I'm inspired by life, and frankly, everything, even the little mysteries it holds.
About Colene
Thank you for stopping by!
I know bios tend to make us sound like machines built only for work. I’ve been guilty of that, too. But what I offer goes beyond simply meeting deadlines. I’m a creative yet strategic advertising professional with experience leading and collaborating on brand, PR, and activation initiatives. I approach every project with fresh eyes, sharp instincts, and a focus on human connection. I ask the questions others skip and use design, storytelling, and strategic thinking to build trust, whether it’s a product interface, a brand identity, or a campaign.
So what drives me?
🎨 Creativity with purpose, I believe art direction is more than making things “look good.” It’s about shaping stories that spark recognition, curiosity, and trust.
📚 Learning and experimenting, every new tool, platform, or idea is another way to think laterally. I thrive when I’m learning and bringing that back to the work.
🌱 I’m forever curious and believe learning is a lifelong adventure; the old saying “you can’t teach an old dog new tricks” has never applied to me. ⚡ Every new skill, tool, or idea isn’t just something to add to my toolkit; it’s fuel that keeps me evolving. 🧩 I see every challenge, platform, or experience as a chance to sharpen my perspective and think differently. 🎨 Experimenting isn’t just part of my process; it is my process. Growth comes from curiosity, and I chase that constantly.
⚡ Action over red tape, I enjoy building momentum with small wins, testing ideas, and making adjustments quickly, because creative energy is often wasted in endless committees.
My approach to teamwork
👑 Culture comes first – Healthy teams don’t need heavy rulebooks. Respect and collaboration should be part of the fabric, not a checklist.
🤝 Small teams = big impact – Some of my best work has come from
2–4 person crews with the freedom to experiment. That intimacy builds results that big agencies can’t match.
🔗 Systematic thinking – Creative vision only works when foundations are solid. I notice gaps and suggest fixing the structure before decorating the walls.
My current reads 📙
I'm a firm believer in continuous self-learning and self-improvement, always seeking ways to enhance my skills and deepen my understanding of design and UX. Some of the books I’m currently reading to sharpen my perspective include:
Don’t Make Me Think by Steve Krug
The Design of Everyday Things by Don Norman
Sprint by Jake Knapp
Hooked: How to Build Habit-Forming Products by Nir Eyal
Creative Confidence by Tom Kelley & David Kelley
Each of these reads helps me think more deeply about user-centered design, problem-solving, and creating meaningful experiences.
Fun facts about me🖌️
In my spare time, I love oil and acrylic painting. Since I was four years old, in fact, to this very day, if you visited my childhood home, you’d see drawings and paintings all over the walls! My parents were definitely not thrilled, but every time my mom and I chat, we chuckle and have a good laugh about it. That’s how I found my first creative outlet. Today, I have a dedicated creative space in my home where I can zone out and let whatever is in my heart and mind flow onto the canvas. I’ve always dreamed, and still do, of opening my own paint-and-sip studio,🍷🎨 a place where creativity and good times come to life. Hopefully, that happens someday, fingers crossed!
✨ My mantra is simple: "I’m inspired by life, and frankly, everything, even the little mysteries it holds". I’m inspired by everything: life, people, colors, stories, and the little moments others might overlook.
💪 I’m a passionate advocate for women’s rights and believe in amplifying voices that need to be heard.
☕ Coffee in hand, sketchbook open, I often find my best ideas come when I’m wandering, observing, and letting my mind make creative connections others might.
I’m happy to share a little piece of me and a glimpse into how my mind works and my world. If my work or mindset resonates or speaks to you, let’s connect and make the magic happen!