Leslie Zager, 185 Designs

I was fortunate to meet Ashley during a portfolio review at Lawrence Tech. The minute I saw her work I was blown away. Rarely do you see such sophisticated design skills in someone so young. Her sensitivity to typography and overall use of design is absolutely inspiring. Even her more abstract work, including her photography and sculpture, displays innate talent. Following our meeting, I hired Ashley to work on some projects for me, including the identity for my business. Never did I expect to turn that project over to someone, let alone someone just out of school. Her work was amazing. From interpreting my design ideas, to pushing the envelope on production, she delivered beyond expectation. She is a true talent with a work ethic and personality to match. She will be a success in whatever avenue of design she decides to pursue. I recommend her without hesitation.

Jynnette Neal, Advocate Magazine

Ashley Lapinski was an intern in the art/production department at Advocate Media in Dallas, TX from June to September. I was initially impressed by Ashley when she sought an internship at our company, coming from Michigan when we had only posted the internship with professors at a handful of local universities. Ashley took the initiative to find publications outside her immediate vicinity and found a way to work in a field she was drawn to. This internship was productive and instructive. Ashley was able to work on many aspects of design from print to digital in our small art department which consisting of only two full time designers producing four monthly full color glossy magazines, a weekly e-newsletter and art for four daily Word Press news sites covering four neighborhoods.

With her design and program knowledge Ashley created an original editorial layout for the print publication and helped migrate content from print to the web. She also helped build and change print ads as well as build original ads for print and web.

She quickly learned our web based newsletter program and was able to update content and create art from original photography for the weekly newsletters. During production of the weekly newsletters Ashley truly shined. She learned the newsletter program and content collection system quickly so that for the bulk of her internship she was solely responsible for the newsletter creation, using outside help from designers or editors for proofing only.

Ashley was able to experience first hand photo shoots, press check at our printing facility and editorial planning meetings, as well as every aspect of production from concept to printing.

After graduation, two years after her internship Ashley returned to the Advocate offices to visit and review her portfolio. She obviously used her time at school to grow her program and design skill. Her portfolio was impressive and if she had been interested in relocating to Dallas we would have happily offered her a position.

Ashley is a joy to work with and know. She is a fast learner, an enthusiastic worker and an impressive designer. Her cheery disposition, positive attitude and desire to learn made her an excellent intern and will surely make her a great employee.

Bill and Linda Kleist, Identity Creative

This letter is to recommend Ashley Lapinski for her creative style and consistently reliable work ethic.

Ashley has worked for our firm on a number of freelance projects that required project management, creative thought, implementation, accuracy with data, layout, and meeting deadlines. Ashley gives attention to detail which is critical to excellent work.

She is easy to work with, flexible with changes (a huge plus!), and professional in her communication and approach with clients. On team projects, Ashley is an excellent collaborator and has the ability to lead graciously and professionally.

As she grows her freelance business, Ashley will be at the top of our “Go-To-Designer” list!