Graphic designer Christian Bennin's design mantra is, "content informs design." Christian said of her career, "I’ve had the incredible opportunity to work with and for a variety of clients, from political candidates, to non-profits, to most recently, Pharma. I love learning about my clients needs and figuring out how to communicate their message to their audience. I’m currently working on a personal illustration project focused on providing multiracial families with inclusive kid’s journals, activity books and stories."

What would you say your design specialty is? I really enjoy projects that involve creating a space like galas, trade show booths, or events. The opportunity to create various coordinating pieces to engage the audience is both challenging and exciting to me.

What inspires your work? My best work is the result of passionate, knowledgeable teams working together. When I can take the time to thoroughly research a project, or work with highly knowledgeable clients, the work is always better.

Did you go to school or are you self-taught? I earned my BFA in Visual Communications from The Illinois Institute of Art - Chicago, but I'm constantly learning and teaching myself. Although not very glamorous, I find the best learning tools are user manuals/reading upgrade updates and Youtube.

What program do you use the most for your work? Adobe InDesign, followed closely by Adobe Illustrator and Photoshop

What keeps you going? My desire to become better, learn more, and use design to help others do the same!

What new skill are you working on that you're excited about? I'm really excited about how motion/gifs/animation have become so accessible for designers and consumers and want to explore ways to use them in my work.

What's something you want to improve on? Everything! My immediate focus is balancing working on "real" projects with spending time learning new techniques and tools.

Thanks for interviewing with us, Christian! Such excellent advice and information. We are anxious to hear more about your illustration project!

Want to learn more about Christian? Click here to see her portfolio.