Today we’d like to introduce you to Anna Wilder.
Anna, please kick things off for us by telling us about yourself and your journey so far.
Being expressive has always been a way of life for me since I was a little girl. Dancing, sports, writing, drawing – anything that allowed me to express myself, I was 100% into it. My innate curiosity and need to be expressive pushed me into the “creative” world. In high school, you have institutional pressures to choose your career or life path and honestly, I’m just thankful I had a hobby I really enjoyed. I realized I could somehow mold my hobby of expressing and drawing into a career, but I also wanted to “change the world.” I knew graphic design was somehow, some way the vehicle in which I could do that.
I graduated early and enrolled in art and design school at the Illinois Institute of Art in Schaumburg taking up Visual Design and about a year later, I transferred to Columbia College Chicago to pursue my BFA in Art + Design: Graphic Design where I also minored in Black World Studies. Being immersed in Columbia’s colorful South Loop campus was an experience of a lifetime having been a West Suburbs kid my entire life. I found excitement, joy, purpose, meaning, and passion in design and knew this was the direction to go.
While working as a full-time graphic designer in corporate America post-undergrad, I realized I had a bigger vision for myself and my career. I asked myself how do you “change the world” in your own, small yet grand way? I wanted to change the world’s everyday interactions. Much of what we experience everyday truly shapes our perception(s) of the world, how we view others, how we feel about ourselves, and so on, but not all of these experiences and interactions are positive or for the greater good. I found myself a victim of the manipulation and wanted better for myself, others, and the future. The only way to get that change was to create and be that change. I had a new journey ahead.
My first step was to further my education by completing my Master of Arts in Design Management from Savannah College of Art and Design (SCAD) in order to pursue branding, identity and strategic thinking as they had always been an innate interest of mine.
I’ve experienced the freelance hustle then navigated to corporate America; the start-up grind with a sports supplement company in Florida then to fast-paced design agency life in Atlanta. After all of that, I realized what I needed to do was truly live out my own vision, my way.
In addition to my client work with Wilder by Design, I have also started Crown Talk Collective (crowntalk.net) where I curate resources and host events that focus on bridging the information gap while simultaneously inspiring and motivating Women of Color to confidently pursue their entrepreneurial dreams. I always wanted to have the freedom to express myself, share information or insights, and somehow change the world. My journey has not been easy nor is it over, but I think I’ve found my way to do and there’s so much that lies ahead.
Can you give our readers some background on your art?
I’m not quite an “artist” anymore but as a designer, I assist others in bringing their brands to life through visual design and brand strategy. With Wilder by Design (wilderby.design) I am able to move at a more ideal pace, taking the time to really get more personal and involved with my clients’ businesses. By being selective regarding who I choose to work with, I create a level of “business intimacy” that allows me to better communicate their vision, better strategize on their brand’s behalf, and simply just work with other like-minded entrepreneurs that want to change the world in their own way.
What I want others to know about my work is that the work really doesn’t belong to me. It belongs to the world and I respect that. With that, I would never put something “ugly” into the world. I want our everyday experiences and interactions to do good and be good.
Do you think conditions are generally improving for artists? What more can cities and communities do to improve conditions for artists?
We are currently living in a very hypersensitive, “politically correct” era and there are, of course, “rebels” and pot stirrers that are shaking things up but they are inciting violence and hostility as opposed to inciting change and positivity. Art will always be subjective but there needs to be a balance and more respect for artistry, freedom of speech, and freedom of press — both from the artists and audience.
On the contrary, I think Chicago is a leader for the arts. We are a creative and beautifully diverse city that showcases such talent. I think more cities should take a chapter out of our book.
What’s the best way for someone to check out your work and provide support?
My design and branding work for Wilder by Design can viewed here:
www.wilderby.design
Online resources and event information regarding Crown Talk Collective:
www.crowntalk.net
www.instagram.com/crowntalkcollective
www.crowntalk.eventbrite.com
My latest networking and panel discussion event is:
Sunday, April 29, 2018 from 1-3pm at TLR Chicago (2423 West North Ave, Chicago, IL 60647)
https://www.eventbrite.com/e/the-4-ts-to-success-networking-panel-discussion-tickets-42925277661
Contact Info:
- Website: www.wilderby.design
- Phone: 404.890.0830
- Email: anna@wilderby.design
- Instagram: www.instagram.com/wilderbydesign
- Facebook: www.facebook.com/wilderbydesign
- Other: www.instagram.com/crowntalkcollective
Image Credit:
Anna Wilder
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