We were lucky to catch up with TJ Prater recently and have shared our conversation below.

TJ, appreciate you joining us today. Learning the craft is often a unique journey from every creative – we’d love to hear about your journey and if knowing what you know now, you would have done anything differently to speed up the learning process.

I pursued a BFA in Design as an undergraduate, where I was trained in a highly competitive environment alongside other talented students. At the time, I didn’t have a strong passion for design, and I particularly struggled with typography, which made the process feel more like obligation than exploration. It wasn’t until graduate school that my perspective shifted—I discovered the aspects of design and type that genuinely excite me, and I began to focus on doing work that I enjoy most.

The way I’ve recently learned to do what I do has been a mix of formal education, experimentation, and collaborative projects. Being exposed to different approaches and seeing how peers tackle challenges helped me expand my own perspective. I’ve also learned a lot by diving into projects that aligned with my interests, which made the process feel less like a chore and more like personal growth.

Looking back, I think I could have accelerated my learning by seeking out more hands-on experiences earlier and by focusing on areas of design that resonated with me, rather than trying to excel at everything equally. The skills that have been most essential include problem-solving, conceptual thinking, and the ability to adapt my design approach to different mediums and audiences. The biggest obstacles to learning more were, early on, a lack of genuine interest and a mindset of comparison, which sometimes made progress feel slower than it could have been. Once I found the areas of design I was truly passionate about, both learning and growth became much more natural and rewarding.

Awesome – so before we get into the rest of our questions, can you briefly introduce yourself to our readers.

Hi, I’m Tiffany Joy Prater. I’m a graphic designer, educator, and creative thinker with a passion for crafting visual experiences that communicate ideas clearly and beautifully. I first fell in love with design through my fascination with typography, layout, and the power of storytelling through visuals. Over time, this passion evolved into a career where I blend design, education, and creative problem-solving.

Through my work, I provide a range of services including branding, logo design, publication design, and visual identity projects. I help clients—whether businesses, nonprofits, or creative collaborators—clarify their message, stand out in their industry, and create visuals that resonate with their audience. My approach is grounded in research, thoughtful strategy, and a deep attention to detail, which allows me to solve complex communication challenges while keeping creativity at the forefront.

What sets me apart is my ability to bridge the worlds of design and education. I don’t just create visually compelling work—I also help others understand design, think critically about visual communication, and translate ideas into meaningful experiences. I’m most proud of the projects where I can collaborate with students, clients, and communities to create work that not only looks good but also makes a real impact.

At the heart of my brand is a commitment to clarity, creativity, and connection. I want potential clients, collaborators, and followers to know that I approach every project with care, curiosity, and a dedication to excellence. Whether you’re looking to elevate your brand, tell your story, or explore the power of design, I’m here to bring your vision to life.

Looking back, are there any resources you wish you knew about earlier in your creative journey?

In the world of design, having reliable resources is essential for both inspiration and execution. For typography and letterforms, platforms like Typewolf provide curated font pairings and real-world inspiration, while the Letterform Archive offers an extensive historical perspective through specimen books and digital collections. Google Fonts is an invaluable source of free, web-friendly type, and Fonts In Use demonstrates how typography functions in practical applications. For deeper theoretical understanding, The Elements of Typographic Style by Robert Bringhurst explores type hierarchy and design principles, and the League of Moveable Type offers high-quality, open-source fonts for professional use.

Staying current with design trends and creative innovation is equally important. Brand New showcases updates in branding and visual identity, and UnderConsideration provides thoughtful critiques of design projects. Creative communities such as Behance and Dribbble host professional portfolios and innovative projects, while Awwwards highlights award-winning websites with unique typography and layouts. For environmental and experiential design, SEGD offers resources and case studies focused on signage, wayfinding, and spatial graphics.

Finally, color and design tools are critical for successful visual communication. Platforms like Adobe Color and Coolors help designers create harmonious color palettes, ensuring that typography and other design elements work together seamlessly. By combining these resources, designers can strengthen both their technical skills and creative vision, producing work that is thoughtful, effective, and visually compelling.

How’d you build such a strong reputation within your market?

I think what really helped me build my reputation in the market was a combination of consistency, quality, and relationship-building. I’ve always focused on delivering work that is thoughtful, well-executed, and tailored to each client’s needs. Getting to know clients personally and understanding their goals has been invaluable—it allows me to create work that truly resonates with them and strengthens trust over time. At the same time, I’ve learned not to let the stress of the next bill payment dictate my decisions. It can be nerve-wracking, but focusing on the quality of the work and the relationships I’m building has always paid off in the long run. Ultimately, producing high-quality work, being reliable, and cultivating genuine connections has shaped my reputation in meaningful ways.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://tiffanyjoyprater.com/
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/tjiprater?igsh=MWFrczltM3J0Mnpueg%3D%3D&utm_source=qr
• Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/tiffanyjoyprater?utm_source=share&utm_campaign=share_via&utm_content=profile&utm_medium=ios_app