
Note: I am no longer working at Royal Penguin, but decided to keep my blogs about it online :)
After 8 months of searching for employment, I’m happy to announce that I’ve signed on as Lead Graphic Designer for Royal Penguin. The company launches in January 2010.
I have to thank my good friend Landon Armstrong for pointing me in the direction of this opportunity. And, of course, many thanks are in order for Garrett and Artemiz Adkins for taking me on as a part of their team.
One exciting thing about this opportunity is Garrett and Artemiz’s openness to the designer’s point of view. Even in my interview, I could tell that they valued design and what it could do for their company and clients. Heck, they even bought a printing press to make everything in-house! They asked if I was okay with being trained in how to proof and print my work… of course, my answer was a resounding “YES”. They have wonderful personalities and seem to enjoy what they do. All in all, I can tell that this is going to be a very positive environment for everyone.
On Friday, I’ll be meeting with them to help set up the new office and discuss the company goals. Yes, I will be in a cubicle *thumbs down* but I’m sure it won’t detract from my creativity or the collectiveness of the group.
I’m excited for this new career path, and, to be honest, a little nervous. As the only designer on staff, I’ll be without the discerning eyes of fellow creatives. One of my favorite things about the design process is having someone around to bounce ideas off of, ask for critique, or just keep me motivated. I doubt I’ll be lonely at my new job, as I’m sure the new team will be great, but I’m looking forward to the day when I can work alongside another creative to communicate the messages of Royal Penguin.
Thanks to all of you who have supported me emotionally, financially, and spiritually over the last several months. I’m thrilled to finally be moving on and can’t wait to share my experiences with you here.
Matt C
Congrats on your new job! I hope it goes well for you, and from the looks of your work I think you’ll be a great fit.
Now if only you could pass some of your good luck over to me… Heh. I hope to soon join your ranks as a fully employed designer.
Cheers,
Matt
Dec 16, 2009 @ 3:46 PM
Stephanie Horn
Thanks Matt! You’re work is great and I’m sure you’ll find something fairly soon. This job came to me out of the middle of nowhere. I wasn’t even sure if I wanted to go to the interview because I didn’t really know anything about the company at the start. So you never know! Take every opportunity to interview and someone just may surprise you!
Dec 16, 2009 @ 3:51 PM
Susan Tart
Congratulations on the new job! It sounds like a really exciting opportunity, and I’m glad to hear that you won’t have to wait in those bread lines any more. Does this mean that you’ll be moving out of the cardboard box as well?
Best of luck as you start your new job with the new year!
- Susan Tart
Dec 16, 2009 @ 5:04 PM
Jay Robinson
Congratulations. Impressive title–I bet you’re glad you didn’t settle!
Do they have a website yet? Will you be the one making it? I’ll be anxious to see your new work!
Dec 16, 2009 @ 7:32 PM
Andrew Weed
Congratulations, Horn.
Dec 16, 2009 @ 8:13 PM
Stephanie Horn
Susan — Yes, I will be moving out of my cardboard box at some point. I really like my neighbors in the trash can down the alley, so it will be hard to say goodbye, but somehow I’ll summon the strength to move on.
Jay — You’re right. I’m really enjoying this opportunity, and if I had settled I’d probably be pretty miserable right now. I believe they have a design firm in Denver coming up with a site for them. I’m not sure about the details, but I’m sure I’ll find out on Friday when we meet up and talk.
Andy — Thanks Weed. I’m very excited.
Dec 16, 2009 @ 10:22 PM
Lawrence Velasquez
This is amazing! Congratulations Stephanie!
Dec 18, 2009 @ 2:04 AM
Abby Chicoine
Congrats! Am anxious to see how the printing press works out. ;)
Being the only graphic designer definitely has its perks… but the most difficult thing for me has been to keep challenging myself and take risks. It’s easy to get comfortable when your boss/client is easily impressed.
Good luck!
Dec 18, 2009 @ 11:37 AM
Stephanie Horn
Thanks Lawrence! It’s been a long time coming.
Abby — “It’s easy to get comfortable when your boss/client is easily impressed” That’s exactly what I was thinking. I want to keep making things that push me out of my little design bubble. I’ll just have to be more critical of my work and more proactive about getting second and third opinions. And yes, I’m anxious to see how this printing press thing works out as well!
Dec 18, 2009 @ 1:04 PM