Meet Abigail Biegert | Freelance Art Director / Graphic Designer

We had the good fortune of connecting with Abigail Biegert and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Abigail, how has your work-life balance changed over time?
My work life balance has grown and evolved over the years and is still changing to this day. I have three kids 5 and under so I’ve learned how to manage my time extremely well in order to achieve a work life balance. I have figured out now in my early 30’s about what truly matters, what needs my attention, what’s pressing and what can wait until next week or month. I prioritize my family above my work, but want to work to be able to contribute financially for my kids to have an amazing life, so there’s definitely a fine line.

Alright, so let’s move onto what keeps you busy professionally?
I majored in Illustration and Communication Arts at SCAD. I couldn’t get an “illustration” job out of college, but did get to do chalkboard designs and graphic design at Whole Foods upon graduating. That’s where I stepped into the Graphic Design world and the rest was history. Since then I was the associate Art Director at Yoga Journal, the Art Director at ColoradoBiz and now I work full time for another publishing company. I really love graphic design and art direction. I love opening my computer and getting started on my work for the day. I’m happy to be able to say that because a lot of people can’t say the same. I’m grateful to be in the position I am today. I especially love that I have a career that allows me to be a mom. I can be at school drop off and pick ups, go to their class parties, be a part of their lives while they are so small. It’s not always easy, as sometimes I have to work late nights – especially when kids are home sick with the “virus of the month”! However, it is always worth it. I think it’s important for myself to have something I accomplish outside of being a mom. Being a designer has given me that opportunity.

In my free time while I’m not being a mom, designing for my full time job or freelancing, I love to paint, letter, or draw digital illustrations on my iPad, etc. Recently we discovered the beauty of Grand Teton National Park so I did two digital paintings inspired by our time there. It’s fun to just turn on the iPad and get lost in a memory while painting it for a few hours. I am hoping to get a few more done this year after we visit some more national parks and then I would love to hang them on the wall. I’ve always been inspired by nature, there’s something about it that just makes me feel so creative.

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
This just happened, so it’s an excellent question! My friend flew in from Virginia she had never been to colorado before. I texted her when she landed “don’t worry I promise the mountains are here – you just have to look west!” She was wondering where all the “Rocky Mountains” were and since she was staying at an airport hotel, I knew just where to take her for a small town, Colorado mountains feel.

We met up in Golden and had drinks and dinner at Miners Saloon. I then gave her a quick tour of clear creek, pointed out Coors and then we had a night cap at the Golden Moon Distillery. We only had enough time for dinner and drinks since she was in for a work trip, but she loved every minute of it! If she were here longer, I would have taken her for a hike in the foothills, walk on pearl street in boulder and of course eat some more delicious food!

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
I would like to give a shoutout to my first mentor, Melissa who was my boss when I worked at Yoga Journal Magazine. She taught me so much about design, work ethic and I gained a valuable friend through it all. Most importantly she gave me a chance when I was probably a little under-qualified for the role! She is the reason why I am where I am today.

Website: https://www.etsy.com/shop/loveandpaperdesignco

Instagram: Loveandpaperdesignco

Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/abigail-biegert-1276453a/