Today we’d like to introduce you to Karissa DeDecker.
Hi Karissa, thanks for sharing your story with us. To start, maybe you can tell our readers some of your backstories.
From a young age, I knew I would be two things, creative and a bit off the beaten path. Imagination was at the forefront of my mind and constantly sought the remoteness of places I went from the redwood coast of California to the wild west of Moab, Utah. The desert landscape has carved canyons within my own psyche and given me the foundation and determination to independently create my career and daily rituals here.
I fell in love with the outdoor enthusiasm that runs in the veins of this part of the world and it embraced me right back. It’s now been 7 years and counting of providing graphic and web design services for small businesses looking to make their own determination a reality. I can’t imagine doing anything more rewarding.
Can you talk to us a bit about the challenges and lessons you’ve learned along the way? Looking back would you say it’s been easy or smooth in retrospect?
I think when you own your own business you are putting trust in the universe that people will find value in what you provide. When I first started I wasn’t sure if I would have consistent work.
Thankfully, it’s been a steady stream and I think staying true to what I love doing and finding clients with visions that I resonate with always makes the best outcomes.
Alright, so let’s switch gears a bit and talk business. What should we know about your work?
I am a professional graphic and web designer and the one-woman powerhouse of Issa Designs. The warm bread and butter of my business are logo branding packages and fully custom and functional web design. I also am an illustrator for apparel, stickers, and promotional content. I always say that branding is an adventure and I am your guide. It’s a journey of exploration and there are so many different outcomes we get to find together. Everyone has their own vibe and I like to think of myself as a chameleon designer adapting to different aesthetics.
I really love working with small businesses with big dreams. I love taking a client from the brainstorming and inspiration phase to a complete brand that doesn’t just show their professional credibility but begs to be shown off with pride. I think being such an empath, I want my client’s businesses to succeed as much as they do so it’s a big win for everyone when we finalize something they really love.
Do you have recommendations for books, apps, blogs, etc?
Oh wow, inspiration is necessary for the career I chose. I will say, Saint No, Hans Valor, and Brooks Engel are a few artists that really inspire me a lot. Honestly, I think TikTok takes the win for social and creative platforms. I am constantly inspired by creators and am always finding motivation for building a balance between productivity, play, and peace.
Whether it’s a timelapse of concept art, cottage-core tea time with the perfect sunlight, or even designers sharing how they organize inventory – I LOVE IT! I also know the rise of AI has really taken off. Obviously, there is a conversation about how it will change the art and design world (and my job in general) but I have found ways to embrace it and use it as an inspiration and brainstorming tool.
Contact Info:
- Website: issa-designs.com
- Instagram: @issa.designs
