Who else dissects ads for fonts, color, and design? Anyone? What about choosing food or wine based on the label’s graphic design? Just me? Thanks to learning how to communicate with analytical thinkers at a very young age (engineers everywhere!), I have an innate ability to marry creativity with technical messaging. So, even though I’m the girl who picked a university because of the school colors, it only makes sense that I would land in a career that allows me to communicate—through creative strategy, messaging, and design—in an analytical environment. And it’s a blessing that I get to work with clients who do work that matters: projects that enhance our lives by improving our environment.

When I’m not creating projects or collaborating with a stellar team of marketers, you can find me hanging out with my adult children, my engineer husband, or my two rescue dogs. Or, you might spot me getting creatively inspired—my camera in tow—in some far-reaching locale, preferably one with a beach, mountains, interesting architecture, or… well, basically anywhere.

Julie Shaffer is an Adobe Community Expert and a CompTIA Certified Trainer.

I am a marketing chick through and through! I love asking questions, diving into the details, and making all the puzzle pieces fit together. I totally geek out over new marketing tools and love analyzing the validity of ever-changing marketing philosophies (and the latest buzzwords). I have been blessed to work with some amazing people at some incredible companies during my 25+ years of marketing adventures (and yep, I remember the launch of the World Wide Web), but joining the Shaffer Creative crew is by far the best career decision I’ve ever made.

My marketing career started in non-profit arts, where I had the opportunity to work on every aspect under the marketing umbrella. I chose to be a marketer because I’ve never been interested in doing the same thing day after day. I thrive on helping companies grow and create a lasting brand for future generations. I also love learning—hence my Bachelor of Arts, Master of Arts, Master of Business Administration, and a couple of marketing certifications. I firmly believe you must always keep sharpening and adding tools to your marketing toolbox.

When I’m not wielding my marketing sword, you’ll find me in Europe or hiking in the mountains. I’ve even jumped out of a perfectly good plane once (and hope to do it again someday). My absolute favorite thing to do is spend time with Cassie and Aubrey, my beautiful nieces and the most important people in my world. Nothing is better than being “Aunt Sissy.”

My marketing journey began in construction, and I simply couldn’t stop there. I NEEDED to know more about the industry. While working at Shaffer Creative, I have had the opportunity to collaborate with all sides of the AEC industry, and I couldn’t love it more. Working with a team that is excited and passionate about what they do awakens a competitive drive in me that I have never seen before – a ‘Can’t stop, won’t stop’ attitude. I enjoy leveraging dedication and ownership for commitments to strategically build compelling proposals, presentations, and marketing materials.

When I’m not collaborating with awesome pursuit teams to create proposals, you can find me hiking or camping through the Ozarks with my husband and our sweet pupper, or searching for Taylor Swift concert tickets! I might also be scrolling through airline apps, just in case I find a cheap flight to (INSERT COOL PLACE TO VISIT WITH YUMMY FOOD) or spending time with my crazy family.