Hermione Granger

I'm Danielle. Pre-college, I was 'Dani,' and post-college, I was 'Elle.' Now I've come full circle, back to preferring my full name, as my mother intended. So, while I'll take the nickname as a nod to where you know me from... if you're asking - it's Danielle. Usually, you'd start an About page with labels, fill it with accolades, and end it with a neat quip. If that's what you're searching for, I beg you to return to the safety of my resume. While the following text is forward about my contributions and successes, it's not necessarily delivered in a way that jives with your typical cover letter.

I am a natural creative in a can't-stop won't-stop way. I've spent over a decade designing digital and print graphics and communications for friends and family, groups and clients, and now teams and brands. I've developed a core understanding of the creative process, allowing me to translate success over various production methods and styles. I intentionally put myself in the weeds with all types of creative teams to really understand and refine their workflows. Equal parts innovative and practical, I'm happiest implementing systems and supporting initiatives that allow others to produce their best work with the highest visibility into branding and business goals.

But here's the thing: I'm what most people would call 'a lot'. Try as I might, it's the first thing anyone notices about me in person. I can't hide behind a laser-sharp focus on my work, career, or bubbly Cancer Rising charisma. One little question: 'What do you like to do for fun?' stumps me every single time. I like to work. If I'm not working for you, I put just as much drive into myself or my surroundings.

Catch me outside the office; I'm just as dedicated to something else. When I say 'all of the above' on social media, it's just easier than saying: an obsessive plant mom of dozens, an indifferent cat parent, equal parts ride-or-die stan for both Beyoncé and Harry Potter, a lover of exploring new places and profound documentaries (This 'Timelapse of the Future' video changed me forever!). Oh, and don't forget... a part-time personal stylist and interior designer, a fierce defender of authenticity (blame it on being ISFJ-T), a passionate lover of almost any genre of music and street art (think: Shepard Fairey, Basquiat), overbearing dog-mama to my Italian Greyhound, Sonnet, and a wife to my boo, Sean.

My diverse personal background only pushes me to always be unmistakably myself. I was born and raised in Northeast Florida by my mother and the woman who would come to be her wife. As strong white LGBT women raising a clearly bi-racial child in the South, we faced a unique combination of criticism and intolerance but flourished as a family unit. While I am my mom's only child, my step-mom has two children by her ex-husband: my brother and sister. Then, as a teenager, my mom took in one of my closest cousins, adding her and two more brothers to the mix. I'm both an only child and the oldest of six, identifying strongly with both. Being the oldest pushed me to be the example I never had for them; I was the first to graduate college and move away. On the other hand, I also thrive in one-on-one interactions and covet distinct individuality.

As I said, I'm a lot. All of the above. 'Other'. But if you ask the right people, you'll see why I wear it with honor. I've been lucky to hear from folks closest to me that I'm a loyal and supportive friend and partner, always in your corner and ready to throw down for your honor. My favorite compliment I've ever received was from a co-worker who said that just being around me made her 'feel like a badass' because that's all I've ever wanted. As a sister, a partner, a colleague, a friend, it doesn't matter; if you're willing to be your whole self around me, then I'm here to support you.