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I’m Alyssa, a designer with a passion for helping businesses stand out boldly and grow confidently with iconic, memorable, and strategic design.
And I love partnering with ambitious business owners and entrepreneurs who love what they do.
Through branding, websites, packaging, and graphic design, I help you look and operate at a level that matches the quality you know that you already provide through your products or services.
With over a decade of professional experience, I collaborate with you on an attention-grabbing, conversion-focused design that’s built on strategy and proven processes, not trends or shortcuts.
I firmly believe:
Fun facts:
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I’m originally from Buffalo, NY, and moved to NYC to go to college for graphic design. I lived and worked there for 6 years before moving to Asheville, NC.
I have 10+ years of professional experience working as a designer, and Amp’d Designs® has been in business since 2018 (although I’ve been self employed full time since 2017!).
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I graduated from Pratt Institute in Brooklyn, NY, with a BFA in Communications Design, concentration on Graphic Design.
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I worked as a Designer and Art Director in New York City designing branding, print, packaging, websites, and digital collateral.
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I also spent time in the Art Department at Atlantic Records where I designed a plethora of music-related projects and attended a champagne party with Ed Sheeran.
(Initially, I got into graphic design way back in high school through making gig posters and album art for local bands!)
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I now work out of my home office in Mars Hill, NC, about 20 minutes north of Asheville. I connect with business owners all over via Zoom, or locally at a co-working space in Downtown Asheville.
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When I'm not designing, you might find me cooking or doing some gluten free baking (everything from cookies to GF sourdough), out on a run, experimenting in the garden, or planning my next trip (always down to talk travel!).
FAVORITE BANDS:
Grouplove, Fall Out Boy, Alt-J, Hippo Campus
LATELY LISTENING TO:
Remi Wolf (honestly my playlist has been a bit stale, so feel free to send suggestions!)
FAVORITE FOOD:
Popcorn
FAVORITE COLOR:
Red (surprising?)
NEXT TRIP:
Spain
Favorite Dungeon:
Zul'Farrak
Select Media, Collaborations, and Awards
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Community and collaboration:
Collaborating with local and online business communities and design organizations is important to me.
For creatives, I founded Make Your Design Matter ®, helping ambitious self-employed designers nail their processes, wow their clients, and grow their businesses with confidence.
I also co-founded AIGA Asheville (a chapter of a well-known, 100-year-old national, professional design organization), serving as the Vice President for four years, followed by a position as President.
Events:
I regularly host and participate in online and in-person events for both business owners and designers. Check here to see what’s coming up!
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I regularly speak at events and webinars and to design students at colleges and universities about design and branding, self-employment, and cover-letter-writing.
Webinar and workshop host: check out my events for both business owners and designers
Former Adjunct Instructor in the Digital Media Technologies program: A-B Tech Community College
Regular volunteer through Pathful, speaking to high school students around the country about a career in graphic design.
Former Co-Host: Designed to Thrive Clubhouse chat, alongside Eric Vasquez
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Simply Profitable Designer Summit presenter: “The Loyalty Loop: Past Clients, Future Profits”
Squarespace Circle Day 2023 presenter: “Client Wrangling: Keeping Timelines on Track”
Featured on the Ordinary Business Podcast: “Making Space for Work-Free Vacations”
Featured in Mountain Xpress: Post-Helene Resilience Roundtables
Featured on Freelance Alchemy: “How a Simple 15-Minute Call Fixed Every Client Problem”
Southwest Virginia Artisan Conference speaker: How to Sell with Brand Story
Product Powerhouse Summit speaker: “How to Sell with Brand Story”
Craft Your Commerce Workshop presenter:
A-B Tech Small Business Center Workshop presenter:
From Clicks to Customers: How to Build a Website that Converts
How to Sell with Brand Story
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Member of:
Formerly:
AIGA Asheville: former President and Founding Vice President
Mars Hill Downtown Merchants Association: Founding Secretary
Certifications:
Affiliate link
Want Alyssa to speak at your event?
I (Alyssa 👋) love talking with business owners and designers about how to feel more confident and empowered to grow towards their goals.
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