Abby brings more than 20 years of experience to the table as a brand, design and mass communications professional. Based in Encinitas, California, she specializes in identity and strategy and teaches graphic design at Pacific Ridge School. Miller’s career has been guided by a common thread of curiosity, communication and connection. She most loves the diversity of industries, cultures and disciplines that design reaches and influences, recognizing that design is a driver of meaningful change. Abby feels fortunate to have connected with talented designers and creative firms throughout San Diego and Tijuana throughout her AIGA membership and Y-Conference attendance over the years. Most recently, Abby began exploring pottery as a new artistic outlet. In this hobby, she’s been reminded that the process of creation is not exclusively dependent on the outcome.
I’m a graphic designer in Encinitas, specializing in brand identity, strategy, and design. My career began as a marketing intern in high school. After graduation, I was employed by the same company, and became a junior graphic designer in their art department while working toward a B.S. in Mass Communication.
Why did you decide to become an AIGA Member?
There are so many talented and inspirational designers and design firms throughout the San Diego and Tijuana region, and I’ve been fortunate to meet many of them through the AIGA San Diego chapter. I’m thankful for the Y Conference, which has been a source of inspiration, insight, and connection for me over the years.
What are you most proud of professionally?
Over the course of my work life, I have made career decisions based on curiosity. When I look back and reflect on a common thread; there is design, but beyond that is communication and connection. I have played a journalist, public relations and media specialist, brand consultant, marketing strategist, and most recently, teacher. I was able to enter these avenues, all while I held the formal role as a graphic designer. For me that is what is most inspiring about our roles as designers—our work is never the same from one day to the next. We get to learn about all sorts of industries, cultures, and disciplines because we immerse ourselves in meaningful connections with our clients and their broader spheres of influence. That is our part in driving change and influencing communities, and it’s something I’m very proud of.
What are your other interests outside of work?
I’m currently learning pottery, which is something I’ve been wanting to do for twenty years now! The process itself is a lesson in being present, and not being too tied to the outcome, because at any phase of the making process things can go wrong. Still, it’s a wonderful, soothing, and tactile experience, and I love every minute of it.
