Meet Our Members

Every 2 weeks we’ll profile an AIGA NH/VT member, giving you an opportunity to glance into their lives and their creative process.

Meet Kara Murphy

KaraMia Design & Marketing
www.karamia.com
AIGA Member since 2002

Design education/background:
MFA, Graphic Design from the Academy of Art University (in progress)
BFA, Art History from the University of Colorado, Boulder

The project I’ve done that I have been the most proud of or excited by is:
Every year, I design my own holiday card that I send to family, friends and clients. Having complete creative control on a self-directed project is a treat that I look forward to no matter how hectic the holi-daze gets.

My dream client is:
Any company that believes:
good design + consistent branding = smart business solution

When working, my favorite music to listen to is:
After working in the corporate world for 10+ years, I find that I can only focus well with people talking in the background. Now working solo, I listen to podcasts in the morning — Studio 360, This American Life, Car Talk, Slate Gabfest and Fresh Air are my faves. When I need an energy boost in the afternoon, I listen music to Virgin Radio and SkyFM.

I feed my creative side by:
Travel. Nothing inspires me more than getting outside my comfort zone.

The designer/artist that I’d like to work with is:
Kit Hinrichs. I’m a huge fan of any work from Pentagram, but I especially admire Kit’s print and identity work.

My desk/office set up is:
I have a G4 tower with a mac monitor in my office and my G4 laptop goes with me every where.

I wish I had paid attention in school and learned more about:
Sociology and ethnology. I really dig exploring who my target audience is and what is most relevant to them. From my product launch and marketing experience, I find that focus groups provide forced feedback. I’m much more intrigued by watching people in their natural environment.

The most amazing AIGA event we could have would be:
A weekend (spa/golf/hiking/skiing) retreat at the Trapp Family Lodge in Stowe, Vermont

Surprise fact or information about me:
For 2 years, I lived out of 2 suitcases in Asia!

Thanks, Kara! Look for another member to be profiled on March 14th.