We’re excited to introduce you to the always interesting and insightful Lynda Fishbourne. We hope you’ll enjoy our conversation with Lynda below.

Lynda, appreciate you joining us today. Looking back on your career, have you ever worked with a great leader or boss? We’d love to hear about the experience and what you think made them such a great leader.

My first employer after graduating from Design School was one of my professors, who was starting his own design firm after many years as a Corporate Design Director. He had wonderful clients, and respected and appreciated all that worked with him and for him. He gave loose reign on many important design projects and trusted I would follow through and deliver on time. He shared his love of \ color and white space. And he helped me learn the things that they don’t teach in school….. like going on press approvals, and how to work with the sales, marketing and press people that printed our jobs.

I went on my first press check by myself as he was running late in another meeting…I was nervous to say the least, but he knew I could handle it with the help of the professionals around me, and I did. It was exhilarating to be trusted, but also know I had help around. He taught me to trust myself and enjoy the ride…even when I was unsure. It gave me alot of confidence over the years that I worked with him and I have never forgotten his words, his lessons, his compassion an respect for all.

Great, appreciate you sharing that with us. Before we ask you to share more of your insights, can you take a moment to introduce yourself and how you got to where you are today to our readers.

Growing up, I enjoyed making art and drawing. My parents provided drawing kits and encouraged my “hobby.” but didn’t think it was a good idea for a career. I got side tracked and didn’t get to college for design until I was 27… and encouraged by my husband. As an older student, I took things more seriously and gave everything I designed my best. I left schooling as well prepared as I could be. After working and being mentored by one of my design professors, I went on to having a rewarding career in graphic design and advertising in corporations and advertising agencies in Boston and NYC. I also enjoyed my own freelance business for 12 years. I felt like I was successful at all my jobs… I had amazing mentors and learned how to give clients what they thought they wanted. But, I also gave them a design solution that l thought was better and then another solution somewhere in the middle. Clients were happier having choices, and I was happy because they inevitably chose the design I thought was best for them and their products. I loved designing and I really liked happy clients.

Along the way, computers became more and more prevalent. Designing became more precise in the early stages and as a result, I lost the tactile joy that came with comps that were hand done, so I started doing my own fine art. When I retired from design, it was an easy transition to fine artist. I sold paintings instead of brochures and ads and web designs! But, I also knew how to promote and market myself.

For you, what’s the most rewarding aspect of being a creative?

For me… being a creative person, then a successful designer, and a fine artist has been a rewarding journey… and it still is to this day. I love art, I love being creative and find it immensely rewarding, and personally immersive. It keeps me alive and learning. And now, I enjoy inspiring others through teaching workshops and sharing my process, my journals, my art, my joy.

Follow your dreams, even if you get side tracked, keep at it.
Find your dream and make it real.

Can you tell us about a time you’ve had to pivot?

I think life always throws us pivots… simply because we live and work with other people.

I had a job I loved in Boston, but my husband wanted to take a promotion to a corporate job in New Jersey. As he supported some of my early career endeavors, I thought it only fair that he get his shot.
Finding a job in NYC was challenging to say the least. But I pounded pavement with 2! portfolios, never
gave up, and finally got a wonderful job with another amazing mentor at a major Ad Agency on Madison Avenue. Perseverance and resilience are important for a successful career in anything.

Back in Boston, years later, I had another wonderful Marketing Executive boss. There was a corporate takeover and she was let go. I had to adjust to a new boss who had not hired me. Another challenge.
I worked very hard, long hours for years after that… eventually retiring. Perseverance and resilience got me through… and the love of being a designer, a creative.

Contact Info:

• Instagram: LadyfishPirate (LyndaFishbourne)

Image Credits

All photos by Lynda Fishbourne
All design covers and paintings by Lynda Fishbourne