Currently Open To:
Guest Speaker or Panelist Opportunities!
Hello There, I'm Gretchen!
I’ve been making art since kindergarten, first with pencils, then with a camera, and eventually with computers. When I got my first computer in the early 90's, I began experimenting with early tools like MS Paint and Photoshop. My love for digital media really took off in middle school when I sought out music stores to look at isles of vinyl and CD art for hours - where I first discovered digital photography and graphic design. That curiosity led me to California Institute of the Arts, where I studied Graphic Design and discovered a passion for storytelling through print, motion, and interactive media.
During my senior year of college at CalArts, a motion graphics instructor introduced me to Stardust Studios, where I landed a summer internship and later a full-time motion graphics role. That opportunity launched my early career in LA’s motion design scene, where I designed commercial campaigns for brands like Sony, Coca-Cola, and Minute Maid (check out: Motion Archive). Those early years taught me how to shape narratives through visuals, rhythm, and emotion. This mindset still informs how I approach design and product strategy today.
As my interest in technology grew, I discovered interaction design and transitioned into a role as a Visual UX Designer. I was drawn to how UX makes things accessible, creates delight, and brings structure through systems. My career has taken me from agency work in Los Angeles to leading global tech brands across Seattle and Chicago.
Today, I’m a Senior Director of UX & Product Education at BigTime Software, where I’ve helped define our UX practice from the ground up, introduced research methods, launched a new design system, and helped to define the company’s first AI-powered features. Prior to BigTime, I spent over six years at Amazon, leading multimodal UX for Alexa Devices and designing for voice, screen, and AI experiences at global scale.
Places I've Lived
Saginaw, MI → Los Angeles, CA → Seattle, WA → Chicago, IL
Why I Design
I believe in the power of design to shape more inclusive, efficient, and beautiful systems. My grandmother was blind, and watching her navigate the world gave me a new appreciation for how design choices can make everyday life more accessible, and how far we still have to go. My leadership style is rooted in building strong collaborative environments, encouraging exploration, and diving into ambiguity. Whether I’m mentoring emerging design leaders or creating alongside my team, I’m motivated by learning and knowledge sharing.
Speaking Opportunities
I regularly speak on topics including UX leadership, design systems, AI in product design, and the intersection of visual and motion design. I love connecting with other creatives and sharing what we've learned over time across disciplines.
If you're organizing a panel, conference, workshop, or class and are looking for a speaker or guest lecturer, I’d love to hear from you. The best way to reach me is on LinkedIn.
Career
BigTime Software
Senior Director of UX
& Product Education
2024-Present
BigTime Software
Director of UX
2023-24
Amazon
Principal Creative Director
Alexa Devices
2022-24
Amazon
Creative Director
Alexa Devices
2020 -22
Amazon
Senior Visual UX Designer
Alexa Devices
2017 -20
Tectonic
Creative Director
2014-17
Motion Graphics (Early Career)
Superfad - Art Director
2010–14
Stardust Studios - Art Director
2008–10
Internships 2004-08
Stardust Studios
Mike Mills
Green Dragon
Counterspace
Awards &
Publications
Vista - 2024 AI Hackathon
Generative AI - Winner of "Best UX/UI"
2024
About Amazon
FireTV Ambient Backgrounds
2023
The Verge
Widgets - Skills Design System
2021
HOW Magazine
Featured in "17 Young, Hungry Creatives"
2011
Adobe Design Achievement Awards (ADAA)
Publication Design Finalist
Featuring "Dear Gretchen"
2008
IdN Magazine
v18n2: Street Art Issue
Featuring "Dear Gretchen"
2011
Data Flow 2
Featuring "Dear Gretchen"
Featured Spread
2010
InVision Blog Interview
Featuring the "Accessibility Poster Series"
2019
Design Outreach
& Guest Speaking
