About Me +
The Creative Process

Shaye Laridian, Principal
Greetings! I'm an award-winning graphic designer with 19 years of experience developing effective branding, marketing and informational materials across a wide range of industries. I completed my master’s degree in communications design at Pratt Institute in 2006 and spent most of my career in NYC and Boston, working with creative studios, publishing companies, small to large businesses, the fashion industry, academia and government. In 2020 I packed up all my big city experience and brought it to the sunny coast of Wilmington, NC, where I launched Laridian Advertising + Design, serving clients locally and remotely.
I see visual communication as the "functional art" of engaging your audience for a desired result. Success requires perception, insight and the ability to convert those into strategically tailored solutions.
— It begins by asking the right questions. —
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One of the compliments I hear most from clients is, "Without you I never would have thought to ask these questions or consider all these influential factors!" I've come to realize my natural gifts for empathy, invention and understanding the broader picture are my greatest assets as a designer.
The Creative Process
The creative brief that starts our process is a lot of fun – we'll thoughtfully define what makes you unique and discuss your target audience, your marketplace, your message and objectives, optimal formats, modes of delivery, brand continuity and other important considerations. This is followed by the research phase, where I explore your industry, competition, opportunities, etc. to further inform the design phase – that's where we'll narrow down creative concepts and arrive at our final solution. Then it's off to production and you're off to the races with impactful new tools for your marketing and communications! I like to gather feedback and use measurable benchmarks where possible to evaluate how materials are performing and inform any future evolutions.
A great time to connect is... early! Having a visual map in mind for your content helps you to plan and compose it accordingly, facilitating the creative phase and the emergence of a hand-in-glove design. With my background in English and journalism, I can also provide valuable editing and copywriting services if needed.
Awards
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American Graphic Design Award
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American InHouse Design Award
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Communicator Award
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NPHIC Award for Excellence in Public Health Communication
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National Health Information Award
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Manuel Carballo Governors Award for Excellence in Public Service (H1N1 Response)
Education
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M.S. Communications Design | Pratt Institute | 2006
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B.A. English, Minor in Visual Arts | Boston University | 2002