Olivia Stauber sets a new standard for Designer Spotlight

With a style so impeccable, Olivia Stauber, a New York-based Art Director, brings a unique touch to the creative industry, a rarity that's increasingly hard to find. Originally from Chicago, Olivia is relatively new to NYC, by way of Miami, Arizona, and even... Australia?!

01 One-Year Mark in the Big Apple

Having recently hit her one-year mark in the Big Apple, Olivia still considers herself a "newbie" in the city. However, her time here has already shown her that it's a place full of opportunity and growth. She finds beauty in the details, whether it's the subtle nuances of color or the intricate typography that captures her attention.

Her design process, revealing a meticulous approach, blends inspiration from vintage print materials with a contemporary twist.

02 Olivia's Conversations and Collaborations with DS

In our conversations and collaborations this month, Olivia gave an overview of her recent design projects, showcasing her involvement in merchandise design, brand design, and art direction. Currently, Olivia serves as an in-house art director at the esteemed high jewelry brand REZA, where she orchestrates the conception and execution of visual narratives across digital and editorial platforms.

Beyond REZA, she also lends her expertise to various brands in New York, offering on-set art direction and design consultancy.

Sartorially driven, Olivia also shared her early passion for art and her lifelong ambition to work in the fashion industry, acknowledging the challenges and changes she has witnessed in the creative field. She finds the color references, type, and illustrations of vintage print materials incredibly inspiring, but notes that they're becoming harder to find these days. Olivia's work incorporates these vintage or retro visuals, adding personal touches like hand drawings and lettering. She believes that success is achieved if her work elicits an emotional response, even if it's as simple as laughter.

03 Olivia's Future Goals

Expressing pride in her work, Olivia also discussed her future goals of opening her own agency and mentoring young designers.

For Olivia, branding is an alchemy of visual cues that evoke instant recognition and resonance, where a specific color, shape, or font should evoke a brand's identity with unwavering clarity.

As refreshing as finding a hidden gem in a thrift store, her philosophy permeates all facets of her art, from her professional endeavors to her personal style.

Olivia plans to stick around in luxury and fashion, but she's always up for fun projects that bring her joy—especially if they involve designing cute sweatshirts.