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Have you ever acquired a gift that exceeds your expectations? I feel that way about our newest team member, UI Designer Brigid Griffin. She's creative, passionate, and a fantastic person to have on your contacts list. What a great gift to the Foster Made team! Get to know her a little:

Q: What attracted you to Foster Made, and what went through your mind during the interview process?

A: I was attracted to the overall optimistic and inclusive nature that the Foster Made website encompassed. I also noticed right away that FM has worked with a handful of non-profit organizations, which is the type of client I’m especially passionate about working with. Additionally, the job description outlined exactly what I was looking for in a job which was very exciting.

During the interview process, I simply felt welcome, seen, and heard, which ultimately made me feel like I was already part of the team. I’m so stoked to work with such an awesome team of wonderful folks!

Q: Your work has keen examples of how diverse you are in using vibrant color combinations. What is your process for digging out your “creative juices,” and once you get started, how do you know when you have arrived at the end product?  

A: Great question! It totally depends on the project. Oftentimes, I typically start by researching color and/or design inspiration and create some sort of mood board. Sometimes, I break out my oil pastels and explore different color palettes because it feels good to get my hands dirty and explore colors that way. A good walk in the woods or listening to music also allows me to create space in my brain to ultimately get those creative juices flowing. 

Typically a project timeline creates a barrier for when something can be “done,” but I rarely feel like a project is 100% done from a design perspective. Each time I look back at my work weeks or months, or years later, I often think, “I could have done that this way or that way.” However, if the client is happy and the work helps to address business goals and pain points, then I’m happy. 

Q: What has been the most meaningful project you’ve ever worked on, and why?

A: I interpret this question a few different ways, and while the more obvious answer to this question would be to name a website that I’ve designed that was particularly meaningful, which lots of them have been for various reasons, I think the most meaningful work I’ve done, fundamentally speaking, are my oil pastel and gouache studies that I try to (not as often as I’d like) dedicate time to. That work is particularly meaningful because it’s my way of processing things that are going on in my life, or sometimes they reflect a particular song or album I’m listening to while I work on them. 

Q: As a result of the pandemic, being able to work from different places and spaces has transformed my opinions about working in a traditional office. What is your ideal work environment, and why?

A: Mine too! Working from home is the best and I prefer it over working in a traditional office space, although seeing work folks in the flesh is great too. My ideal work environment is definitely in the comfort of my own home mainly because *ahem* dogs. Even back when I was going to an office every day, I had the privilege of bringing my dog, Reggie, to work with me every day. He was the office mascot and would often sit in on meetings that I wasn’t a part of because my co-workers adored him. Now, I have the luxury of spending time with Reggie and our new pup, Jerry, from the comfort of my home. They’re great co-workers.

Q: I learned that hemp is an annual plant and grows from a seed to a plant in 90-120 days. Its buds blossom once before dying off for the next planting of crops. How did you get into Hemp Farming, and how interesting is it?

A: Awesome tidbit of information there!

My husband, Dan, is the master green thumb in our household. He has always been especially passionate about gardening, cannabis in particular. He has taught me most of what I know about cannabis farming, so I like to think of myself as his humble assistant. 

It’s a hearty, fruitful, medicinal, beautiful plant and to care for them is a labor of love. There are countless health benefits that the cannabis plant offers and its uses are extremely versatile. Our primary goal is to grow a strong, healthy, totally organic product that will ultimately help individuals in our community in a wide variety of ways. 

Q: I am a lover of listening to all kinds of podcasts. Do you have any favorites or recommendations?

A: My favorite go-to podcasts are:

• Hidden Brain 

  (educational & science)

• This American Life 

  (personal stories)

• The Duncan Trussell Family Hour 

  (spirituality & comedy)

• Comedy Bang Bang!

   (absurdist comedy) 

Q: When I think about Vermont, the image of a beautiful maple leaf, a bottle of maple syrup, and Ben and Jerry’s ice cream come to mind. What do you love about living in the great state of Vermont?

A: I love so many things about living in Vermont! I love all four seasons, although winter does tend to drag on a bit too long some years. However, seeing everything begin to bud in the Spring is always a pleasant reminder of why we endure the long Northeast winters. That, and the sense of tight-knit community is a major contributor to why I’m proud to live here. Vermont is sacred and I’m very grateful to call this beautiful place home.