Due Diligence: Getting to Know Neal Wellington
We’re thrilled to share the next spotlight in our “Due Diligence: Getting To Know…” series: Graphic Designer Neal Wellington in New York.
Macro: Tell us a bit about yourself, Neal.
Neal: I’m a graphic designer by profession, a father of two and husband to an educator in the Hudson Valley. I enjoy film photography and vintage clothing. You should see my shoe collection, too. There’s a stack of books on my bedside table that I need to get to.
Macro: What do you love most about your work?
Neal: My work varies so widely that no two days are the same. For example, in the morning I could be helping to support our business development by creating pitch decks and proposal documents, and in the afternoon I could be creating inspirational videos for our Health and Wellness program. The diversity of tasks makes the work exciting.
Macro: What is one thing you couldn’t make it through the day without?
Neal: The interaction with my team (go Marketing!). Our collaboration and near-constant communication is an essential part of my day.
Macro: What are your tried-and-true “work hacks?”
Neal: Write everything down. Keeping a record of what was said in a meeting is incredibly helpful for future discussions and decision making. Having all of my “to-dos” noted in one place lets me prioritize. It also feels great to check it off the list and see what I’ve taken care of in a given day or week!
Macro: What surprises people about your job?
Neal: A design readjustment that seems simple and straightforward could lead to a total re-thinking of the project itself. Design elements—shape, color, space, form, texture—are carefully thought out, sometimes with multiple rounds of revision and iteration. They ultimately work together to achieve a successful design. The surprise is often how different a design might look and feel after adjustments are made.
Macro: If you could give one piece of advice to a young professional, what would it be?
Neal: Ask questions! Be curious and always seek the “why.”
Macro: Describe yourself in 5 words or less.
Neal: Creative, thoughtful, attentive, compassionate, curious.
