Meet Stephanie Pryor, Art Director at MGA&D. As a multi-disciplinary design firm, she is involved with every project. Learn what inspires her and who she is streaming on her playlist.
If you were not a graphic designer, what would your alternate career be?
SP: Philanthropist or some other form of social work.
You just won a free trip, where would you go?
SP: Galapagos Islands. As a little girl I was enthralled by the blue footed boobies (I have several dioramas to prove my fascination) and now as an adult I would love to see my daughters face as she discovered the wildlife on the islands.
If you could make one significant change in the world, what would it be?
SP: Inclusion and equal opportunities for all children.
Who is your design idol?
SP: Steve Jobs, even though he wasn’t a “Designer” in the typical sense of the word he showed the general population what great design was and taught them to accept nothing less than great design. He also changed how designers approached design by making them understand the importance of user experience.
When you are away from work, what can you be found doing?
SP: Often showing my daughter how to bake and garden. Flowers are her latest fascination.
What book(s) are you currently reading?
SP: The girl on the train
What songs are most listened to on your playlists?
SP: I’m not sure what this says about my state of mind but currently Jimmy Buffet is on a continuous loop.
When you need design inspiration where do you look?
SP: Often at student work, although it may not be the most refined there is a freedom to their work that is refreshing.
What do you believe is the most valuable trait as a graphic designer?
SP: The ability to listen and empathize.
If you could invite three people to dinner living or deceased, who would they be and why?
SP: Mother Teresa, Buddha, Nelson Mandela. They are the most inspiring and selfless individuals and I would just like to be in their presence.
What new skill would you like to learn and why?
SP: Spanish! I have been trying for years to become fluent in another language and I would like to be able to teach my daughter so she can start to understand that the world is made up of lots of different people with exciting and varying cultures.
What was one of your most defining moments in life?
SP: Having my daughter.
If you could only keep five possessions, what would they be?
SP: Family Recipes and Pictures
If you had a chance for a “do-over” in life, what would you do differently?
SP: Nothing, I wouldn’t want any “do-over” to change what I have now.
What is your best childhood memory?
SP: The feeling of spending the whole day with my mom because I was “sick”.