally and professionally. I am always looking for opportunities to learn, improve, and challenge myself to become a better designer, leader, and teammate. Above all, I value passion and purpose. I believe that when you genuinely care about what you do, it shows in the quality of your work and the impact you make on the people around you.