Rising Stars: Meet Diana Cordaro

Today we’d like to introduce you to Diana Cordaro.

Alright, so thank you so much for sharing your story and insight with our readers. To kick things off, can you tell us a bit about how you got started?
I have always been creative as far back as I can remember. My mom had a ceramic studio in our basement in New Jersey, so it was fun to play with clay, carve designs, and paint. I continued loving art throughout school and when I had to decide on a path for college, it was medical research or design. I finally decided on art and design. I’m a graduate of Buffalo State College (SUNY) with a Bachelor of Science in Design.

During my last year, I worked at a small advertising company and was offered a job but made the decision to move to Houston, Texas for a change and warmer weather. Fortunately, I quickly landed a job with a small printing company near the Johnson Space Center, where I learned so much about design and production within the industry, plus customer service and observing how a business is run. I loved the owner and my co-workers but wanted to keep moving forward to better myself as a designer and I took a graphic designer position with the San Jacinto College District in the Marketing Department. I worked there for nearly ten years plus taught continuing education classes, freelanced for a magazine targeting college-bound students, and worked on my own creative projects. My career path changed when I had my first baby boy. I quit my full-time job and decided to freelance part-time so I could stay home with my kids. I’ve been in business for 22 years with some pauses in there. My boys Nick and Joe are now 21 and 23. I’ve been married to my husband, the real reason I moved to Houston for 30+ years.

Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
There have been small bumps and worries along the way. I’ve always worried about not having that “stable” job and never thought I’d be on my own for so long. In fact, every time I thought I should jump back into a full-time job, there was a major economic downturn or life event. But somehow, a new project came my way. Then 2020 arrived and my great statement, “This is the year I’m going to really grow my business.” Ha-ha. This time I pushed through it with lots of coaching, courage, grit, and determination. My business has grown, I am grateful and humbled by the people who have trusted me to help them and for those who have helped me.

Appreciate you sharing that. What else should we know about what you do?
As a graphic designer, I work with business owners and talented entrepreneurs who are challenged by being invisible in an overcrowded marketplace. I help them to craft their unique brand consistently across many platforms (website development, logos, advertising, print, and digital media) so they can attract their ideal client. Small companies and businesses do not have in-house designers. I provide those services, so they don’t have to struggle or take so much time doing it themselves when they can be focusing on their expertise. I’ve really enjoyed working with a variety of different businesses and am filled with joy hearing the positive feedback on the work I’ve created and the impact it has had.

What are you most proud of?
Winning some national awards and having work published in Print Magazine. I started running, which really helped with stress, confidence, and creativity. I’ve trained and completed several road races, trail races, and marathons. The New York City Marathon was my proudest race moment.

What sets you apart from others?
I try not to compare myself to others, I believe every designer has their unique talent and style. My focus and passion are on solving problems and creating the best product for my client’s business and their customers in my own unique way.

How do you think about happiness?
Life makes me happy. There are so many opportunities, big and small, to be learned and explored. I love being outside in my yard, on the trails, lakes, and rivers. I look forward to traveling more. The world is very inspiring, which feeds my creative soul.

Contact Info:

• Email: diana@dianacordarographic.design
• Website: www.dianacordarographic.design
• Instagram: de_zinr_di
• Facebook: Diana Cordaro Graphic Dezign

Image Credits
Portrait: Tricia Turpenoff, Turpenoff Photography