My super power is my unrelenting advocacy for others
(ok, and my sassy personality)
About
Hi, I’m Shelley! A native Portlander, mom, solution queen, and process-obsessed idealist.
My philosophies on life in general come from a place of pure grit and avid determination to do better, be better. Every. Single. Day. No matter freaking what. I love tinkering through solutions to random challenges, whether it’s for a client or in my personal life.
The concept that all things are connected keeps me guided, and my experience in leadership, design, communication, life and parenting, create a strong foundation for success on every project.
Professional Values + Competencies
Creative Leadership
Over the past 15 years as a design and leadership professional, I’ve honed my people skills and managerial aptitude. The growth I’ve made— as a person, peer, and professional— have aided me to build inspired, cohesive teams and effective programs that made positive changes within the organization.
Human-First
Creating inclusive designs that are accessible and meaningful is important to me because I prioritize a people-first approach to my work.
I am passionate about forging relationships that last, and in turn, building cohesive visual languages for brands that create meaningful, engaging experiences with their customers.
Ask me about WCAG!
Solution-Oriented
When I was managing team members, I’d often have a phrase when they were encountering issues and wanted to bring them to me…
Be prepared to bring a solution with your issue, otherwise it’s just a complaint.
Driven
I dive in with an optimistic and creative approach to solving challenges. Often observing from several angles, I am fascinated by how things work and function as a unit.
There’s a deep passion in me that’s determined to transform ideas into reality.
Process-Obsessed
Nothing makes me happier than outlining an extensive technical document of standard operating procedures. No lie, there’s just something about it that makes my brain and heart feel full.
I’m meticulous about my own project planning, and can put my knowledge to work for your business, too.
Design
Let’s be real— we all want things to look damn good.
But let’s not forget how impressive form and function are when they work together. I’m relentless, to the pixel, on getting things absolutely right. Unity, balance, hierarchy, and white space are some of my favorite design principles.
Aaaand, type setting and long-format editing are my favorite nerd activities, too.
My favorite inspiring leadership quote from Sheryl Sandberg:
“Leadership is about making others better as a result of your presence, and making sure that impact lasts in your absence.”
A few words from a happy client:
“Working with Shelley at SSW Creative is always a pleasure. She’s an incredibly talented designer who made my logo and website design process a breeze. Her attention to detail and creativity resulted in exceptional work that truly stands out. I highly recommend her for any design project!”
-Brian A., Founder & CEO of Evida Strategies