GDES Alumna Finds Connections through Advertising Design

After graduating from the School of Industrial and Graphic Design (SIGD) in spring 2023, Richardson moved to Austin, Texas, for a summer internship with jewelry brand Kendra Scott. That first step opened the door to another design internship in the fall, and by January 2024, she had landed her first full-time role at Made in House Collective where she led email design for Chipotle.

“That marked the start of my ad agency journey,” she said—one that has led her to her current role as a designer at McGarrah Jessee.

Richardson credits Auburn’s close-knit design program with preparing her for both the creative and relational demands of her career. Small class sizes and consistent faculty connection throughout all four years fostered meaningful collaboration.

“This taught me the benefits of keeping relationships with those you work with and showed me the value of connecting with my team,” she said. “It gave me the foundation I needed to network and connect within my company. I now have lifelong relationships in my industry because of my effort to know my teammates at every role I’ve had.”

Now working in retail and corporate advertising, Richardson thrives in an industry that “welcomes weirdness,” explaining that sometimes whacky ideas help clients wade through the water of what’s already been done to find something new.

“I love scrolling through pitch decks to see what weird, beautiful, funny, one-of-a-kind ideas our team can create,” she said, noting how unconventional ideas help brands stand out in a media landscape that is increasingly crowded by artificial intelligence (AI) driven ideas.

Richardson draws design inspiration from nature, patterns and movement—particularly in her animations, which she found a love for in a Kinetic Typography class with GDES Associate Professor Courtney Windham. Inspired by nature, patterns and movement and everyday moments, Richardson encourages future designers to take chances and be bold—and to not be deterred by AI.

“Use it as a tool, but remember that your work has value,” she said. “Your work is unique and important as a designer, as well as the perspective that you bring to the table. Remember why you fell in love with design in the first place.”