About Me
I am the founder of Gayla Godby Design, a freelance design and advertising firm. I am a seasoned graphic designer,
art director, illustrator and photographer with over 30 years of experience in print and digital advertising.
I graduated from Parsons School of Design in New York City with a BFA in illustration. During that time, interned with
professor/illustrator Isadore Selzer assisting him in concept research for his various projects.
I began my professional career working with offset and screen printers, notably AlphaGraphics, the leader in introducing
MacIntosh personal computers in the work environment for offset print production. It was an exciting time with lots of change and innovation. I held the position of lead designer and was also an integral part of the management team responsible for all design, customer support, print production, and assisting with handling the daily management of the business.
I moved on to a real estate marketing firm (Project Marketing Assoc.) creating collateral for multi-property (400+) auctions. This encompassed designing an event theme and executing all production of 60-page property catalogs, advertisements, and event displays. As Art Director, I managed a 3-person department and oversaw everything from project conception, design and layout to managing the print production.
In 1994, I wanted more exposure to a broader range of clients, and decided to set up my freelance graphic design business. Over the years I’ve expanded my client base to a wide range of industries, including education, tourism, technical, non-profit, real estate, and theater arts.
I enjoy the challenge each business brings in finding the most effective method of presenting the client’s message to their specific audience by incorporating relevant information and visuals to tell the story. The key is creating aesthetic and functional design pieces while promoting this message. The client involved every step of the way. I take the time to consult with clients, explaining technical aspects of
the design process and assuring a fresh and creative collaborative result.
My methodology designing a piece, is first understanding the message and solving the puzzle of how to communicate this message to the client and audience. I stay current with industry standards, combining my love for the artistic creativity required and by honing and diversifying my design skills. I also have strong editorial skills enabling me to make edits and determine how a piece should be presented and executed.
I have worked with advertising agencies (Louis & Company, DB Associates) creating ad campaigns for King Richard’s Faire, Charles River Labs, and various local area banks. Each campaign encompassed advertisements, brochures/catalogs, display pieces and billboards.
I currently serve as the resident graphic designer for the Narnia Music Festival in Italy with the base company residing in New York City, and the Axelrod Performing Arts Center in Deal NJ, since 2017, designing logos and cover design for the Contemporary Opera productions. I am currently working on a production with Syracuse University.
My work has been described as “beautifully visual, communicated through an impeccable artistic eye, combined with the ability to bring
the image to life”.
Contact me at gayla@gaylagodbydesign.com for a consultation and design quote.