Jennifer Barrett
GRAPHIC DESIGNER
Website: jenniferbarrettdesign.com
AIGA Profile: http://portfolios.aiga.org/JenniferBarrett
e-mail: send.barrett@gmail.com
Can you give us a brief background of yourself? Your history? Your accomplishments?
I’m a Michigan native who has always been interested in art and design. I loved using chalk as a kid; filling the driveway every summer with color and quirk. As I got older I knew I wanted to spend the rest of my life in a creative field. I’m a 2012 graduate of The College for Creative Studies in Detroit, MI, where I got my BFA in Graphic Design. I love finding patterns and telling stories.
What made you interested in design?
Finding the right combination of form and function; Design can wear so many hats and is always evolving. Its function can be informative and thought provoking, humorous and aesthetically pleasing. Finding that balance is challenging and rewarding.
What inspires you?
I love finding patterns and evidence of the human hand in everyday life. My mind works very mathematically, so any kind of pattern or structure really draws me in. I’m always interested in discovering relationships and creating meaningful communication through design.

How did you get started in lettering?
I took a series of typography classes at CCS, and it quickly became one of my favorite classes. The words themselves state an opinion or fact, but the style of the lettering is what really tells the story.

Any tips or resources you could recommend for people out there trying to do sweet lettering like you?
Look around you! Typography is everywhere; you just have to keep your eyes open to find the real gems. Take photos often, and start an inspiration folder on your desktop. I carry a sketchpad and pen in my purse so if I see something I really enjoy, I can make a quick sketch and note about it.
How has living in Michigan shaped your work/design?
Being surrounded by the auto industry has definitely influenced my work. I’ve always been inspired by the nameplates on vehicles and the beautifully crafted letter and line work of classic vehicles.
Who is your favorite Michigan based designer/artist?
Ed Fella started his career in Detroit, and I respect how fearless he is with form.
What is your favorite Michigan made product?
Better Made Chips! The Barbecue flavor is my favorite.
What is your favorite aspect of AIGA?
AIGA is a great way to network and be exposed to opportunities that otherwise might not be available.
What is one thing you can’t live without?
Support from my family. I am lucky to have a family that encourages right-brained activities!

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Who is your favorite designer?
I have more than one. Ruth Adler Schnee, Albert Kahn, Stefan Sagmeister, Saul Bass, and Cipe Pineles.
What does your work space look like?
I work at my kitchen table. It’s a 60″x60″ working surface where I’m free to stretch out and see many versions of a working project at once. I like to start with a clean slate each time I begin to work, so my workspace is pretty minimal.

What is an example of one of your favorite projects from the past year?
Twenty Six Characters and A Couple of Glyphs is typographic installation at the College for Creative Studies. Each character represents a student from the 2012 graduating class. A collaborative effort (C. Mueller & E. Myers), the concept explores the idea of our “home away from home,” illustrated through a custom font family we’ve created. Students contributed to the project by submitting a frame that represented the essence of their family life. From there we created a unified set to display in our “home away from home.” The team developed custom letter forms and a rubbing station with custom crayons for patrons to interact with and illustrate a portrait of the graduating class.

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