A Q&A With Kylee Lee

RDG is REVOLUTION-izing what it means to be a creative agency. We are the strategists, artists, analysts, innovators, dreamers, thinkers, and doers who charge the vanguard in pursuit of excellence. It’s not just the projects, the designs, or the strategies – it’s the full experience of finding your voice, telling your story, and standing out above the rest, like a flag waving in the sun. We do not shy away from forging new paths to achieve the best results for our clients.

What began as a niche became our philosophy and the RDG way of life, rooted in our core values of integrity, dedication, collaboration, and growth. As integrators, our team seeks new ways of approaching the landscapes of media, art, and business – and creates unparalleled marketing and design work that connects for brands people love. Established in 2010, RDG has partnered with more than 250 companies to develop brand strategies and visual communications through an integrated marketing approach to see our clients rise above.

As the Art Director at RDG, Kylee Lee is driven by innovation and design and takes the helm of the creative and art department. On any given day, Kylee brings a mix of artistic knowledge, technical expertise, and project management to execute a wide array of projects alongside the creative team. With a natural eye for art and the innate ability to deliver dynamic ideas, Kylee brings passion and professionalism to create stunning visual language concepts for clients.

With more than four years charging the way at RDG, Kylee shares her insight into the life of an experienced graphic designer and art director.

What does a “day in the life” look like for you?

At RDG, every day is different and you never quite know what to expect. One day, I’ll be working on branding for a prominent tea label, and the next I might be designing truck or vehicle wraps for an IT company. I like to describe a given workday as “organized chaos, with plenty of surprises and spontaneity.” I am often communicating and coordinating with clients, staying in touch with and on top of vendor relations, guiding our art team towards realizing a client’s vision, attending meetings, and working with our team in a collaborative and creative environment.

Describe a recent project you’ve worked on – what was successful?

Branding projects, where we partner with the client to create a rebrand or new brand for them, can be the most challenging and the most rewarding. These projects are often the most difficult creatively and require me to push myself and my team past the boundaries of what we believe can be possible. When we endure that creative process together, we make magic. Recently we’ve completed several branding projects including a total rebrand for Curtis Restaurant Group and a brand “from scratch” for Firebird Farms. These newly developed brands better communicate the visual identity of their companies, and we’ve since received great feedback from our clients.

Describe your background and experience – what are some highlights?

As a graduate of Oregon State University (OSU) with a Bachelor of Fine Arts degree in Graphic Design, I’ve been designing and “pushing pixels” for more than 20 years. Over my career, I’ve traveled to Asia to be a part of the Nike product design team, worked as an in-house designer for several companies, and served as the senior designer for select creative agencies here in Eugene. 

What would you describe to be your strengths or superpowers?

I’m very resilient in my personal life which crosses over into my professional one. I’m able to get back on my feet quickly and find a positive mindset in a lot of challenging circumstances. 

What’s your favorite font and color(s)?

This is always a question I ask every designer in an interview. I swoon over the anatomy of letters and all typographic elements. Depending on the mood or vibe of a certain vision, I love a good serif font such as Playfair Display or a classic one such as Frutiger. My obsession with the colors of a peacock drives my personal color palette.

If you had a spirit animal, what would it be?

My closest friends have related me to a hummingbird for my playful and resilient nature. Hummingbirds are messengers of joy, good luck, and love. This mighty little bird is also a symbol of beauty. Those with hummingbird spirit animals tend to be happy, and love life and all of its challenges.

Lastly, what is a quote that inspires and motivates you?

I have two that come to mind. 

“Creativity takes courage.” — Henri Matisse

“You never know how strong you are until being strong is the only choice you have.”

 – Bob Marley