Today we’d like to introduce you to Leslie Baird.
Hi Leslie, so excited to have you with us today. What can you tell us about your story?
My Journey as an Artist
My journey into the arts began at Portland State University in 1982, where I earned a degree in Graphic Design. While studying there, I took figure drawing and painting courses. Drawing had never been one of my strengths, but during a life drawing class, I experienced an unexpected sense of euphoria and calm while working on a piece. When I finished, my instructor remarked that he hadn’t thought I had it in me to draw that well—but after seeing the drawing, he changed his mind. That moment was transformative. From then on, I knew I was an artist.
During my graphic design studies, I was fortunate to have an instructor who greatly inspired me. He had a strong fine arts background and challenged his students to produce their very best work. His critiques could be brutal, but I learned invaluable lessons about design principles and how to apply them effectively.
After graduation, I found the confidence to pursue freelance design work while also holding several positions in the publishing industry. Over the years, I worked on the production of magazines, newspapers, catalogs, and other publications. One of the highlights of my career was working with a talented art director at Oregon Magazine, whom I greatly admired. He was a brilliant designer with extensive experience in magazine design and poster creation, while also pursuing his own painting projects. His creativity and dedication left a lasting impression on me.
As the design industry evolved, I continuously adapted and expanded my skills. I embraced computer-based design and later studied web design so I could create and maintain websites. Today, I manage approximately five websites and continue to enjoy the challenge of learning new technologies and creative tools.
Now semi-retired, I volunteer to use my design skills for friends, family members and organizations. I have also developed a passion for furniture refinishing. There is something deeply satisfying about restoring old wooden pieces and bringing them back to life. For me, that process embodies what a creative life is all about—a lifelong journey of learning, making, and discovering new ways to express yourself.
Can you talk to us a bit about the challenges and lessons you’ve learned along the way. Looking back would you say it’s been easy or smooth in retrospect?
When I was young, I struggled with the fact that my dad was mentally ill, and my mom was divorced. There weren’t very many families living in my area where a mom or dad was divorced, and I felt out of place. Being the shy person that I was, I didn’t have many friends. This was a struggle for me at the University level also.
Obtaining my first job in graphic design was a challenge. In order to get the job I wanted at Oregon Magazine, I needed to be patient and persistent. Frequently I called the art director, to see if he had made a decision about the job available. I also needed to create a nice portfolio of pieces to show my work, which was also challenging.
There were many struggles in which I had to navigate getting along with the various people and personalities involved, The art director who I admired immensely, was not an easy person to work with – he was moody and passive-aggressive at times. Clients could be tough to appease – many who didn’t have good taste, I would need to compromise with in order to still use good design sense and keep clients satisfied.
The work – graphic design and fine art are challenging. The work many times, involved solving puzzles. There is a design solution that has to come with collaboration. In fine art, one is challenged to find an image that conveys emotions, and an esthetic sense. This can take time or come quickly depending on the piece.
Thanks – so what else should our readers know about your work and what you’re currently focused on?
I am a graphic designer specializing in publication design, with extensive experience creating magazines and newspapers. While I also design for the web, my primary expertise and reputation are rooted in print design. What distinguishes my work from other designers is my background in the fine arts, combined with a strong understanding of color theory and a keen eye for photo color correction.
Beyond my professional design work, I am especially proud of my personal artwork. Many of my paintings and drawing have been inspired by working from live models, often resulting in expressive, abstract compositions. Color, texture, and mixed media are recurring themes throughout my work, with some pieces focusing almost entirely on the abstract integrations of these elements.
I also create artwork derived from photographs, transforming images through digital manipulation, color enhancement, and the addition of textures. By carefully adjusting color and visual atmosphere, I seek to amplify the mood and emotional impact of each piece. Whether working in traditional or digital media, my goal is to create visually appealing work that evokes emotion and a sense of life.
Risk taking is a topic that people have widely differing views on – we’d love to hear your thoughts.
Have I taken risks? – It depends on your definition of risk-taking. The word suggests that I have engaged in dangerous activities. As an artist, I believe that risk taking is very important. When you create artwork, you are taking a risk that viewers will not conceive the art in the same way that you do. They may not like the esthetic or not appreciate the subject. I do not view myself as a risk-taker, but I do believe that just creating the art may be a risk-taking act, especially if the subject is deemed controversial.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://lesliebairddesign.com
