Member Monday: Chris Hartley

This week’s Member Monday features Chris Hartley. Follow Chris on Instagram and Twitter, connect with him on LinkedIn, and view his work.

 

Where do you work?

Late last year, I decided to leave the agency I co-owned in an effort to dig deeper into UI/UX design and product design, and have been freelancing until I find what’s next.

You can find my design and photography work at chartley.co

Favorite program/tools to use for designing?

I’ve been spending a ton of time in Sketch and Figma recently, which has been really fun.

Favorite thing to do outside of work?

Outside of design, I also have a photography business doing primarily headshots and events. 

We bought a house last year in the Meridian Kessler / Fairgrounds area and just got a puppy, so we’ve been spending time getting to know our new neighbors and neighborhood with him. Admittedly, it’s also been fun creating a narrative for him on Instagram (@peterinindy).

Favorite places in Indy?

Sunset view: Highland Park

Brewery: Indiana City Brewing

How and why did you get involved with AIGA? Approximately how long have you been involved with the organization?

I got involved in AIGA just after graduating from UIndy’s VCD program in 2012. I think it was a recommendation from a professor, and I’m certainly grateful for that recommendation. 

Through AIGA, I’ve gotten to know so many designers whose work I admired, and it’s incredible to see how the design community has grown. Because of the people I’ve met, I had the opportunity to photograph the AIGA Kickball League last summer, which was a blast.  

What are you currently working on?

I’ve been working on finding the right balance in my life of work, life, and learning. There was a time when I had an unhealthy approach to work/life balance and felt like a skeleton of a designer walking around. I’m finally figuring out that balance for myself, and it has brought vibrancy and purpose back into my life and my work.

By Kailee Koehler
Published February 24, 2020