As long as I can remember, storytelling has been a passion of mine. The first major purchase I ever made was the book, The Art of Walt Disney. It was over 450 pages, weighed 8 lbs. and cost over $75. It was 1973. I was 13 years old. Decades later, Disney’s combination of ideas, words and visuals told stories that still shape new generations.

 

In high school I created original superhero characters and drew full-length comic books. And in college and during the past thirty plus years, I have also been drawn to the creative process of the theater by designing and directing many productions. Again, telling a story with visuals, words and music that connects emotionally with an audience.

 

I didn’t even know what graphic design was until I was a freshman at the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign where I planned to declare medical illustration as my major. After one intro class to graphic design, I knew my career path was forever altered. In 1982 I earned a BFA in graphic design with honors and was ready to take on the world.

 

I loved the methodology of creating a strong visual solution to a real world problem; exploring typography; and uncovering the emotional impact of color and image. Being a little “obsessive,” I enjoyed the attention to detail. My formal education occurred years before even the glimmer of an idea for the personal computer entered the creative minds of Steve Jobs and Steve Wozniak. Although I can’t live without my Mac, I still begin every project brainstorming on real paper with an actual writing instrument. This exercise helps me to focus on conceptual thinking and original solutions.

 

I have been working in the field of graphic design and visual communication since 1982. After years of working for and learning from other creative professionals, I started Mark Duebner Design in 1995 where I continue to blend strategic thinking with captivating design. I am committed to providing sophisticated solutions to a variety of non-profit and for-profit clients to enhance their success and bring visual originality to their communications.

 

A new chapter in my story began in January 2013 when we moved our lives and my business from Naperville, Illinois to Palm Springs, California. The 354 days of sunshine, majestic mountains, endless palm trees and the mid-century modern vibe inspire me every day.

 

I am a member of the Desert Business Association and the Association of Fundraising Professionals. My work has been published in Letterhead and Logo Design 4, Logo Lounge Master Library 4, Bright Ideas in Logo Design Volume One, Bright Ideas in Graphic Design Volume One and the 2008, 2009, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014, 2015, 2016, 2017, 2018, 2019 and 2020 American Graphic Design Awards Annuals. That work can be seen here.

 

Since 2016 I have been a mentor for the Digital Arts Technology Academy (DATA) at Cathedral City High School and began mentoring at Indio High School in 2019. Since 2017 I have been coaching non-profit organizations in the annual Desert Fast Pitch Competition (3-minute elevator speech) and my organizations captured the top prize ($20,000) in 2017 and 2018 and most innovative ($10,000) in 2019. My husband and I are members of the LGBT Center's Ocotillo Club.

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I have recently rediscovered my love for drawing and making art, primarily the human figure in pencil and colored pencil.

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PHONE  760-464-0622