Hi, I’m Amy Haisten — a Graphic Designer, Brand Strategist, and IT Explorer. My career has centered on clean, purposeful design for visual brands and marketing, and I currently serve as Creative Director for The Monroe County / Macon Reporter, where I design ads for local businesses — all remotely from my home in Jackson, GA.
While graphic design remains my foundation, I’m also expanding into new territory: pursuing IT certifications and sketching — experimenting with labs and traditional art. After years of working primarily in digital media, I’m rediscovering the freedom of drawing and painting by hand — reconnecting with the creativity that first inspired me to study Art & Design.
This space is where I share my journey of creating, learning, and experimenting — blending technology and creativity, developing labs, extending my portfolio, and exploring new ways to combine art, strategy, and IT. Along the way, I’m also developing pre-made brand kits and digital resources to support small businesses, creating opportunities for passive income while I focus on growth in both technology and design.
At the heart of everything I do are the values that guide me: creativity, quality, ethics, adaptability, and impact. Whether through design, illustration, or IT, my goal is meaningful work that’s both thoughtful and impactful, with a commitment to excellence.
Location:
I have lived in Georgia most of my life and reside in Jackson—in beautiful Butts County. My hometown can be the “butt” of jokes sometimes. It is a small town unheard of by many (even those who live in Georgia). Still, people know it as home to Georgia’s death row, Indian Springs State Park, and Fresh Air Bar-B-Que. Some may also recognize it while watching “Stranger Things” and “The Originals.” As a huge fantasy fan, this speaks to my inner geek.
More About Me:
- Turtles depict my personality. I’m an INTJ, always testing at 99-100% introversion.
- I love turtles, sharks, the ocean, waterfalls, leopard print, chocolate, and cheese.
- I am the mother of Falkor, my English Mastiff furbaby.
- I collect gemstones, and my company-branded colors are jewel tones.
- I started my career in the newspaper business at “The Fulton County Daily Report” in Atlanta. It covers Georgia legal and business news.
- My degree included fine art as well as graphic design. I also studied drawing, painting, photography, and ceramics. I loved it all and had difficulty picking just one focus!
- I have always wanted to go to France and Ireland and have already been to England. That is one down and two to go. I wouldn’t mind the opportunity for adventures in some other European countries. My ancestors originated from The British Isles, and this area inspires me.
- I am a geek.
- I began college as a music major. In high school, I was a band geek and played percussion mostly in the pit but marched bass drum one year. I even joined a college group similar to “Stomp” called “Joyful Noise.”
- I am a bookworm and love continuing to learn and grow.
- I love arts and crafts festivals, the Georgia Renaissance Festival, and conventions.
- My favorite TV shows, movies, and books are mostly in the fantasy genre.
- When I was young, I revered Wonder Woman. I dressed in Wonder Woman Underoos and tin foil bracers, watched Lynda Carter on TV, and had a Wonder Woman action figure at the head of my bed to protect me from ghosts at night.
- I am a very casual gamer and love World of Warcraft. For the Alliance!
Education & Experience:
I have worked in graphic design since earning my B.A. in Art & Design with a concentration in Graphic Design from LaGrange College in 2003, later adding a diploma in Animation & Multimedia with a concentration in Web Design from Central Georgia Technical College. I also completed additional studies in accounting and business at Middle Georgia State University, which strengthened my freelance and agency work, and I am now expanding my expertise by pursuing IT certifications to broaden my technical skillset. In addition, I hold an A.A.S. in Health Care Management from Southern Crescent Technical College and completed coursework in Health Information Management at Georgia Northwestern Technical College, which I see as a foundation for eventually serving wellness and medical professionals more deeply through creative agency work. My professional experience includes roles at Zapata Technology, The Courier Herald, The Fulton County Daily Report, and a marketing company managing multi-housing brands, and I currently serve as Creative Director for The Monroe County / Macon Reporter, working remotely from my home in Jackson, GA.
