Tiberah Tsehai, TsehaiNY Staff
Published October 11, 2009

“Graphic design is something I stumbled upon by accident but it became my passion.”

-Tigist Kelkay, Designer 

Most of Tigist’s work is featured on the Behance Network where her portfolio features intriguing works from culturally inspired wedding invitations to professional logos.  “Graphic design is something I stumbled upon by accident but it became my passion.”  Tigist found bridging the gap from her educational background as an architect to a graphic designer to be quite simple.  “Being trained as an architect gives you the basics for design so the transition was easy.”

While working fulltime and being a freelance designer can seem daunting, Tigist – who uses her commute time to and from work “to read, draw, and think” – sees her freelance work as more of a hobby.  “The biggest part of the job is getting the creative inspiration and the best part is that the idea may come at anytime and anyplace.”  As the mind of a designer is always running, Tigist keeps busy with projects that include working on her upcoming website, Yolk.  “Yolk is a website I’m currently working on.  It will mainly showcase the works I have done over the years and it will constantly be updated with new works.”  Yolk will also have a journal where Tigist will share her thoughts and views on various subjects.

In the future Tigist visualizes herself equipped with more skills as a designer.  “I hope to establish a business that can grow into something that I can take back to Ethiopia that can benefit my people and also give me a fulfillment of doing something meaningful.”

In Ethiopia, Tigist has designed works for CDC-Ethiopia, Tulane University, and John Hopkins University, as well as companies in various lines of businesses such as real estate, design, security, retail, entertainment, etc and for individuals.  In the U.S., Tigist has designed works for independent record labels, private companies, and numerous individuals, in addition to designing for online publications.

For more information contact Tigist Kelkay at designinhighspirits@yahoo.com.