Meet graphic designer and illustrator Elizabeth Lee ‘24

Elizabeth Lee ’24 has a bachelor’s degree in graphic design from Concordia University, Nebraska. She toured the university at the suggestion of her grandmother and said she immediately felt Concordia was a place that she could grow both as an individual and as an artist. She said her time on campus was transformative. 

“Working in the studio was an amazing experience. I couldn’t wait to work on projects and develop ideas after I finished other classes and tasks,” she explained. “I would spend many evenings listening to music while painting and working with peers. My professors pushed me to find my style and way of storytelling while also learning to design and create for others. They showed interest in me as a person and student while making creative challenges for me to grow as an artist and professional.” 

In addition to nurturing her artistic ability, her time at Concordia also fed her faith in Jesus Christ, she said.  

“While taking the Old Testament, New Testament and Faith and Life courses, I learned about theology and doctrine. More importantly, though, I realized that Christ holds my faith in His hands,” she said. “This means I cannot be let go of no matter what. I am pursued by the God of the universe out of His love to bring glory to Him.” 

Lee said her time at Concordia taught her how to create consistently and for a purpose.  

“I am now able to combine design with a professional career as a graphic designer and illustrator,” she said. “Concordia taught me how to be creative while communicating with others and followingdeadlines.”  

Lee recently illustrated Grandpa Works with One Hammer, a children’s book written by Emily (Taylor) Hatesohl ’15. 

“My professors pushed me to find my style and way of storytelling while also learning to design and create for others. They showed interest in me as a person and student while making creative challenges for me to grow as an artist and professional.”

“I was able to illustrate the book while also working full time,” she said. “I loved the story and wanted to capture the expression and playfulness of the characters. It took a bit of experimenting for me to discover that a simplistic style which showed all the characters at once was the best method. As each grandchild was added into the story, I wanted kids to easily be able to count all the people and tools in the pages.” 

After graduating from Concordia, Lee served in a marketing internship that turned into a job, an opportunity that taught her a lot about business and being creative for clients. She also worked on Hatesohl’s book and other side projects.  

“Now I am pursuing becoming a full-time freelancer in graphic design and illustration,” she said. “I am in a transition phase into becoming a freelance graphic designer and illustrator. This involves creating my own brand, applying for contract work and continuing to educate myself in graphic design and fine art. I work the usual daytime hours on graphic design projects, fine art shows and illustrations. The majority ofmy work at the moment consists of my personal brand and painting for an art show.” 

When she’s not creating, you’ll find Lee hanging out with family and friends, traveling, running and enjoying the scenery in Colorado. But she said her work doesn’t really feel like work, because she simply loves what she does. 

“I love creating and telling visual stories. This is made even more impactful by the fact I can use these skills to help other people tell stories or grow a business. I think that art can inspire people to find hope, good values, and beauty in life.,” she said. “Both of my parents love art, and from the moment I could hold a crayon, they encouraged me to grow as an artist. My mom read children’s books to my sisters and I when we were little. I will never forget the impact the colors and expressions had on me as a young girl.”  

Concordia University, Nebraska is an excellent academic and Christ-centered community equipping men and women for lives of learning, service and leadership in the church and world. By intentionally intersecting Christian Lutheran faith, life experiences and academics, Concordia University, Nebraska helps students fulfill a higher purpose in their vocations and life.