Kimberlin Singletary
50 States – Mississippi with Kimberlin Singletary
The Creative Chair talks graphic design and Mississippi with Kimberlin Singletary in the 14th edition of our 50 States series.
You can see a lot more from Kim on her website
Tell us a little bit more about yourself and what you do?
My name is Kimberlin Singletary. I was born and raised in Mississippi, specifically Crystal Springs. I graduated from Mississippi State University in 2015. After finishing college, I knew I wanted to move somewhere different. After applying for several jobs, I accepted a position in Atlanta, GA at Astral Health and Beauty as a Graphic Designer.
My responsibilities include designing brochures, packaging, flyers and other merchandising materials. Our company works with other organisations such as Kohls, ULTA, Costco, DreamWorks, Disney and many more.
How has Mississippi influenced the work that you do?
Mississippi is not considered the most respected state, so expectations are naturally lower there. But, I wanted to prove the stereotypes wrong. Since I was a little girl, I dreamed about moving away to do bigger and better things.
However, it was not until I moved when I realised how much of an influence Mississippi has had on me. Being a girl from the country, I was initially shocked by the traffic and crowds of people. I was excited for skyscrapers and never sleeping, but now I long for those quiet and hospitable people from back home. More than anything, Mississippi shaped my personality. The slower lifestyle has given me the patience to handle stressful situations in a fast-paced environment.
Of your own work, what is your favorite project and why?
My senior year in college I did a packaging project for a beverage. The product was called Kaleidoscope, and it was spiked lemonade. I am always attracted to color, especially bright ones, and I wanted to try a method that would be challenging, but a learning experience at the same time.
That method ended up being letterpress. I had taken a summer class to learn this technique, but I still had so much more to learn. Through this process of mixing the paints to get the right colour, designing the shapes on the labels and placing the imprints in just the right spot, I felt both frustration and appreciation. By the time I finished the project it was my baby. With so many tedious steps, I can confidently say I did it all myself and loved every minute.
And finally, if you died and got reincarnated as a song, what would that song be?
I don’t think I would be a specific song. When I listen to music, the genre changes in each song. So, I want to be a playlist on shuffle. One minute I listen to classical and the next heavy metal. I am full of surprises and unique; you never know what is going to happen next.
Mississippi Trivia
- Became the 20th State on the 10th December 1817
- Birthplace of Elvis Presley
- Mississippi River is the largest river in the US