Sarah Barton

Hand Lettering Artist

Henrico, VA, USA
I 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.

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.
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.
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.
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.
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

Virginia Press Association

Third place, Specialty Pages or Sections

2018

Virginia Press Association

Second place, Special or Specialty Sections/Editions/Pages

2017

Virginia Press Association

Second place, Page Design

2017

Virginia Press Association

Second place, Special Sections or Special Editions,

2016

Virginia Press Association

First place, Page Design

2015

Virginia Press Association

Best in Show; First place, Special Sections with no slick pages

2015

Virginia Press Association

Third place, Special Sections or Special Editions

2015

Skills

Adobe Illustrator, Adobe Indesign, Adobe Photoshop, Editorial Design, Hand Lettering, Illustration, Layout Design, Lettering, Publication Design,