Hi, I'm Katie Hutmacher

My design journey began in journalism, where I fell in love with typography, composition, and storytelling—foundations that still guide my work today.

In 2015, I moved from Indiana to Colorado and quickly found myself immersed in design work at an agency. Over the years, I’ve designed custom websites, led branding projects, expanded into photography and video, and even taught design as a mentor and advisor.

I’m passionate about growing teams, nurturing talent, and using design to solve problems. When I’m not designing, I’m biking, reading, or chasing my goal of visiting every U.S. state (41 down!). Also: ask me about my homemade Oreos.

Bookshelf

Currently Listening

Up and Away

Stella & Redinho

My Boy

Marlon Williams

If You Asked For A Picture

Blondshell

Leadership Values

These values reflect how I lead—driving my team forward, removing roadblocks, and building the space for them to do their best work.

Plan for Succession

Leadership isn’t about being irreplaceable; it’s about building systems that ensure success beyond your tenure. Whether you win the lottery or take a step back, someone else should be able to lead effectively from day one. Clear documentation, repeatable processes, and accessible knowledge are the foundation of a sustainable team.

Challenge, Adapt, and Grow Together

People’s needs, goals, and priorities evolve over time. Leadership means staying attuned to these shifts through open, consistent communication—via 1:1s, skip levels, goal check-ins, and reviews. Clear blockers, ask questions that spark critical thinking, and adjust your support as circumstances change. Mutual growth happens when we challenge each other to be our best.

Hire for Strength, Build for Success

Attitude and alignment are everything—skills can be taught, but the right mindset is non-negotiable. Hiring decisions shape the team’s culture, and one wrong hire can disrupt its balance. Success starts with thoughtful hiring and a commitment to nurturing talent.

Feedback is a Two-Way Street

Feedback should never be a surprise. It’s a continuous dialogue that flows both ways—clear, honest, and constructive. I actively solicit feedback from my team and provide it with the same transparency. This ensures everyone knows where they stand and how they can grow.

Podcasts

99% Invisible

Pop Culture Happy Hour

What Went Wrong

Favorite Travels

Baja Peninsula, Mexico

Santa Fe, NM

Charleston, SC

Design That Drives Impact

Design isn’t just about how things look—it’s about how they work. By prioritizing collaboration, agility, inclusivity, and purpose, I craft experiences that connect with people, solve real problems, and support business growth.

Commit to Consistency, Together

Brand is bigger than design—it’s how we speak, act, and connect with others. Everyone has a role to play in maintaining a consistent and authentic brand, which is why it’s crucial to educate the team.

When employees understand what brand is, why it matters, and its business impact, they can make informed decisions. Every choice we make is grounded in purpose and research, ensuring our brand reflects trust and intention at every touchpoint.

Align with Business Goals

Design isn’t just about aesthetics; it’s a strategic driver of growth. Every design decision should reinforce our mission, support measurable outcomes, and help guide customers on their journey.

By leveraging data—through A/B testing, heatmapping, and user feedback—we uncover what works, continuously improving the impact of our designs.

Progress Over Perfection

Create space for experimentation by embracing MVPs, testing new ideas, and iterating quickly. At the same time, remove friction by equipping teams with accessible, self-service tools and resources. By enabling others to execute with confidence and agility, we foster creativity, learn from failure, and deliver impactful solutions faster.

Design for the Customer

Step into the customer’s shoes to create designs that are inclusive, accessible, and culturally relevant. Every decision should reflect empathy and functionality, ensuring everyone—regardless of ability or background—feels seen, respected, and valued.

Contact

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Email

hatmakercreative@gmail.com

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