Meet Lisa Myklak | Graphic Designer

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

Hi Lisa, we’d love for you to start things off by telling us something about your industry that we and others not in the industry might be unaware of?
Creativity—especially graphic design—can feel subjective, but good design is actually rooted in the objectivity of psychological principles, particularly Gestalt theory. These principles explain how our brains process visual information, and they give us, as designers, a way to explain why one layout will be more effective than another. It’s not necessarily because we like a design or think it’s “pretty,” but because we understand how a specific audience will interact with it—how they’ll read it, process it, and ideally take action. Design is more objective than most people realize.

Can you give our readers an introduction to your business? Maybe you can share a bit about what you do and what sets you apart from others?
I’m currently in the process of redesigning my website for Pump Creative, and I find that moments like these—whether branding a business or rebuilding your own—are perfect opportunities to pause and reflect. Lately, I’ve been looking back on the past five years of Pump Creative’s journey and digging into what I truly offer and what may have once sounded good but no longer aligns.

What I’ve come back to again and again is this: the core of my work is understanding my clients’ stories and their missions. I’ve often said, “My mission is to make your mission work,” and that’s still the heartbeat of Pump Creative. Everything I design, write, or build is grounded in empathy, clarity, and partnership. My work isn’t about flashy trends or surface-level aesthetics—it’s about thoughtful, intentional design that supports people doing meaningful work.

Getting to this point hasn’t always been easy. Like many solo business owners, I’ve navigated seasons of doubt, trial-and-error, and steep learning curves. But every challenge has also been a teacher.

If there’s one thing I’d want the world to know about Pump Creative, it’s that this is a business built on care. I care deeply about the people I serve, the work I create, and the relationships I build along the way. That care is what sets my work apart—and it’s what keeps me grounded and excited for what’s ahead.

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
I love this question! If my best friend were visiting, the week would absolutely be packed with adventure—specifically, mountain biking. We’d road-trip our way across some of my favorite Colorado spots, hitting a mix of bike parks, trail systems, and hot springs, with good food and great friends along the way. Here’s how the itinerary might go:

Berthoud Bike Park (Berthoud, CO) – We’d kick things off close to home with some fun warm-up laps on the pump track.

Valmont Bike Park (Boulder, CO) – Next up: This bike park is great for the family, but the dirt jumps are hand-crafter with love. I’ll doing laps on the medium line all day.

Maryland Mountain (Black Hawk) – Time for some directional trail riding in the pines.

Winter Park – Rainmaker Laps and lift-assisted trails all day long.

Mount Princeton Hot Springs – After all that action, it’s time to soak those tired muscles and recharge in the natural hot springs.

Salida – We’d grab a bite at The Biker & The Baker, tucked above Sweeties Sandwich Shop—if you’re gluten free this is your spot and if you’re not gluten-free like me, this is your stop too. The owners are amazing people and very involved in their community.

Monarch Crest Trail or Salida Local Trails – Depending on our energy (and elevation legs), we’d either do the legendary Monarch Crest ride or stay lower and explore the local Salida singletrack.

Frisco Bike Park + Dillon Reservoir Sunset – We’d wrap the week with a visit to one of the most beautiful dirt jump spots in Colorado, framed by mountains and glowing lake views. Pure magic.

My twenty-year-old self would crush this itinerary. My forty-something self? Definitely still in—just with a few more hot spring stops built in for good measure.

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
There have been so many incredible people who’ve played a role in my growth and success—it’s hard to name just one. But recently, I’ve had the opportunity to collaborate with another creative agency in California that has, in many ways, become a mentor to me.

As I take on larger contracts and more complex projects, it’s been such a gift to have a trusted sounding board. I’ve been especially inspired by Sarah Jolly of Jolly Creative. The way she approaches client relationships—with such calm, kindness, and thoughtfulness—has deeply influenced the way I show up in my own business. When I have questions about process or approach, Sarah always offers grounded, generous guidance. I’m so grateful to have found not just a collaborator, but a mentor and a friend in her.

Website: https://www.pumpcreativedesigns.com/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/pump_creative/

Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/lisa-myklak-a42b14191

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/pumpcreative