Devon Bowles is a Digital Designer at W2 Communications, where she envisions, crafts and delivers multimedia design elements for web, video, and print. When she’s not creating beautiful pieces for her clients, Devon loves to cook, read and listen to true crime podcasts. She also enjoys visiting new places and trying new experiences – you’ll most likely find her exploring the restaurant and brewery scenes around Loudoun County. She is a graduate of James Madison University, where she studied Media Arts and Design with a concentration in Converged Media.
What do you do at W2 Communications?
Every day is different for me at W2 Communications which keeps things interesting! One day I could be working in WordPress to help implement a new design on a website, the next day I could be designing a new logo or editing video. The possibilities are endless, which is what makes my job so much fun!
What got you into design?
I went to college not knowing what my major would be and I didn’t feel as if I had a driving passion for any subject. However, as soon as I went to an interest meeting at JMU to declare a major in the School of Media Arts and Design (SMAD), I became so excited by the design/media world. My concentration in SMAD allowed me to experience various creative outlets and develop skills in video, web, photography and design. I am grateful to have a career where I can continue to learn and drive my passion in the creative world.
What was your favorite design/project you’ve made or worked on?
We have been producing the videos for the Women in Technology Awards for the past few years and I look forward to them every year. This is one of my favorite projects to work on because I get to meet so many bright and inspiring women in the technology world. It’s always a fun time shooting and editing the interviews, and I am excited to start this year’s award videos later this month.
What is your spirit animal?
My spirit animal is definitely this little guy:
Just like him, I love my bed and being cozy at home.
If you could choose another career path – what would you pick?
I think it would be really fun to be a professional chef/food blogger. I find cooking is a great de-stressor for me and I’d love to inspire others through food. Don’t ask me to bake though…I have mixed emotions about it.
Do you have any pets?
I have two Bichon Frises named Mitsy and Maxx. They are old timers that love to snuggle with me when I’m working from home!
If you could visit any place in the world where would you go?
I would love to travel all over the South European Coast: Spain, Italy, Greece, etc. I hope one day I can make it over there and experience the beaches, amazing food and all it has to offer!
What is your favorite creative outlet?
My favorite creative outlet is definitely cooking. I love taking traditional recipes and trying them with a twist or creating something entirely new. My favorite dishes to get creative with are pasta dishes because there are so many different types of sauces and ingredients to play around with!
What is your favorite way to create designs/what tools do you like using?
The Adobe Creative Suite has a lot of great tools! My favorites programs at the moment are Photoshop and Premiere because I feel like I know these tools the best. The best part is that I continue to learn something new every time I use them – they never get boring!
People would be surprised if they knew:
Most people are surprised when I tell them I have a twin sister. It is something that feels so normal to me, but the most common reaction I get is surprise – especially when they see how different we look. No, we can’t hear each other’s thoughts.
What advice do you have for people learning graphic design?
Design can be frustrating, but it’s important to not be so hard on yourself. Design is what you put into it. If you put in effort, time to learn and creativity, you can create some really great things. Keep trying and have fun!