Amanda Olson

Background

About Amanda Olson

During my work as an artist and educator for the past 20 years, I can say that each new job, client, success, and failure—every single experience—has helped shape me into the skilled and dedicated creative person that I am today. Graphic design, illustration, writing, and education all hold a special place in my heart, and over the years, I’ve learned that I’m happiest when I have the opportunity to use those skills, talents, and passions to help make a project the best it can be. Starting out as a page layout artist in a direct mail catalog company helped me learn all that goes into designing, publishing, marketing, and printing a publication for print—and doing it on tight deadlines. Later, my work in a design boutique, freelancing, and in an advertising agency allowed me to polish those skills to the expert level. Later, I started and taught a graphic design program at the high school level. I count that as one of the greatest joys and learning experiences of my career. But I missed collaborating with clients and colleagues, so I returned to the private sector where I worked as the art director for three children’s magazines. That was the first time all my skills converged in my career—with the bonus of animals and kids—and that just feels good to the soul. In recent years, I’ve also been able to combine my skills and passions in as an eLearning developer and instructional designer (minus the kids and animals). Regardless of the project, I thrive on the challenge of finding creative solutions to problems. That may require writing an advertising headline with stopping power and then driving that point home with supporting copy and imagery, inviting a toddler to open a children’s book with bold and playful illustrations, or creating an immersive online learning experience. I love what I do. Every aspect of this business adds texture to my life. And each day offers me an opportunity to learn and create in a new way.