Katie Elenberger
spark27creative.com | @katieelenberger
All in. Go-getter. Laughs the loudest. With more than a decade of industry experience, Katie excels at developing effective design and messaging that cuts through the clutter and connects with target audiences. Katie’s enthusiasm for her work is contagious, her clients have noted creative talents and outcomes, personality and easy-going nature, and general feeling that she is an extension of staff as just a few reasons why they love to work with her. Plus, as an adjunct design instructor for six years, she will naturally coach you through any process.
Katie is the owner and Creative Director at Spark27, a premiere, full-service design + digital studio that partners with clients to solve complex business problems through strategy and effective communication. Katie is dedicated to the quality of her work and it shows — her designs have earned her 14 ADDY awards and she prides herself on strong client relationships by being focused on building brands with robust identities and measurable results.
WordCamp Session Title
Pursing your creative passion: Turn your side hustle into a full-time gig
Why Is This Important?
I really love to coach people through the process of freelancing and how to help make entrepreneurial dreams a reality. Having relied on a lot of resources myself when making this happen, I wanted to be able to share what I learned in a fun and easy way and help take out any fear or intimidation in the process.
How Did You Discover WordPress?
I learned about WordPress at a conference for the Minnesota AIGA: Design Camp. I fell in love with all of the options and ease of turning it over to the client.
How Do You Use WordPress?
I use WordPress to design and develop sites for clients.
How Has WordPress Impacted You?
My design education was focused on print design, and I was really looking to expand my skills and offerings to clients as I was building my freelance, but also as a personal goal. At the time, I knew enough code to be dangerous, but didn’t didn’t feel efficient, WordPress became the perfect fit for me. By being dedicated to WordPress development and the community, I can grow in specific areas easily, and connect with like-minded individuals.
What Do You Do When Not Working?
I seek adventure and love to explore and travel. I bike, rollerblade, downhill ski, garden, and find any excuse to chat with friends and meet new people. We moved to “lake country” in Minnesota and have over 300 lakes in our county — so this summer will be anything that gets me on the water: kayaking, swimming, water skiing or fishing.
What Is Your Favorite Candy?
5th Avenue (most underrated candy bar) and Cadbury Egg.