Emelie Pineda
Web | Art Direction | UX | Accessibility
About Me
I have a Bachelor's in Digital Media, specializing in design. I’ve built a career around creating accessible, intuitive, and visually engaging digital experiences. My past work includes packaging design for BrewBus Brewing, Publix Bakery and Deli, and GreenWise Stores. I also worked with various teams to improve accessibility on Publix’s web and app platforms. Today, I focus on helping higher education institutions enhance their websites to meet the needs of today’s students.
Having been diagnosed with dyslexia and ADHD as a child, I am passionate about ensuring all designs are accessible to all users. I believe in creating websites that are not only functional and accessible but also aesthetically pleasing.
Outside of work, I love to travel, spend time with Waldo, and Cook.
Some random FAQs
First Design Job?
My break-out role as a designer was for Career Services at UNF. I balanced a 35-40 hour work week while finishing my degree. It was a deep dive into the marketing world, and I’ve stuck with it since then.
The Logo?
The spelling of my name, "Emelie," has led to some interesting experiences. The most memorable was a fender bender a couple of years ago, where my name was misspelled five different ways despite the license scan. The phonetic version won everyone's heart; who am I to argue with a legal document signed by various officials?
I will never hate Comic Sans
Designers are taught to dislike Comic Sans, but that needs to change. It may not belong on a Vogue cover, but it deserves more respect. In a world filled with “imposter fonts,” Comic Sans passes all the accessibility tests, and Helvetica does not. Fonts are not excused from accessibility!
Who’s Waldo?
I adopted my dog, Waldo, with my first paycheck nine years ago. I've gained as much experience as a designer as I have raising my spoiled 60-pound pup. I will undoubtedly mention him at one point, apologies in advance.
Traveling
My family/ friends are genuinely passionate about traveling. They are everywhere all at once. I join them on as many trips as possible; the goal is to one day have enough courage to do a solo trip.
Book Talk
I read and listen to a lot of books. In 2020, I finished over 122, left 12 as DNF, and added 44 titles to my list. I’m a member of four book clubs and active on #Booktok. This hobby has cost me two Kindles, three phones, and five headsets. But I’m eager to break my record, so please share a book recommendation, even if you wish not to work with me.
“People are not usually disabled by their impairments. They’re disabled by poorly designed environments.”
— Craig Abbott