Her Story
About Nell
Nell Moody is a Creative Director and Brand Strategist based in Chesapeake, Virginia, with a distinguished 50-year career in graphic design and marketing. She earned her degree from Virginia Commonwealth University and a master's in graphic design from SCAD in 2015. Throughout her career, Moody has held key roles at Circuit City for seven years, Ford Aerospace for four years where she contributed to Reagan's SDI project, the Virginian Pilot for 22 years as art director and creative marketing designer, and the Naval Marine Corps Force Health Protection Command for 12 years as graphic designer and brand strategist. She has also taught graphic design at Hampton University for four years and maintains her own firm, Moody Designs, serving small businesses, churches, and nonprofits. Moody has received over 50 design awards, including a national award for an ad campaign for Train, and is a member of Zeta Phi Beta Sorority celebrating her 50th year. She is known for mentoring young designers, donating artwork to community organizations, and emphasizing authenticity and determination in her professional and personal life.
Her Interview
Ten minutes with Nell
01What’s the best career advice you’ve ever received?
The best career advice I received is 'dream it, believe it, achieve it' from Michael Jackson. I write everything down to remind myself of my goals.
02What advice would you give to young women entering your industry?
Don't give up. Art school is tough like medical residencies; they weed people out in the first year by throwing everything at you. You have to run with the horses and have determination along with talent.
03What are the biggest challenges or opportunities in your field right now?
AI is the biggest challenge because everyone thinks they are a designer now, but they don't understand technique, color theory, typography, production, brand, or legalities of design.
04What values are most important to you in your work and personal life?
Honesty and being my authentic self are most important. You can't gain anything unless you figure out your true feelings and what you really want to achieve. I wanted to be an artist and entrepreneur since I was young.
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