Today we’d like to introduce you to Czarina Shartle.
Czarina, can you briefly walk us through your story – how you started and how you got to where you are today.
I was born into a creative family, so I have been making things since I came out of the womb. I always felt like I had a more analytical perspective than my father, who was a sculptor. However, I still wanted a career that involved creative thinking. I wrote creative nonfiction, performed in and directed plays, illustrated, and painted but nothing quite fit my idea of the perfect career. It wasn’t until I started my education at Massachusetts College of Art and Design that I discovered graphic design and communication design. I found a love for typography, branding and advertising that has led me to where I am today.
Has it been a smooth road?
I don’t think the road is ever smooth! For a time, MassArt wasn’t even a financial possibility (thank god for student loans.) At the tail end of college, there is a tremendous pressure to know precisely what area of design you belong in. It can feel as though early career decisions will send you on an irrevocable path. I love art and design in many forms, and finding my exact niche in the creative world has been a journey. I think Patricia Sellers put it best by saying “careers are a jungle gym, not a ladder.” Although I’ve settled on a focus for branding and art direction, I know that my skills will always intermingle. I’ve certainly had my share of both personal and professional challenges, but with a good support group, hard work, and a positive outlook I’ve managed to get through whatever life has thrown at me.
We’d love to hear more about your business.
Czarina Design is my interdisciplinary freelance business. I do everything from user experience to editorial, but my specialty is branding. I take great pride in creating unique designs that reflect my client’s specific needs. Thorough research is a fundamental part of my design process, and I don’t believe in cutting corners.
A good portion of my work surrounds the topic of environmental sustainability. I’ve created an app, website, infographics, and a magazine all touching on this topic. Protecting the earth is so crucial and should always take top priority. I hope to make more work concerning this topic in the years to come. In the past, I’ve also worked with local musicians by creating album art, poster designs, and branding. Most recently I’m excited to be working with singer and songwriter Kat Kennedy as she releases her first album.
Is our city a good place to do what you do?
Boston is an amazing city to start as a designer, especially as a student. There are no shortage of internships and great opportunities for collaboration. The variety of colleges and businesses allows for students to partner with everyone from musicians at Berklee to engineers at MIT. Although the opportunities aren’t as vast as a place like New York City, it’s certainly a more affordable option.
Contact Info:
- Website: czarinadesign.com
- Email: czarinadesign@gmail.com
- Instagram: @czarinadesign
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