Splain has built a career as a successful graphic designer and freelance artist, turning her passion for creativity into a dynamic profession. With a Bachelor of Fine Arts in Multimedia and Graphic Design from McMurry University, Splain possesses an understanding of how to meet clients’ needs.
Her path into graphic design began in high school, where she discovered her love for the field in Mrs. Amber Via’s yearbook class. There, Splain learned skills like page layout in InDesign, photo editing in Photoshop, DSLR photography, and even ad sales. Her dedication propelled her from a freshman staff member to Editor-in-Chief by her junior and senior years.
“I just wanted to learn more,” Splain recalls. “Mrs. Via said I wasn’t ready for Illustrator yet, and that challenge only fueled my curiosity further.”
At McMurry, Splain honed her leadership and project management skills as President of the Epsilon Theta chapter of Kappa Pi, the International Art Honors Society. She credits this experience with teaching her how to adapt and take charge.
Splain began her professional journey designing logos for startups in the Abilene area and creating show concepts, flags, and props for high schools and universities, including McMurry University and Abilene High School. These projects blended her technical skills with her love for color guard and marching band, a community she’s cherished since joining it at age 13.
Her career has been anything but linear, involving stints as a gallery assistant at the Center for Contemporary Arts and a designer for custom apparel and laser-engraved items. Today, Splain has come full circle, working at McMurry’s marketing office. There, she creates everything from digital ads and print materials to admission viewbooks and The Messenger magazine.
“I enjoy how creative and spontaneous my work is,” she says. “Some days I design silly little postcards or T-shirts; other days, I work on major publications. It’s chaotic in the best way possible.”
Far from the stereotypical stressed and underappreciated designer, Splain has found a rhythm that works for her. She’s earned compliments from faculty, staff, and students alike for her designs, balancing the demands of her career with personal fulfillment.
Outside of work, Splain continues to stay involved with the color guard community, even though she no longer performs or coaches. She also enjoys spending time with her husband, Ben, and their tuxedo cat in their recently purchased home. To unplug from the digital world, she’s picked up crocheting again, a hobby she hasn’t practiced since childhood.
As she reflects, Splain celebrates the creative energy and adaptability that define her work. “My career is more chaotic than I expected it to be, but I wouldn’t have it any other way. It’s never boring.”