Whenever I mention that I have over 30 years of experience in graphic design, I can’t help but wonder what goes through people’s minds. “Wow! That’s a long time,” or possibly, “How old is she??” Either way, it tends to get a reaction. Maybe I’m overthinking it, but let me take you back to where it all started.

When Desktop Publishing Changed Everything

It was the mid-1980s, and desktop publishing was having a breakthrough moment. Aldus PageMaker had just landed (now part of Adobe), and it was a total game-changer! Suddenly, you could control margins, fonts, shapes, images, and tables, and place them exactly where you wanted them on the page. That doesn’t sound revolutionary now, but trust me, at the time it was like going from riding a bike to driving a Ferrari!

Then I discovered CorelDRAW, and that opened up a whole new world. It was my gateway into logo creation, layout, and vector illustration. The excitement of putting together visuals that looked professional was addictive. That was the beginning of my design journey, and truthfully, I’ve never looked back.

A Creative Constant Through Every Job

Graphic design wasn’t something I pursued as a full-time career right away. Life had other ideas. I worked across all sorts of industries—TV production, hospitality, administration, customer service—but design was always there in the background. I kept creating posters, flyers, logos, and marketing materials. Sometimes for friends, sometimes for small businesses, often for free, just because I loved doing it (and I still do).

Looking back, that “on the side” experience was hugely valuable. Every project taught me something. Every constraint pushed my creativity. And every job I did outside of design made me better at understanding people, businesses, and how to communicate effectively.

Tools Have Changed—but Design Hasn’t

These days, the quest for technical perfection is easier than ever. We’ve got apps and software that do half the heavy lifting. And now, with AI in the mix, we’re seeing layouts and logos generated in seconds. The tools are slick, no doubt about it—but the essence of great design? That hasn’t changed.

It still comes down to creativity, clarity, and storytelling. Whether you’re designing a logo, a flyer, or a full magazine, the heart of it is the same: you’re solving a problem visually, to make it aesthetically sound, showing your audience who you are and connecting effectively. More than ever, for me, it's about "engaging authentically". Like real people exchanging ideas and creating a space for conversation.

Embracing the Future, Without Losing the Plot

The rise of AI is exciting! It’s also a bit unnerving, depending on how you look at it. But I see it as a chance to elevate what we do, not replace it. AI can help with drafts, variations, references and admin tasks, sure! I use it all the time, but not in design because it can’t make creative decisions with nuance. It doesn’t understand the cultural cues, the human context, or the brand story. That still requires a designer’s mind and heart.

So, What Does 30 Years Really Mean?

To me, it means perspective. It means I’ve seen design trends come and go. I’ve worked with people from all walks of life. I’ve learned how to listen, interpret, and guide. It means I know when to try something new and when to keep it simple. It means I understand what works, what lasts, and why. And I know this is something I can do beyond retirement because I just love doing it!

And now, through MMB Creative, I’m putting that experience to practice—helping small businesses create bold, beautiful, effective designs that truly reflect who they are.

So yes, it’s been 30 long years! And no, I’m not done yet. And no, I don’t mind if you wonder how old I am...after all, with age comes wisdom, and a deep connection with life.