Her Story
About Rose
Rose Teding is a Creative Director, photographer, humanitarian, and nonprofit leader with a career spanning several decades in graphic design, creative direction, photography, and visual communications. Beginning her professional journey in the 1980s, she developed extensive experience in the catalog and direct-mail industry and progressed into creative leadership roles, including Creative Director and Art Director. Her professional expertise encompasses creative direction, graphic design, photography, brand development, rebranding, visual storytelling, and creative team leadership. She earned a Bachelor of Science in Design from the University of California, Davis, with an emphasis in textiles, graphic design, and photography and a minor in Asian American Studies.
Throughout her career, Rose has been recognized for her ability to build collaborative creative teams and identify talented individuals who might otherwise be overlooked. She particularly values creating environments where quieter artists and team members can develop their strengths, contribute confidently, and work collectively toward shared goals. Her experience includes leadership in the corporate creative sector as well as independent creative consulting and photography. In recent years, she has increasingly directed her creative and leadership abilities toward community organizations and nonprofit causes, providing volunteer and pro bono support through design, communications, photography, and organizational leadership.
Rose's commitment to service extends beyond her creative career. She served as President of the Woman's Club of Oceanside from 2020 to 2024 after previously serving as its Secretary, and she currently serves as President of the Oceanside Sea Lions Club, where she contributes to strategic leadership, governance, community operations, and charitable initiatives. She also holds certifications in Advocacy for Senior Patients and Wellness Coaching through Universal Class. Across her professional and community work, Rose emphasizes service, creativity, compassion, mentorship, encouragement, and helping others recognize their potential. She views meaningful impact and the difference made in people's lives as more important measures of success than titles or financial achievement.
Her Interview
Ten minutes with Rose
01What do you attribute your success to?
I attribute my success to the trust that employers placed in me, particularly when I was entrusted with rebranding projects and other significant creative initiatives. I learned to build strong, collaborative creative teams by recognizing talent in people who might otherwise be overlooked, including quieter artists whose abilities could easily go unnoticed. By creating an environment where people felt valued, empowered, and motivated to contribute, I was able to help teams work together effectively and consistently meet deadlines.
02What’s the best career advice you’ve ever received?
Throughout my career, I have been fortunate to have mentors and leaders who recognized my abilities, trusted my creative judgment, and encouraged me to take on greater responsibility. Their confidence in me helped shape the way I approach leadership and mentorship today. I have learned that sometimes the simple act of having someone believe in you can give you the confidence to take the next step, pursue an opportunity, or recognize abilities in yourself that you may not have fully appreciated. I now try to provide that same encouragement to others by recognizing their potential, supporting their ideas, and creating opportunities for them to grow.
03What advice would you give to young women entering your industry?
My advice to young women entering the creative industry is to keep creating and to have the confidence to put your ideas in front of clients, companies, and decision-makers. Do not be afraid to present an idea simply because it may be different or unconventional; your perspective has value. I also encourage young professionals to get involved in volunteering and community service. Service not only allows you to help others, but it can also open doors to meaningful relationships, expand your professional network, and create an impact that goes far beyond financial or career achievements.
04What are the biggest challenges or opportunities in your field right now?
The creative industry has undergone enormous change during my career, particularly through the transition from traditional photography and hands-on design processes to today's digital and technology-driven environment. These changes have created tremendous opportunities for creatives to work more efficiently, experiment with new tools, and explore new forms of visual storytelling. At the same time, I believe it is important not to lose sight of the history, craftsmanship, and human creativity that shaped the industry before these technologies existed. One of the opportunities I see today is the ability to preserve and share that knowledge with younger generations while encouraging them to continue innovating. I hope my own experience can help illustrate how design and photography have evolved and remind today's creatives that, regardless of the tools being used, human creativity, judgment, and vision remain at the heart of the work.
05What values are most important to you in your work and personal life?
Service, creativity, compassion, mentorship, community, encouragement, and making people feel valued are central to both my work and personal life. I believe that helping someone recognize and develop their potential can have lasting effects. For me, success is ultimately measured by the positive impact I have on other people rather than by titles, financial achievements, or professional status.
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