about heather parlato
i’m not one of those people who knew she was going to be a designer since age three. there were a lot of factors that opened the doors to a creative career for me, but working directly with designers and creative directors, helping them implement their ideas–that interaction was what turned curiosity into a clear affirmation: this is exactly what i want to do, every day.
i started doing it by getting more involved with all aspects of the production side of graphic design at my first design job in a prepress studio, and enrolling in ucla extension’s graphic design program while finishing my undergraduate degree in french literature. i have a pretty complete work history at linkedin if you’re curious. the key combination of learning the technical side of design in detail first, and then moving into concept and creative direction was a great balance of exposure to both sides of a constantly evolving industry.
i have maintained a freelance practice on the side since 1996, and made it my main gig in 2007. it has always been my goal to work on a variety of projects that allow for new ideas to drive great design, and now i have that opportunity at parlato design studio. i’ve also maintained professional affiliation with an american institute of graphic arts [aiga] membership since 1998, and more recently joined my local chamber of commerce [echo park], the LA area chamber, and the los angeles chapter of NAWBO.
work aside, i also love taking pictures, cooking, tasting wine, reading good books and magazines, taking road trips around my home state and beyond, and rediscovering my hometown on foot, bike or metro. i can usually be found in echo park, tending to my garden, petting my cats, trying new recipes, and putting in quality time with friends and family. if you want to learn more about me, my news page is a great place to start, and my social networks in the sidebar will tell you where to find me online and in person.
