Today we’d like to introduce you to Annie Hetrick-dahm
Hi Annie, please kick things off for us with an introduction to yourself and your story.
I’ve always been drawn to express creativity through art, design, or storytelling. My professional journey started with an internship in graphic design at GUESS headquarters, where I gained valuable experience working on branding and visual communication until 2015. This early exposure to the creative industry fueled my decision to pursue a Bachelor of Architecture at Woodbury University, where I graduated in 2020.
During college, I joined Gruen Associates, where I have spent the past five-plus years working as a designer. This role allows me to collaborate on high-profile projects for luxury brands like Bulgari, Louis Vuitton, and Dolce & Gabbana, helping me grow as a creative and technical designer.
Alongside my professional work, I’ve continued to nurture my love for art and communicating ideas. I’ve showcased my artwork in a solo exhibit that explores themes of obscure emotions and surreality. I’ve also completed the first draft of my novel Oral, which merges my interest in visual art and narrative storytelling and should be published sometime this summer.
I’m focused on building a career that integrates these creative passions. My ultimate goal is to make a living from art and writing while supporting my family.
I’m sure it wasn’t obstacle-free, but would you say the journey has been fairly smooth so far?
My career has not followed a straight path, and that’s been a valuable lesson. When I switched from graphic design to architecture, I set an ambitious goal of earning my architecture license while completing my Bachelor’s degree. Fulfilling this goal while taking on 21 units a semester proved too much, and I had to adjust my expectations and sense of identity when I couldn’t meet this goal. That experience taught me to give myself grace, appreciate my progress, and listen to my limits rather than push myself with self-criticism or pressure to please others.
Balancing professional, artistic, and parental responsibilities remains challenging, but I approach it with curiosity. I make the most of my commutes on public transit by planning creative projects, writing, reading, or studying for my architecture license before and after work. What I find most compelling in balancing my interests is that by spending time doing one thing for myself daily, my progress can keep moving forward while staying interesting instead of monotonous.
I also struggle with providing financial stability to my family while investing time and resources in my creative passions. Managing my mental health alongside these commitments has reinforced the importance of small, consistent steps and celebrating personal achievements, no matter how incremental. Progress isn’t about chasing perfection but being disciplined and able to celebrate my journey along the way.
I strive to stay present, prioritize fun with my family, and lead with grace rather than pressure. Each challenge has brought me closer to what truly matters: building a life rooted in creativity, joy, and passion. While this life goal will always be a work in progress, I’m proud of how far I’ve come and excited for what’s ahead.
Appreciate you sharing that. What else should we know about what you do?
My work celebrates creativity across disciplines, blending architecture, art, and storytelling. As an artist, I’m inspired by transformation, perception, and introspection themes. My paintings reflect a fascination with the emotional resonance of space and the interplay between structure and abstraction. Through my art, I aim to create intimate, expansive pieces that spark reflection and empathy.
In addition to my visual art, I’m also a writer. My novel Oral represents a new creative challenge, crafting a raw, symbolic, and evocative narrative. Writing allows me to explore the same themes as my artwork but through a different medium, giving me new ways to express ideas about identity and transformation.
My ability to bridge different forms of creative expression sets me apart. My background in architecture and design influences my approach to art, infusing my work with a balance of precision and emotional depth. Similarly, my artistic instincts bring a sense of humanity and storytelling to my design projects, making them engaging and memorable.
I’m most proud of my commitment to honoring my artistic voice and staying curious. Whether painting, writing, or designing, I approach every project with the same question: How can this piece express a feeling that can help others feel what I am portraying and potentially see their world through this new lens? The drive to explore this question through my work fuels me.
How do you think about luck?
Luck has played a role in my life and career. I’ve been fortunate to have opportunities like my early internship at GUESS, which set the foundation for my creative pursuits in a professional setting. My current job allows me to work on some of the most expensive retail projects in the country. I have also been fortunate to know good people who support and inspire me to keep making art.
At the same time, challenges like long commutes and balancing mental health on top of work and family responsibilities can make me feel short on luck some days. However, I am learning resilience and how to appreciate progress no matter what form it takes.
Ultimately, I believe it’s less about luck and more about how often you pay attention to potential opportunities. I try to make the most of good luck, adapt to setbacks, and keep moving forward with gratitude and focus.
Pricing:
- $350 for 16″ x 20″ framed canvas painting
- $450 for 18″ x 24″ framed paper painting
- $250 for 9″ x 12″ framed paper painting
Contact Info:
- Website: https://anniehetrickdahm.art/
- Instagram: @anniehetrickdahm, @anniehetrickdahm.art
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/anniehetrick/
Image Credits
Simon Cardoza Photography
