Art has been my passion for as long as I can remember. I’ve been drawing since I could hold a crayon, and whenever someone asked what I wanted to be when I grew up, my answer was always the same: ARTIST! I still laugh when I think about my younger self, completely amazed that I could make art on our family computer using Paint. Who knew that 20 years later, creating pictures on the computer—though not on Paint!—would become the foundation of my career?

In high school, I was introduced to the concept of graphic design and thought, “Hey, maybe I can make a living out of this crazy passion of mine!” At the time, I was often discouraged by people who laughed and warned me I’d be a “starving artist.” For a while, they had me convinced that pursuing a creative career wouldn’t be financially sustainable—I seriously considered becoming a welder instead.

After high school, I took the plunge and pursued a degree in Graphic Design Technologies. I graduated with my Associate’s Degree in 2014 and was immediately hired by the local sign shop where I’d interned during college. Working there, I gained invaluable experience, not just in setting up files for print but also in understanding the production and installation side of things. After almost three years, I decided it was time to venture out on my own.

In late 2016, I started freelancing and promoting myself under my name, Ashley Franzen Graphic Design. As I built my client base, I realized by 2018 that it was time to grow my business even further. I’ll admit—I wasn’t completely sold on using my name for the business. So, I rebranded as Graphic by Nature Studios. Naturally drawn to being graphic—artistically bold and creatively expressive. But wait, why studios and not studio? Well, between you and me, I think it sounds better, but I'd also argue that since I offer a combination of design and print, it’s actually two studios in one!

Since then, I’ve had the privilege of working with a diverse range of clients, including business owners, non-profits, event organizers, and individuals with unique design needs. In 2022, I took a bold step and transitioned my studio from home to a brick-and-mortar location in Eastern Iowa. The new adventure, however, came with an unexpected twist: just one day after getting the keys, I fell off a ladder and shattered my left wrist. Thankfully, I’m right-handed! After surgery, two plates, nine screws, and an overnight hospital stay, I was right back at the studio, determined to make it my own—nothing was going to stop me.

The past few years have been full of growth—and growing pains. I’ve made big adjustments to my business while juggling exciting new projects outside of Graphic by Nature Studios. As I continue to expand, I’m thrilled to share my love for art and design with others. Whether you’re looking for design tips, insights, or just a peek into the creative process, I’m here to inspire and empower you on your own creative journey.

Looking back, I want to give a special shoutout to the teachers and mentors who believed in me and encouraged me to chase my dreams. To my school art teachers, Ms. Schissle, Ms. Mulholland, and Mrs. Winkler—thank you for helping my creativity flourish and showing me that becoming an artist was possible. And to my college professors, Chris Legel and Pat Cheak—your mentorship and support, even all these years later, mean the world to me. In your minds, you may have just been doing your job, but to me, it was the foundation of support for my career.

I also want to express my gratitude to everyone who has supported my business endeavors and encouraged me throughout this journey. Your belief in me has been priceless, and it's because of that support that I've been able to prove to myself—and others—that this path was the right one!