Photo taken by Bruce Lowther on a Hasselblad medium format film camera at some point in the 1960s
Ariel Ferrel is an interdisciplinary artist and designer from Martha’s Vineyard, currently living in Maine and abroad. She received her BFA in Graphic Design at Maine College of Art and Design. Before returning to her education, Ariel spent time traveling, building a house, working as a floral designer, growing a family, and creating work in a variety of artistic disciplines. Her personal work includes printmaking, textile and fashion design, photography, and illustration. When she’s not busy with her work, she can be found enjoying the simple and good things with her soulmate, three kids, and three pets.
Lowther Press had its first incarnation as a cider press building and letterpress printmaking operation under the same name and both founded by Ariel’s father Bruce Lowther in the 1960s, deep in the forests of Vermont. After losing her father, returning to school to study design, and founding her own design business, Ariel thought it only fitting to carry on her father’s legacy of entrepreneurship, creativity, and multi-disciplinary exploration.
Résumé
EDUCATION
Maine College of Art, Portland, ME, BFA with honors, Graphic Design, GPA 3.86
EXPERIENCE
Freelance Graphic Designer, Lowther Press, Jackson, ME
Client focused design research, consultation, execution, and presentation for marketing, branding, and web applications with an emphasis on individually tailored solutions. Clients include Myfawnwy, Perimeter Gallery, and Studio Humelim.
Graphic Design Intern, Decor Maine, Portland, ME
Worked closely with Art Director on editorial print and digital design including pattern design, advertising, social media, photo editing, and header and layout design.
Graphic Design Intern, Pica, Belfast, ME
Worked closely within a small design team on research, logo conception, wire framing and mock-ups for web, print collateral for promotional materials, and an in-house print and web advertising campaign including illustration, ad copy creation, and animation.
Business Manager, Ferrel Tree & Garden, Jackson, ME
Responsible for all aspects of accounting/operation functions including budgeting, bookkeeping, client billing, productivity systems implementation, and tax preparation. Conceptualized and executed design for branding, advertising, and promotional materials.
SKILLS
Design: UI/UX, Branding & Identity, Information & Data Visualization, Illustration, Motion Graphics, Hand Lettering, Editorial, Book Making
Software & Web: Adobe Creative Suite, Google Suite, Microsoft Office, Squarespace, Wix, Miro, Webflow, Slack, Figma, Sketch, Procreate
Photography: Digital, Analog, Darkroom, Editing
Printmaking and Textiles: Letterpress, Screen printing, Risograph, Fashion Design, Repeat Pattern Design and Printing
Interpersonal: Communication, Problem Solving, Humor, Giving and Receiving Constructive Feedback, Collaboration, Caring & Empathy, Patience, Flexibility, Respect, Sensitivity
GROUP EXHIBITIONS
BFA Thesis Show, Maine College of Art, Portland, ME
Vote Poster Exhibition, Portland Public Library, Portland, ME Merit Exhibition, Maine College of Art, Portland, ME
BFA Exhibition, Maine College of Art, Portland, ME
AWARDS
Albert K. Murray Fine Arts Educational Fund, Albert K. Murray Grant
Department of Health and Human Services, The Higher Opportunity for Pathways to Employment (HOPE) Program
Print and Graphics Scholarship Foundation, Howard Massman Scholarship
Maine College of Art, MECA Vision Scholarship
Massachusetts College of Art, Senator Paul E. Tsongas Scholarship
ACTIVITIES
Board Member, Timelines Community, Inc. A non–profit corporation dedicated to the communication of history in oral and written traditions, through storytelling, poetry, music and film. Duties included planning and organization of events and volunteer projects, fundraising, and design of marketing and advertising materials.