Meet Lee Lipscomb of Nashville

Today we’d like to introduce you to Lee Lipscomb

Hi Lee, we’re thrilled to have a chance to learn your story today. So, before we get into specifics, maybe you can briefly walk us through how you got to where you are today?
I am a graphic designer and art director based in Nashville, working with clients across the US. My focus is helping businesses develop or refine their visual identity through strategic design. I bring expertise, efficiency, and a love for small details to make organizations more recognizable and memorable.

I’ve been in this field for over 30 years, working with a diverse range of companies in various sectors. I’m originally from Alabama and got my start in New York City after earning my BFA from Auburn University. Those ten years in New York were invaluable for honing my skills and building lasting connections.
My passion for graphic design led me to pursue a Master’s degree from the Savannah College of Art & Design. I’ve also had the opportunity to teach typography, art direction, and design as an adjunct instructor at several colleges in Middle Tennessee.

While I primarily work solo, I have a network of talented professionals I collaborate with when projects require additional expertise. Another part of my business is to collaborate other design companies on projects that need my expertise.

My work has been recognized in PRINT and HOW magazines’ design annuals, as well as in several “best of” books by Rockport Publishing.

Alright, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
Like every person on this planet, I have had my share of disappointment and frustrations in my career. Learning how to deal with these in a healthy way has taken a lot of time to develop. The creative process helps me. My job is to solve visual problems, remain curious, be optimistic, and look for solutions in often unexpected ways. The answers always come when I am calm, focused, and playful. Meditation has been a big part of calming anxieties that flare up and enhancing my creativity.

Can you tell our readers more about what you do and what you think sets you apart from others?
As a brand identity designer, I create the elements that define a company’s image. This includes logos, color palettes, typography, taglines, and brand voice. My job is to shape public perception by designing a consistent look and feel that distinguishes a business in the marketplace. I translate a company’s values and personality into cohesive design elements that resonate with its target audience and set them apart from competitors.

In my experience as an art director, I set the artistic tone of a project, using visuals to bring concepts to life for websites, magazines, and photo shoots. Part of this role is to produce photo shoots from large to small, which involves scheduling, booking talent, and coordinating with the client.

In my work, I deliver creative and smart design solutions while giving each project my unwavering personal attention, respect, and care.

Any big plans?
My creativity took an unexpected turn during the pandemic when I began photographing nature around Nashville. The results have become a natural extension of my design business.

It started with a walk on a Nashville greenway with my dog, Copper. Walking has always been a great way to exercise and enjoy some fresh air. It offers an additional benefit of time and space to work through ideas. One day, my mind was in a fog as I struggled on the path. After a few minutes, my pace picked up, and I started to notice my surroundings. As the sun rose, its light spilled through the trees and danced on the Harpeth River beside me. The sound of the water moving and the brisk air made me truly take in what was around me.

I started taking pictures of what I was witnessing, grateful for the opportunity to do something positive and productive. It felt like my creative spirit was emerging from a deep well. I passed a bridge and large fields then went down to the river with Copper to explore the cold water. It all felt so good that I wanted to share the experience. So I sent my favorite shot to my family and some friends.

After months of texts full of fear or wishing this pandemic was over, friends could respond to something completely different: a picture taken from a walk in the woods. The reactions I got back lifted my spirits. Eager to keep this feeling going, I went out every morning with Copper to find another interesting image no matter the weather conditions. Every day, I would send a new photograph to my group, who became more engaged with the walk.

I began getting lots of questions like “What type of plant is that?”, “Where are you?”, “Is that real?”. These would make me scramble to learn the species of my subjects, share my favorite parks, and verify that, yes, that is what the sunrise looked like. But there were many deeper reactions to the daily images: “I needed this today,” “This makes me happy,” “I wanna be there right now,” and “Today I was struggling and this picture came right when I needed it.” were just a few. Even though my friends weren’t on the trail with me, they were still getting the benefits of nature, making these walks more meaningful. I was also building a habit.

By taking a daily walk in nature and looking for subjects to photograph, I was expanding my awareness. This made my images better, decreased my anxieties, and made me feel more open as I moved through the seasons.
I always look at the world through a graphic designer’s eyes. Seeing the patterns, lines, colors, and the play of light in my subjects. Nature is where I feel connected to my creative instincts and my intuition. I leave the house with no expectations of what I will document and let nature lead me. In the early morning hours, out in the woods, I am not separated from the world but reconnected through nature.

In 2023, I decided to sell these images as prints on my website. What followed was months of curating hundreds of images, testing printers and paper, and learning how to make a great online store. I am proud of the work and hope others will consider bringing some of nature’s designs into your home. I also encourage you to take a walk. It’s beautiful out there.

Pricing:

• • My graphic design services are estimated on a project basis.
• • My fine art nature prints start at $75.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.leelipscomb.com/
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/leedesigns
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61556777039556
• Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@leelipscomb3861