This fall, the Bryan County News will publish profiles of 20 outstanding individuals from Bryan County under the age of 40 who work and study across a range of disciplines. Each person has answered a short Q+A as part of their selection. Answers edited for length and clarity.

Name: Katelynn Santiago

Age: 30

Title: Graphic Designer

Background: “I’m originally from Arkansas, but I moved to Savannah in January 2020. I got my undergraduate degree in Landscape Architectural Studies from the University of Arkansas, and I went on to get my Master of Fine Arts in Design Management from Savannah College of Art and Design. I’ve been working professionally as a graphic designer since 2017 – working on newspaper and magazine design, in-house for an architecture and engineering consulting firm, and now as the in-house graphic designer for Lesley Francis Public Relations. I’ve won national and international design awards for my design work over the years, and I enjoy getting to uplift those around me with those wins.”

Future: “Winning ’20 Under 40’ means so much to me. As someone without a traditional background in my professional career track, being recognized as a leader means I’ve been doing something right all this time. Being self-taught can be stigmatizing, but I think it shows tenacity and determination to be willing to go build the skillsets you want the most. I think it makes you more adaptable in the workforce.

My professional plans for the near future are to continue to produce award-winning designs for the clients I work with at LFPR. I hope to keep creating designs that inspire and activate those that interact with them.”