GDES Alumna Serves Others Through Design

A 1991 graduate of the School of Industrial and Graphic Design (SIGD), Stiff’s career has been shaped by a deep respect for both design craft and the organizational systems that support it. A steadfast supporter of the GDES program, Stiff has dedicated herself to various initiatives over the years.

“Her service on the SIGD Advisory Council and CADC Executive board, coupled with her generous support of our annual student shows, Day of Design symposium, and most recently, our school’s 80th anniversary celebration, has left an indelible mark on our students’ growth and success,” said Wei Wang, SIGD School Head and professor. “Angela’s commitment to mentorship, collaboration and the design community has fostered a nurturing environment that encourages students to thrive and excel.”

She began her professional journey at Southern Living magazine in the promotions department, where she supported the Southern Accents and Travel South magazines. That first role proved formative.

“This first job gave me a wonderful foundation because I paid as much attention to the workflow processes of the organization as I did in learning how to apply everything I was taught about design,” she said.

As her career progressed, Stiff became drawn to identity management, a discipline that would later evolve into brand management.

“That gave me the basis for the principles I used to form my business,” she said, explaining that she founded Copperwing Design in March 1999, during the height of the dot-com boom, recognizing early opportunities in digital design.

By 2007, Copperwing had outgrown its original studio, leading Stiff to build a custom office space for her expanding team. Just months later, the economic crash of 2008 tested the company in unexpected ways.

“This was a difficult time, but it’s what made me not only a designer but a true businessperson,” she said, embracing efficiency, creativity and diversification to carry her business out of the recession. “The business itself and its operational processes have always been as much a design project as any other.”

Now a prominent design practice in Birmingham and Montgomery, Copperwing’s work has since expanded across industries, including large-scale manufacturing clients such as Hyundai Motor Manufacturing of Alabama, Neptune Technology Group, KW Plastics and KW Container. More recently, the firm grew its capabilities in video and motion design through the acquisition of a production studio created by Chris Tomberlin.

“It has been an amazing collaboration that has brought incredible benefits to our clients,” Stiff said.

She believes that design should communicate, educate or evoke emotion—with a clear, genuine message translated through a balance of structure and creativity.

“I believe good design starts with strong organization but also has sense of warmth or personality that makes the design feel human and engaging,” she said. “For me, the best designs are those that feel effortless, simple and meaningful.”

Stiff credits her education for instilling lasting principles.

“Auburn’s design program teaches design in its purest form,” she said. “Methods of conceptual thought, articulating design choices, the process of critique and development and the value of impeccable craftsmanship are all ways that I have carried Auburn with me in my professional career.”

Stiff continues to give back to the School with both time and philanthropy—recently sponsoring the SIGD 80^th Anniversary Celebration and Alumni Design Showcase—because she believes that it takes the whole of the SIGD community to give students a supported, successful college experience. She remembers when alumni would come speak to classes when she was a student, and now that opportunity, in turn, reminds her of the core principles she uses when designing for others.

“For the past eight years, I have had the pleasure of getting to know Angela, whose contributions continue to impact the College of Architecture, Design and Construction (CADC),” said Christopher Griffin, CADC Director of Philanthropy. “Her thoughtful input on the dean’s executive board is particularly notable, as her perspective influences and resonates throughout our college.”

Looking ahead, her dream for future designers is simple.

“I hope that they will know there is a place for them—for all types of designers—and that they will find a way to serve others through design,” she said. “Most of all, I hope they find the same generosity from their peers and professors that I did.”