We’re excited to introduce you to the always interesting and insightful Naomi Golden. We hope you’ll enjoy our conversation with Naomi below.
Naomi, thanks for taking the time to share your stories with us today When did you first know you wanted to pursue a creative/artistic path professionally?
The moment I knew I wanted to become a graphic designer and illustrator was when I was fourteen years old. I entered a poster contest sponsored by Ivar’s for their 4th of July firework show in Seattle, Washington. For the contest, I painted the Seattle skyline with acrylics on canvas, featuring Ivar’s as the central hero of the image, with a bursting firework display above the coastline. I ended up getting a call informing me that I had won the contest, which I had never even dreamed was possible. When I saw my painting on their marketing posters and realized that my art was being shown in public spaces for the express purpose of inspiring the local community to attend an event – it was a magical moment. Up to that point, I had only cared for physical media – oils, acrylics, watercolor, etc. – but my dad had been mentioning to me that a career path in graphic design could be a fun way to earn a living with my art. This contest was the moment when I realized that digital art could be used for so many things – supporting a cause, sounding a call to action, changing minds and hearts. Coming to understand that that power could be used not only for consumerism, but for enacting positive change in the world, is what drove me to using my artistic talents for nonprofits.
As always, we appreciate you sharing your insights and we’ve got a few more questions for you, but before we get to all of that can you take a minute to introduce yourself and give our readers some of your back background and context?
I am a graphic designer and artist for nonprofits, and I have a passion for serving women and children. I have always worked with nonprofits or NGOs that help empower those demographics. What most inspires me throughout what I do is working to create human connection in this digital age by combining the skillsets of physical media with the tools of digital media. This has become increasingly important to me since the invention of AI – I strive to create artwork that conveys raw and real textures and emotions. I always wants human connection to bleed through my work, because that is what draws us into a piece or composition. These are the elements that will engage with and win the attention of audiences.
What’s a lesson you had to unlearn and what’s the backstory?
When I was in college and still exploring whether I wanted to pursue graphic design or not, I was faced with the challenge of logo design. Back then I was primarily an illustrator, and my designs were elaborate pieces of art – work I was proud of, yes, but not necessarily fit for logos. I will never forget what my professor at the time told me: take your eraser and remove everything from this drawing that is not essential. This was an incredible mindset shift – I have always started my process with detailed sketches to get my creativity on the page, but when I bring these sketches into my design software a major focus is always to simplify and keep only what is essential to the piece. This is what helped me bridge the gap from physical media to digital media, and I have been able to use this technique to brand multiple campaigns and businesses. My sketches allow the conceptual depth of a logo to be expressed, but I am now able to refine that concept into a unique but simple design.
For you, what’s the most rewarding aspect of being a creative?
Every day starts with a blank page and a new challenge. You never really know what’s going to happen until you begin—each design becomes its own adventure. The colors, the shapes, the final look all reveal themselves along the way. Every experience is unique, and most of the time, incredibly satisfying. Of course, there are days when the creativity doesn’t show up right away and takes some work to get into the flow, but when it does, and the piece comes together, it is so satisfying.
This being said, keeping myself in creative flow is an integral part to creating beautiful design pieces in fast paced environment. Creativity is something you have to take care of. It’s precious and it needs to be nurtured. For me, that means keeping my mind engaged with lots of different kinds of inspiration. I love listening to music, spending time in nature, flipping through craft magazines and design books, and making vision boards. I also find inspiration while browsing fashion stores or textile shops.
Working with my hands helps a lot too. Sewing, crochet, and embroidery are some of the ways I recharge creatively. And sometimes it’s simply about slowing down—lighting candles, making a cup of tea, and reading something inspiring (I have a pretty big children’s book collection).
All of these creative practices and moments feed into my daily work as a full-time designer and illustrator. I always encourage other designers to keep feeding their creativity in whatever ways work for them—and to keep that creative spark fresh and alive.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.naomigoldencreative.com
- Instagram: @naomigoldencreative
