Today we’d like to introduce you to Kristen Cook.
Hi Kristen, please kick things off for us with an introduction to yourself and your story.
I’ve always been a creative since as far as I can remember. My dad is an architect so I grew up drawing floor plans with chalk in my driveway and designing clothes in my sketchbook. With those interests at such a young age, I was always super invested in art class in school and took a big interest in painting. With a few painting awards under my belt, I knew I wanted to go to art school. Being born and raised in South Florida, I loved the idea of going to a large, North Eastern school that had a great art program. After researching and visiting a handful of schools, I ended up going to Syracuse University and majored in Communications Design in the Visual and Performing Arts School. I interned in NYC at a marketing agency during my summer before Senior Year, when I realized that was my goal for graduation – move to NYC and find a job. My first full-time job after college was working as a Graphic Designer for Major League Baseball where I learned SO much working for an in-house team. I worked as a designer and art director for a few more in-house design teams growing my career over the years where I eventually ended up in Austin, TX. A great friend and former co-worker of mine started her own female-based marketing agency where I lead creative for all of our brands. With all of the experience I learned over the course of the last 12 years, working for marketing agencies as well as a few in-house brands, I made the decision to go off on my own and start a creative studio – Kristen Cook Creative. It’s been a dream of mine to do this and the timing was right. I’m now running my own business and working with a range of clients specializing in branding design, packaging design, website and social media design.
Alright, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
I have been lucky to work for some amazing companies that have given me the confidence, experience, and skillset to prepare me for the next step in my career. The people I have worked with, along with the cities that I’ve worked in have led me to some great opportunities. But with those opportunities have come with some really hard decisions to make. I pride myself in always being open-minded, trusting my gut and taking calculated risks that I feel will help me grow and become a more well-rounded person in the long run. I can’t say the road has been bumpy, but rather full of twists and turns that I have had to help navigate along the way. My biggest, but most rewarding risk, was starting my own business. There are so many unknowns in this path, but I’m confident that my past experiences and passion for my business will only help me be successful.
Appreciate you sharing that. What else should we know about what you do?
I am the owner and designer of Kristen Cook Creative Studio. KCCS is a boutique design studio specializing in branding, packaging, website, and social media design. I am known most for my refined, minimal, and crafted design aesthetic. I am most proud of the commitment and attention to detail that I put into each client project. I pride myself most on my professionalism and unique aesthetic that is particular to my business and the work that I produce. Clients want to work with me for those reasons and that is what sets me apart from others.
We’re always looking for the lessons that can be learned in any situation, including tragic ones like the Covid-19 crisis. Are there any lessons you’ve learned that you can share?
Working in design and marketing, I have noticed the impact that Covid-19 has had on people personally, as well as their businesses. I work with a lot of small business owners in Austin and around the country, and I have witnessed first-hand both positive and negative lessons from Covid. Negatively, I have seen how small business owners have struggled with building or even maintaining their business during a period full of unknowns. Positively, I have seen how people have come together more than ever during this pandemic and have a better understanding and respect for each other as people and business owners. I think as tough as the last 2.5 years has been for everyone, people are more resilient and capable than they think they are and that you shouldn’t take moments or people for granted.
Contact Info:
- Website: kristencookcreative.com
- Instagram: @kristencookcreative
- Facebook: @kristencookcreative
