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Women Making History: Nubby Twiglet


Nubby Twiglet

Women Making History: Nubby Twiglet

One day, not so long ago, Yves Saint Laurent invited Max Miedinger over for tea to discuss a super-secret project he had been dreaming of for a very long time. Both were excited to work together because Fashion and Graphic Design are very similar worlds.

The two created the most amazing mood boards and quickly applied their visions to the super-secret project in a super-secret studio somewhere in the Pacific Northwest.

The world waited and anticipated the reveal of a collaboration by these two great visionaries.

After many days, they finally emerged from the super-secret studio to introduce a doll unlike any other created before.

They named her Nubby. She was lovely, had a fantastic wardrobe and an eye for design!

Upon her reveal, she magically came to life and with dreams and visions of her own, she hit the ground running, turning back only to wave fondly at YSL & Miedinger, who waved back at their dear Nubby proudly knowing she would soon create many great things on her own.

…at least that’s how M.I.S.S. would tell it!

We’ll let Miss Nubby Twiglet tells us her story:

My name is Nubby and I’m a graphic designer and blogger based in Portland, Oregon. During my high school years, I developed a love for graphic design and advertising but put my passion on hold to instead earn a B.S. in Business Administration. It turned out to be a blessing in disguise. After taking some time off to travel, I began studying graphic design in 2006. Upon graduating in 2008, I was immediately hired by award-winning ad agency Nemo Design as a Graphic Designer / PR & Marketing Developer. Currently, I am a freelance designer for my business Nubbytwiglet.com, which I founded in 2005. My blog Nubbytwiglet.com averages over 80,000 visitors per month and is packed with an aesthetics-laced blend of fashion and style that is seamlessly mixed with marketing and self-improvement articles.

Nubby Twiglet

Nubby likes her nails like she likes her fonts—black and bold!

Nubby Twiglet

Nubby took a break from setting type to hand-write the M.I.S.S. Survey.

Nubby was kind enough to take a break from her busy schedule to answer some questions from M.I.S.S. to give our lovely readers some insight on what makes her a women making history!

M.I.S.S.: What woman, besides your mom or grandmother, do you find inspirational?

The women that I find inspirational are self-made, strong-willed and set out to make a difference. And, they aren’t afraid to be themselves, even when media pressure to conform mounts against them. Women that immediately come to mind are Hillary Clinton, Oprah, Bjork and Angelina Jolie.

M.I.S.S.: How did you get your start?

I’ve always been an artist, but wasn’t sure how to make a living at it until much later, when I discovered graphic design. I didn’t know any other designers, so I had to discover it for myself. In 2005, I started getting offered freelance design work and though I had a defined style, I felt like I was lacking in the technical abilities. So, I enrolled in a two-year design program, landed an internship and started a blog. Over the years, I’ve been lucky to be approached by an amazing array of clients, both big and small. I look at each new job as an opportunity to try something new.

Nubby Twiglet

Mickey & Minnie's love child and a sample of some CD packaging she created.

M.I.S.S.: What’s your favorite piece logo/design and/or artwork that you’ve created?

Some of my most favorite work is still in production! I worked on a line of headphones and also some snowboard goggle designs earlier in the year that won’t be out for awhile, along with a collaboration with Forever 21 that I’m beyond excited about. My favorite work that I’ve done in the past was CD packaging including a hand-collaged 12 page booklet for Virgin Records partially because it was very organic and bright, unlike a lot of my other work.

M.I.S.S.: Who do you want to work with?

There are so many people out there that I admire! Fabien Baron of Baron & Baron in New York is at the top of my list because his work is simple, effective and fashionable. And, André Balazs has major style when it comes to a vision for combining business with art and design. Agencies that I would love to work with in the future include Turner Duckworth, Portland’s own Wieden + Kennedy and Ziba Design, Chandelier Creative (their offices are the best looking, hands-down) and Wolff Olins.

Nubby Twiglet

A t-shirt design by Nubby Twiglet.

M.I.S.S.: What part of graphic design/creating logos is the most challenging and do you dislike the most?

Most of the time the client doesn’t pick the option that is your personal favorite and you have to be okay with that. After all, they’re the ones that are paying you for a service. Design can be so subjective. Sometimes you’ll think that you’ve done your personal best and a client will hate it and others, you’ll be unsure of your work but they’ll love it. As long as you’re proud of your output at the end of the day, that’s all that really matters because it’s impossible to make everyone happy.

M.I.S.S.: Any advice for ladies who are just starting out in a career path similar to yours?

Design is not the easiest profession to be in, but it can be hugely rewarding. It’s nice to find great role models in teachers, art directors and peers early on that will give you honest feedback and encouragement. If you take criticism too personally, it can break you down. Instead, use it as encouragement to do even better on a project. And finally, never be embarrassed to ask for help! Design is hard work but if you’rew truly passionate about it, it won’t really feel like work at all.

Believe it or not, this is what Nubby looks like on any average day! Some people make fashion look so easy!

Believe it or not, this is what Nubby looks like on any average day! Some people make fashion look so easy!

Thanks Nubby!

You can find and follow Miss Nubby Twiglet on the following sites: Flickr, Twitter and LOOKBOOK…and of course, NubbyTwiglet.com!

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6 Responses to “Women Making History: Nubby Twiglet”

  1. Stella says:

    Love her! Glad you put her up here. :)

  2. She is so beautiful….I wonder how long it takes her to get ready in the morning!!! Maybe graphic designers put outfits together in their heads, though :)

  3. Kristin says:

    I loved this interview (and the handwritten survey). Nubby is completely a strong, intelligent, beautiful woman to be inspired and admire!

  4. cassie says:

    I love this interveiw, love Nubby and love how you put this post together! It looks great, very readable.

  5. Love Nubby and LOVE your site. I just came over here from Gala Darling and I am quite impressed! Fabulous!

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