Sarah Barton
Hand Lettering Artist
Henrico, VA, USAI am a hand lettering artist by way of graphic design. I wanted to pursue this line of work since my middle school days of creating the best AOL Instant Messenger away messages and Microsoft Powerpoint presentations (gotta start somewhere). So I graduated college with a BFA concentrating in graphic design. After many years in the publication industry, I finally went after my other middle school dream: working from home in my pajamas, AKA freelancing.
Now, I use my design chops to create unique typographic work. It's second nature for me to incorporate fundamental design principles, like balance and space, into my lettering. This makes my pieces more than just a pretty face — they are strong compositions.
I like creating art that focuses on a specific theme, like art deco or victorian. I am heavily influenced by late 19th-century and early 20th-century lettering and design. I thoroughly enjoy the process of researching topics and discovering the artistic nuances that set them apart. Once I’m done gathering inspiration, I modernize those ideas into fresh, bright, beautiful lettering pieces.
Now, I use my design chops to create unique typographic work. It's second nature for me to incorporate fundamental design principles, like balance and space, into my lettering. This makes my pieces more than just a pretty face — they are strong compositions.
I like creating art that focuses on a specific theme, like art deco or victorian. I am heavily influenced by late 19th-century and early 20th-century lettering and design. I thoroughly enjoy the process of researching topics and discovering the artistic nuances that set them apart. Once I’m done gathering inspiration, I modernize those ideas into fresh, bright, beautiful lettering pieces.
Work Experience
Freelance
Letterer and Designer
Produce a variety of lettering and and design work for clients.
September 2018
-
Henrico, Virginia, United States
Richmond Magazine
Print Art Director
Same duties as previous position, in addition to overseeing
graphic designers, production artists and photography interns;
acted as second-in-command to creative director.
graphic designers, production artists and photography interns;
acted as second-in-command to creative director.
March 2017
- August 2018
Richmond, Virginia, United States
Richmond Magazine
Associate Art Director
Designed layouts in Richmond magazine and other overprinted sections including Dine and R•Health & Beauty. Collaborated with section editors and freelance artists to achieve the best solutions for monthly articles;
Managing Art Director for Richmond Bride. Worked with the editor to plan and design content for each issue. Coordinated with a team of stylists to produce the main fashion feature and cover image each issue;
Art Director for Richmond Region Visitors Guide, a specialty publication for Richmond Region Tourism. Redesigned the book on two different occasions: to refresh a dated look and again to align it with their new website;
Managed a strict budget for each publication I designed;
Visited our local printer to ensure quality control including color and printing issues.
Managing Art Director for Richmond Bride. Worked with the editor to plan and design content for each issue. Coordinated with a team of stylists to produce the main fashion feature and cover image each issue;
Art Director for Richmond Region Visitors Guide, a specialty publication for Richmond Region Tourism. Redesigned the book on two different occasions: to refresh a dated look and again to align it with their new website;
Managed a strict budget for each publication I designed;
Visited our local printer to ensure quality control including color and printing issues.
January 2015
- March 2017
Richmond, Virginia, United States
Richmond Magazine
Graphic Designer
Created and edited advertisements for clients in Richmond magazine, Richmond Bride, R•Home and other specialty publications such as Richmond Region Visitors Guide and Meeting Professionals Guide;
Designed and revised editorial sections of publications with the creative director, art directors, and editors;
Worked with the creative director and special projects editor to create overprint sections of Richmond magazine for clients, including Go Red for Women, Habitat for Humanity, and the Visual Arts Center of Richmond;
Produced branding and marketing materials for annual events;
Worked with the marketing coordinator and editor-in-chief to create The Keys to Richmond. This specialty lookbook publication was produced annually and provided clients with a high-end advertisement, including a photoshoot with a professional photographer and stylist.
Designed and revised editorial sections of publications with the creative director, art directors, and editors;
Worked with the creative director and special projects editor to create overprint sections of Richmond magazine for clients, including Go Red for Women, Habitat for Humanity, and the Visual Arts Center of Richmond;
Produced branding and marketing materials for annual events;
Worked with the marketing coordinator and editor-in-chief to create The Keys to Richmond. This specialty lookbook publication was produced annually and provided clients with a high-end advertisement, including a photoshoot with a professional photographer and stylist.
May 2013
- September 2014
Richmond, Virginia, United States
Richmond Ballet
Graphic Design/Social Media Specialist
Worked within strict deadlines to design ads, posters, e-blasts,
and direct mail pieces;
Assisted with the production of multiple playbills by working with
all departments to ensure accurate information was printed;
Helped to raise social media following by implementing contests
and having consistent interaction with followers.
and direct mail pieces;
Assisted with the production of multiple playbills by working with
all departments to ensure accurate information was printed;
Helped to raise social media following by implementing contests
and having consistent interaction with followers.
July 2012
- May 2013
Richmond, Virginia, United States
Education
Radford University
Bachelor of Fine Arts, Concentration in Graphic Design
Magna Cum Laude
August 2008
- May 2012
Virginia, United States
Languages
French (Beginner),
Awards
Skills
Adobe Illustrator,
Adobe Indesign,
Adobe Photoshop,
Editorial Design,
Hand Lettering,
Illustration,
Layout Design,
Lettering,
Publication Design,