Born to a family full of creative thinkers -- artists, musicians, poets, and entrepreneurs, Wendy was destined to become a self-employed creative. Her genes served up equal helpings of good business sense and creativity, and peppered them with an independent streak so fierce that there wasn't much question that she needed to be her own boss. Wendy writes:

During art school in Boston, I was convinced that fine art was the only true art. Even to think of commercial art was to "sell-out". That was back when the Museum School didn't offer design courses -- times have changed. I did some brief stints as photo-lab manager, commercial photographer, antique dealer, bass player and singer, before fate pushed me to choose a new path and I returned to school. I did the most evil thing I could think of... I studied design and happily landed my first job as an art director, where I built a strong portfolio filled with heavy hitters. That portfolio landed me a great contract at a large east coast agency.

Wendy's design for Daydream Toys web site -- beautifully concepted and implemented -- making perfect sense for the market segment! (daydreamtoy.com )

She worked almost a decade as a freelancer / contractor, working with agencies, internationally known companies, smaller local firms and many non-profits. Then, she formed Wetherbee Creative & Web with her husband Neil, when the need to move from solopreneur to a growing partnership made sense.

This web layout for the Derry History Museum shows a real eye for not only detail, but style and flavor. Beautifully done! enlarge

For me its important to work equally across both online and offline media. There are different technical skills required of course, but, design at its essence, is really just a visual way of communicating a message and achieving a goal. And I feel that I offer my clients a holistic package because I approach each project as a piece of a larger whole.

Wendy is as comfortable with editorial layout and design as she is with web and print media. This annual report spread shows a distinct feel for typography, color and form. enlarge

I love what I do, and I am sure that my philosophies and life outlook appears in my work, but I don't design with a particular "style". My personal tastes wouldn't necessarily work for every project, therefore I feel, my ego really has no place there either. That said, my job is a far cry from "delivering what the client wants", my job is "delivering what the client needs", and that can be very different.

This example of a collaterals package shows a harmony across all the materials necessary -- in this case, direct mail. enlarge

My inspiration comes from a heavy dose of the natural world. When I need to recharge, I leave the studio and spend time outside. I step back, re-center and listen to the wind. I garden, paint, play with my son, bird-watch, and hike with our dogs. I study wildlife and natural environments, photographing things that I later refer to, both in my design work and in my paintings. Nature uses amazing color palettes and they constantly amaze and inspire me.

One thing we really liked, and were impressed with, is the Wetherbee site's "giving back" area. A social conscience is something that every good designer always relies on. In today's world, this is most important! Visit Wendy's digs at www.creativeandweb.com and be sure to click on the "case studies" and "giving back" links.

Wetherbee Creative & Web LLC

Located in the Boston Area
working with clients nationwide.
Derry, NH 03038
www.creativeandweb.com

 

 

... and exit