Her Story
About Winter
I've been working in graphic design and UX design for about 5 to 6 years, focusing on nonprofits and small businesses where I can make the most meaningful change. I've had the privilege of working with organizations like Habitat for Humanity and 200 Club, partnering with clients who care not just about their business profits, but about how they can benefit the community overall. Currently, I serve as a graphic design and social media coordinator at SCAD Startup, where I've been for about a year managing their events and social media output, and I'm also a contractor for Cardinal Creative. My main area of expertise is brand strategy, which means I think about not just how a brand looks, but also how it feels and what messages we're communicating. I use UX research to elevate brand experiences, creating cohesive brands overall and designing new experiences. A typical day for me involves working with my team to create as many assets as we can, figuring out how our work aligns with our deliverable goals, and thinking about how we can push the boundaries on our work and connect more with people. I'm currently graduating with my bachelor's degree in graphic design with a minor in UX design from Savannah College of Art and Design in 2026.
Her Interview
Ten minutes with Winter
01What do you attribute your success to?
I would say the support of my friends and family, as well as the faculty at my school, but also to the fact that I am a bit of a stubborn person. And if I want something, I am gonna work as hard as I can to get it. I think that determination and having people who believe in you really makes all the difference in achieving your goals.
02What’s the best career advice you’ve ever received?
Explore everything, and be okay with being messy. Do your best to learn from people. Don't see people as your competition, but people you can learn from. Everyone has their own strengths, you have your own strengths and things that they can learn from you. It doesn't always have to be design, it doesn't always have to be business. It can just be how you handle situations and how you talk with people. I think that's the best advice I've ever received.
03What advice would you give to young women entering your industry?
I would say don't be afraid to speak up about your vision, your perspective, if you feel anything can be improved. Be open, be upfront, be confident in your work, even if you don't feel it is the best. And always work as hard as you can to work well with people. I know sometimes it can be hard speaking up and using your voice with people. I know I've experienced it. And sometimes it can be daunting, and sometimes because you're a woman, sometimes people may take it a certain way, but if you're kind, you're honest, you're upfront, you'll be okay.
04What are the biggest challenges or opportunities in your field right now?
I feel like the biggest challenge right now is AI and learning how to not only use it as a tool to make your work better and stand apart, but also finding the reason through research and strategy that makes your work stronger compared to what any AI output could be, while also using that tool ethically. I think that's a big one that a lot of people miss. Even if you are going to use it, you have to make sure that you are just as strong without it. You might run into companies or clients who are like, I don't want any AI anything. So, you have to learn to work with it and without it.
05What values are most important to you in your work and personal life?
I think it would definitely be kindness and how you communicate with people, communication. But also being determined and open about your work and who you are. These values guide how I interact with others and approach my professional and personal relationships.
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