We had the good fortune of connecting with Heather Gordon and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Heather, do you have a favorite quote or affirmation?
“Let YOU shine through everything you do.” – This is something that my grandma used to say to me often when I was in portfolio school and worrying about the quality and creativeness of my projects. Over the years it has really evolved into my motto helping me build confidence in my work. I make a big emphasis on designing with purpose, making decisions with the intention of bringing a meaning to all the tiny details. Often times others don’t notice these connections but its how I ensure that I am in everything I design.

Let’s talk shop? Tell us more about your career, what can you share with our community?
GIRLheather design provides custom graphic design services specializing in event branding and ASD resources. I love using my design expertise to inject personality and joy into events and enhance every day life. As a kid I was always struggling to find items that I really loved because I wished for a different color or design. I found myself always settling for ‘what I liked most’ out of what was available. This prompted me to start creating my own designs and creating items that were exactly what I wanted. This quickly translated into applying custom designs to everything – giving everything around me a special touch and meaning. For me, this often shows up in my doodle style, using typography and icons. This always helped me feel more comfortable and calm in my environment. After becoming a mom, I started using my design skills to create useful tools and materials for my autistic daughter, including branding her own birthday parties that fit her sensory needs. I found a lot of joy in creating something just for her, her needs and who she is and I believe that every child should feel that same joy on their special day. Autism is a tough journey because it is a large spectrum and everyone is different. Design can play a big part in creating and adapting tools and resources to help autistic children and their caretakers – and I hope to be able to add value to the community in providing this type of support.

It hasn’t been easy to leave a full time, salaried position to pursue my own business. It takes a lot of support and space from the people closest to you but most of all the dedication to keep trying. I’ve learned you’re not going to get everything right the first time – you just have to keep learning and keep building until you get it right.

I’d want the world to know that I see you. I see your quirks and your preferences and they deserve to shine through your event, your day, your life just as bright as the sun & I’m here to help make that happen.

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
If my best friend was visiting we’d have to go on a tour of my time in Atlanta over the last 7+ years. First we’d start with an early morning hot yoga session at Highland Yoga. After we would have to stop at Peach Coffee Roasters for my favorite cup of coffee. Then we’d head down to Virginia Highlands to walk the beltline, checking out the old neighborhood and enjoying the street art around the skate park. For lunch we’d have to head over to Johnny’s Pizza for a slice and sweetwater brew before driving by the old Creative Circus building to pay our tributes. Throughout the week we’d also have to get burgers from Grindhouse, lemon pepper wings from 4 Season wings, a brisket plate from Fox Brothers and the best italian sandwich on the planet from Crust. We’d also have to catch a metal show at the Earl – complete with a tall boy + shot special. Before she left I’d make sure to get her in a class at Vesta just so she knows exactly what shes missing. We also might walk through Decatur Square for some Jenis and a paloma from Victory (bonus if the popcorn flavor is good that week). And she’d have to ride the marta to the high museum – just for the experience and smell.

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
I would not be the designer I am today without The Creative Circus, all my instructors, mentors and classmates. Graduating from the design program (and surviving Sylvia) is still one of the hardest and greatest things I’ve ever done. It hurts my heart that this magical place is no longer a physical place but it carries on through the work & the friendships gained. Viva La Circus.

And I also have to shoutout my husband, Tony. He’s my positivity and optimism – always encouraging me to take a little risk. Over the last few years he’s really helped give me the space to explore what I can really do and sometimes that is all it takes for your ideas to take off. I am so grateful for his support.

Website: https://girlheatherdesign.com

Instagram: @girlheatherdesign

Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/girlheather/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/girlheatherdesign

Other: personal portfolio: girlheather.com

Image Credits
Tony Gordon Jr.

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