Shannon Hester earned her BFA in Graphic Design and Photography from Austin Peay State University, launching her career at a Nashville agency where she discovered her love for branding and helping small businesses thrive.She then spent nearly 8 years at Gaylord Entertainment, starting as the sole designer and eventually becoming Creative Director. Shannon built an in-house creative team from the ground up, leading everything from branding for major events, spas, golf courses, restaurants, retail shops, to large-scale convention signage and installations, art directing multi-week-long photo and video shoots with budgets as high as $600k, managing multimedia campaigns for Gaylord properties and attractions across the U.S. It was the dream job, but after balancing a demanding role with travel and family life, Shannon decided to transition to freelancing.Shannon freelanced part-time for a few years, balancing her career and home life. Eventually, she went back to full-time work, taking on creative roles in tech, SaaS, fintech, and healthcare, to sharpen her skills in UI/UX design. Now, she freelances again, partnering with clients who want thoughtful, strategy-driven design—not just a logo and trendy fonts that may not last.With experience in everything from mobile-first websites and motion graphics to social media, print design, and branding, Shannon brings a personal touch to every project. Whether she’s working solo or as part of a team, she’s here to make sure your brand shines and truly connects with your audience. Think of her as an extension of your team, excited to help you build something that’s not only visually stunning but also meaningful and effective.Shannon is currently simplifying her processes for her freelance clients and enjoys testing out AI in various phases of design, video, and photography.If you'd like to connect or collaborate, reach out!
