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.