Nina DeWane, BrandJuice Designer, is the spotlight of our September employee profile. We sat down for a Q&A to deep dive into her refreshing way of thinking and insightful vision that drives our team every day.
Tell us about where you grew up?
Green Bay, Wisconsin. Home of cheesecurds and the Green Bay Packers!!
What brand is your personality most aligned with?
Any sort of re-sale or consignment shop. Thrifty, Cheap, Creative, Weird.
What led you to choosing this profession?
I took my first Graphic Design class in high school and knew almost instantly I would make a career out of it. Working in a creative field without being a struggling artist was a good fit.
Who inspires you? Who do you aspire to be like?
I find anyone who follows their dreams and makes a living doing something they are passionate about very inspiring.
I aspire to be like my Grandma Elaine. She was the most kind, giving, selfless person I have ever known. She was the mother of 14 children and always had her hands full, yet still welcomed any neighborhood kids who didn’t have a warm meal over for dinner.
What’s your most irrational fear?
Someone stealing my basset hound/pitbull pup Lucy. She is so lovable and cute and snuggly and sweet and amazing and soft.. why wouldn’t someone want her for their own?
If you could keep only 5 possessions, what would they be?
- Lucy
- iPod loaded with all my favorite tunes and playlists
- Sketchpad and pencil
- Mac laptop
- Furniture pieces that I refurbished/refinished
What are you drinking come five o’clock?
Nothing beats a standard lime margarita on the rocks. Especially when paired with chips and salsa. And queso. And tacos.
Best restaurant in Denver?
LOLA Mexican Fish House, a highlands restaurant that serves amazingly fresh food, has a casual, yet fun atmosphere AND makes guacamole table-side.
What’s the best book you’ve read so far this year?
This year: The Casual Vacancy by J.K. Rowling
Ever: Hatchet by Gary Paulsen
When you’re in need of creative inspiration, where do you go? What do you do?
Stepping away from the computer and getting fresh air always helps clear my head. I grab Lucy and hit the street, park or mountains for a long walk. I almost always return with fresh perspectives and solutions.
What was the last picture you took with your phone?
Lucy sunbathing during our camping trip in Montezuma. 99% of the photos I take are of Lucy
If you could give your younger self any advice, what would it be?
Worry less. You can’t control the future or anyone else so just enjoy the ride.
What’s the best part about working at BrandJuice?
Hilarious environment. Small agency that often requires all hands on deck and stepping outside of your assigned role. Days fly by.
Follow along on our social media over the coming weeks to find out more about what Nina’s life is like when she’s not cultivating creative genius at BrandJuice.