Meet the Team | Nimbler. Crystal Petersen
Our Nimble. team is growing again and today we’re excited to introduce our newest Nimbler. and Brand Designer, Crystal Petersen. A design thinker and huge fan of mind mapping, it’s no surprise that collaborative problem solving guides her active approach to client work. As we cheers to her first official week as a part of our crew, take a few minutes to get to know Crystal in the Q&A below.
👋 Hi Crystal!
Let’s go deep—
How did your affinity for hand lettering begin?
CP: My love for lettering was born during college while working on the handwritten, color-coded notes I used to study for each class. One day, I randomly decided the ampersand I used as an “and” symbol could use a little work. While looking for ways to improve (half out of procrastinating my studies and half out of an actual desire for better handwriting), I stumbled across the world of hand lettering by accident. From then on, I was hooked. I lettered as much as I could, every chance I got.
What’s the one thing the Nimble. community should know about you?
CP: I’m always down for a brainstorm session (bonus points if it’s collaborative)!
For those who don’t already know, what’s a mind map and why is it the best way to get a better idea?
CP: A Mind Map is an easy way to brainstorm thoughts organically without worrying about order and structure. It starts with a central concept linked via lines to other concepts which in turn are linked with other associated thoughts or ideas. As new branches are added, they become more and more specific. It’s a great tool for creative thinking and I often use it to think through design problems and organize my thoughts.
I recommend doing it on the biggest piece of paper you can find or even taping papers together to make it happen, and it has to go on a wall. Once you have your set up in place, just go for it! Set a timer for 30-45 minutes and even when it feels like you hit a wall or you’re out of good ideas, keep going.
What practice helps you stay on track on the daily?
CP: I start every single day with a notebook page and outlined to-do list — lettering the day at the top of the page. I start with a brain dump and then choose three priorities that must get done and another three that would be nice to get done after I conquer the first tier. I’m a chronic “yes” person because new projects excite me, so I’ve found that this approach helps me manage my workload without getting overwhelmed.
Notebook on deck, prepped to conquer the day.
What’s the biggest thing you’ve learned about yourself as a creative that’s helped you progress your career?
CP: I would say it’s the importance of intentionally challenging yourself and continuing to learn from your work and experiences. That and immersing yourself in a creative community, even if you have to build it yourself. I have a sticky note on my monitor that says “learn all that you can, share all that you know.” It helps me remember the value of staying hungry and constantly improving myself. It’s also a great reminder to go out of my way to help others — especially people who might be just starting out or in a particularly pivotal learning point on the journey of professional career.
Hands down absolute favorite topic of conversation?
CP: I could debate forever about which seasonal Reeses Peanut Butter Cup is the best. If you aren’t familiar, there are Reeses eggs, hearts, trees and pumpkins. If you ask me, in terms of the best chocolate to peanut butter ratio, it’s hands down the pumpkin.
Crystal with Costco sized Reeses Peanut Butter Easter Eggs. She means business.
Crystal living it up in Cinque Terre with Alex, her boyfriend (who has impressive plant watering skills - see next question).
Favorite read or listen lately and why?
CP: For listen, I love the Honest Designer’s podcast. They released 199 episodes in Season One, but it seems they’ve been break ever since. Hopefully, they come back soon. For read, I would say Creative Confidence. My AIGA mentor recommended it when I was still coming up as a designer, and it changed my life.
Best piece of advice?
CP: Everyone should have a dog available to pet when they’re having a bad day. Even if you have to borrow your neighbor’s pup for a while, it’s scientifically proven that petting soft pups is the best way to instantly turn a bad day into the best day. I also think everyone should have a plant! Even if it’s a really low maintenance one. I brought home a Bird of Paradise and it’s grown from a scrawny little thing to towering over me. My boyfriend Alex helps me keep it alive and misting it brings us joy.
Everyone needs a plant and Crystal would most likely argue that everyone needs a pup too. Meet her dog Nimbus and catch a glimpse at her plant game.
Thanks for reading the newest interview in our Meet the Team series.
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For questions or to add to the conversation, contact Maria Royal, maria@nimbledesignco.com | 404.445.3400.