Andie (Nibarger) Deffenbaugh

Andie (Nibarger) Deffenbaugh graduated from Circle High School in 2016. She is currently a Marketing Manager for a commercial construction company in Wichita, Kansas. Andie founded Andie Designs, a Graphic Design & Branding company, about four years ago. She shares, "I am passionate about creating strategic brand identities, modern designs, and custom illustrations.” When Andie’s not working on design and marketing projects, she enjoys golfing, traveling, trying new coffee shops, and spending time with her husband. Andie is also honored to have recently been recognized as a Kansas NextGen Under 30 honoree.

I asked Andie what inspired her to go into graphic design and marketing. She shares, "What inspired me to get into Graphic Design is its perfect combination of strategy and creativity. I've always been artistic and have enjoyed working on creative projects for as long as I can remember, but I'm also very analytical and detail-oriented. When I began exploring different career paths, I thought that Marketing was a great fit because I could be a creative problem solver and implement different strategies while still having a creative role. I studied both Graphic Design and Marketing at Oklahoma Christian University. Strategic graphic design plays a massive role in telling stories, building brands, and creating engaging experiences, which I was excited to be a part of!”

Andie first got interested in Marketing & Graphic Design by taking business communications and computer graphics classes in high school. While in college, Andie had the opportunity to intern at a commercial construction company in Oklahoma City. Andie got to see these skills applied in the real world which grew her passion for it. In that role, she was able to experience first-hand the many projects and tasks someone in a full-time Marketing position gets to work on, and she loved keeping up with different construction projects and watching them come to life. This opportunity helped Andie realize her passion for leading graphic design, marketing, and branding efforts for a business that is making a difference in its community. "During that same time, I created Andie Designs as a way for me to continue developing my skill set. I began to see many other young professionals start their own design businesses, which inspired me to do the same. Over the past four years, I've been blessed to work with friends, start-ups, non-profits, commercial companies, and creative agencies to create logos, brand identities, marketing materials, stationery, and custom illustrations.”

I asked Andie to share some of the joys and trials of having your own business. She writes, “Establishing your own business and building your client base is a huge time commitment. There are also many more responsibilities to take on and learn about, such as taxes, invoicing, schedule management, contractual agreements, etc. As someone solely responsible for managing, operating, and producing the products and services for your business, you will often have long workdays, including working on weekends when necessary, especially when you're starting out. But at the end of the day, when you love what you're doing, it's all incredibly rewarding. To watch something you have dedicated your time and effort to grow into something bigger is so fulfilling. There's nothing that brings me more joy than being able to create brands and design materials that help others grow their own businesses.”

It was a joy for me to meet Andie and her family through taking her senior photos in the fall of 2015. Andie looks back on her high school career with fond memories. "Overall, I really enjoyed my high school experience. I'd tell my high school self to enjoy every moment because it will end quickly. I'd also tell my high school self to be grateful for every opportunity and keep balancing all those responsibilities and roles we all seem to juggle in high school.” Her admonition to high school girls is to work hard, stay true to your values, and not be so hard on yourself. And I love this… Andie says to remember that you are fearfully and wonderfully made (Psalm 139:14). She also encourages girls, “Take classes that personally interest you! It's easy to get caught up with the idea of taking the courses that will 'look good for college,' but don't forget about your own interests. Finally, she shares, “You can accomplish anything you put your mind to.”

For anyone interested in beginning their own design business someday, Andie recommends pursuing a degree in Business, Marketing, or Design. "You will build your technical skills, professional knowledge, and portfolio of work, all while gaining valuable connections and mentors who can help guide you and offer advice.”

She also shares, "Seek the advice of others, and don't be afraid to ask! Apply for internships or request to job-shadow a design professional to see what a day in the life is like - Even if you don't know the company or person. In my experience, people are often happy to help and will admire your interest in wanting to learn more. It's also okay to start small. Gaining experience in a corporate setting while starting your business as a side hustle will strengthen your abilities and help you grow your network.”

While Andie shared names of several college professors who mentored her in getting started, the main person who inspires her is her mom, Shelly. "My mom has always inspired me because of her strength, humility, faith, and numerous accomplishments as a teacher and coach. She instilled in me the importance of hard work and perseverance."

It was fun for me to photograph Andie's younger sister Jessie's senior photos several years later. I also got to grab some photos of the Nibarger ladies together a few years ago. Seeing local young women chase hard after their dreams and do big things makes my heart happy! Check out Andie Designs on Instagram at www.instagram.com/andie.designs or on Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/andiedesigns.co.