10 Questions: Tracie Valentino

What do you do and where do you do it?
I am a graphic designer, creative director, project manager, owner, operator, and all around great gal at traciedesigns, in Fairfield.

What inspired you to choose this profession, and what makes you stay in it?
From an early age, I’ve always liked to draw and create. When I was in high school, the only class I excelled in was anything to do with art. When I went on to art school, I had to take a graphic design class, and I was hooked. I couldn’t believe that people made a living doing something so fun and cool.

I stay in it because I love what I do. On any given day, I have dozens of ideas buzzing around in my head. The fact that I get paid to make those ideas come to life is like the icing on a very yummy cake.

What is your single favorite piece in your portfolio?
I don’t necessarily have a favorite piece, but I am especially proud of my logo work.

What/Where do you want to be in 10 years?
In 10 years I hope to have the kind of business that allows me to pick and choose the projects I want to work on, rather than taking on a project because of that pesky mortgage. I’d also like to see at least one of the many business ideas in my head come to fruition. And finally, I’d like to be independently wealthy (which I guess goes hand in hand with the above). In 10 years I’ll be getting ready to send my second child off to college — yikes.

Who/What are your biggest influences?
Jessica Hische is a big influence — I love her type. Alejandro Paul is an amazing type designer, too. Designers like Tina Roth Eisenberg, Khoi Vinn; I love, love, love their simplicity.

There are a ton of outside influences as well — my camera is filled with a bunch of stuff that grabs my attention. It could be anything from my kids to the color of the grass to the way the sunlight reflects off of a building.

What do you wish you did better?
Among other things, I’d love to be able to balance my work vs. play time a little better. I love what I do — but sometimes the downtime is just as important. I just read a great quote that said something along the lines of being a freelancer isn’t choosing your own hours, it’s choosing which 16 hours of the day you have to work. Isn’t that the truth?

Why Connecticut?
I was born and raised here; so it’s not really a question of why, but more why not?

Who are the best creatives you’ve worked with?
I worked with a great team at my last full time job — for ImageMark, in Wilton. And Amy Graver and everyone over at Elements.

What are your loves/passions outside of this field?
Shoes. Photography. My kids. Letterpress printing — not necessarily a passion, but I have a huge desire to learn the trade. Letterpress printers in Connecticut: please let me come play and learn!

What do you know now that you didn’t know then?
Be happy. I love what I do for a living; if that isn’t a reason to be happy, then I don’t know what is.