We recently connected with Amber Saca and have shared our conversation below.
Amber, thanks for taking the time to share your stories with us today Earning a full time living from one’s creative career can be incredibly difficult. Have you been able to do so and if so, can you share some of the key parts of your journey and any important advice or lessons that might help creatives who haven’t been able to yet?
Growing up in New York City, I was immediately immersed in design and knew it was the path I wanted to pursue. Surrounded by creativity in my everyday life, it became clear that this was the career for me. I was fortunate to go to the Fashion Institute of Technology to pursue Communication Design – an intense introduction to all things design. After earning my Associate’s degree, I specialized in Packaging Design for my Bachelor’s Degree. Thanks to a combination of hands-on experience, internships, and the tight-knit alumni network, I turned my journey into a full-time career working at an agency. A significant jump start to my career came not only from the guidance of my college mentors but also from saying yes to every opportunity that came my way, regardless of how uncomfortable or unfamiliar it felt at the time.
Amber, before we move on to more of these sorts of questions, can you take some time to bring our readers up to speed on you and what you do?
As a packaging, branding, and graphic designer, I’m often asked, “So, what exactly do you do?” While I work on a variety of projects, I like to explain my role in a way that people can easily relate. I usually describe it through everyday experiences—like when you grab a product off the shelf at a store because it looked ‘cool’, or snap a photo of an ad on the street that made you smile. Almost everything you interact with daily has been strategically designed by someone. Every brief that comes my way truly is a balance of problem-solution. My job is to bring their vision to life, making sure that the packaging reflects the product’s physical appeal while branding ensures the visual language aligns with the brand’s identity and core values. At an agency, we collaborate closely with a strategic team to make sure the creative vision aligns perfectly with the rationale and thought process behind it, resulting in a satisfied client. Designing packaging goes far beyond just placing a label on a product—it’s about crafting a compelling story and creating a seamless experience for consumers. The most rewarding part of my job is collaborating with a business that’s enthusiastic about a design that could transform their success. My daily work involves creating packaging labels, designing logos and icons, developing cohesive graphic suites, providing art direction, and telling stories through visuals.
Is there a particular goal or mission driving your creative journey?
When it comes to my design career, I think a personal goal of mine is to create a portfolio that shows a broad range of diverse work. As a designer, it’s common to look back at past work and find plenty of details we’d change. However, I believe that reflects significant personal growth. With the rise of technology, artificial intelligence, and design trends, I’m committed to staying in the know. While some may avoid change, I choose to embrace new ways of working. There’s always something new to uncover that can enhance my work.
What’s the most rewarding aspect of being a creative in your experience?
One thing I never expected to be so rewarding is having a truly happy client. Growing up, I understood that design is subjective—everyone has different tastes and preferences. Besides the fact that design is a true art form, the experience of visualizing something from your head to something more tangible is so unique. Because of this, when a project flows effortlessly and everyone is on the same page, that sense of accomplishment is incredibly rewarding.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.ambersaca.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/asacadesign
- Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ambersaca/
