About me

Hello! My name is Karen Zollinger. Over the years, I’ve had the privilege of working in the design industry, and I’m incredibly proud of the knowledge and accomplishments I’ve gained in this field.

My artistic journey started even before I graduated from art school in Pittsburgh. A friend who had recently relocated to New York City mentioned an exciting job opportunity where he was working. That night, without even thinking, I quickly compiled my portfolio and hopped on a flight the very next day. New York was a whirlwind of chaos, far more overwhelming than the relatively small city of Pittsburgh. Despite my head spinning, they recognized my raw talent and promptly offered me the job on the spot! This was Gem Studio, a fast-paced and renowned storyboard and comp studio that collaborated with all the top advertising agencies. Reflecting on the eight years of countless late nights spent there, I’ve come to realize the immense power of patience and perseverance, which have profoundly shaped the rest of my life.

I’ve always been passionate about learning and exploring new fields. When computers became the industry standard, I seized the opportunity to dive into the field of computer graphics. After taking classes and gaining some practical experience in my new location in North Carolina, I secured a contract job with a PC game company called Southpeak Interactive. Initially, my storyboard work secured the job, but I seized every opportunity to learn everything I could about computers and their capabilities.

After the unfortunate closure of the company, I was fortunate enough to be hired by its parent company, SAS Institute. At this software company, I flourished and gained valuable insights into various aspects of their in-house agency. My skills in print, digital and animation work flourished, empowering me to discover my unique voice.

At SAS, I developed a deep understanding of design principles and revisited the qualities I had gained during my time in New York City: resilience and adaptability. As a top producer, I earned the respect of my colleagues for my easygoing demeanor and meticulous attention to detail. My greatest strength lies in consistently delivering high-quality work on time without any head spinning.

I hope you enjoy my work, and I look forward to connecting with you soon!