Today we’d like to introduce you to Risa Auger.
Hi Risa, can you start by introducing yourself? We’d love to learn more about how you got to where you are today?
I grew up in California and started my family there, always dreaming of bigger, wider spaces to live, explore, and enjoy life. While the beach still calls to my heart now and then, I have to say, that whole “everything is bigger in Texas” thing really is pretty wonderful.
My love for creativity started early, shaped by my mom, inspiring dance teachers, and encouraging high school art instructors. One thing led to another, and I was blessed to enroll in a small graphic design program with a handful of incredible professors who showed me that art could truly become a living. For me, graphic design has always been about storytelling. How scrapbooking, ballet, painting, interior design, drawing, and a love of music all blended into a design career, I’m not entirely sure. But here we are, and I love it.
A four-year degree, several years working at a commercial printer, and a handful of corporate marketing and brand management roles built the strong foundation I now use to run my marketing boutique. When I first started, computers as a design tool were just becoming a thing. I saved and saved for my very first Mac, a cute one that actually swiveled. Seeing how far the industry has come since then has been incredible.
Originally, I dreamed of working in the music industry, following in the footsteps of one of my favorite professors. Today, my work includes magazines, branding, websites, content creation, signage, brochures, advertisements, and more. That said, a little piece of me would still love to design an album cover, so if you’re a musician, let’s talk.
I’m sure it wasn’t obstacle-free, but would you say the journey has been fairly smooth so far?
Are any of life’s roads truly smooth? Not at all!
Working in corporate marketing taught me quickly about the ups and downs of the creative field. Creative teams are often the first to be “downsized,” “right-sized,” or whatever term is trending at the time. Over the years, I became very good at failing forward. Each transition forced me to learn new skills, meet amazing people, and discover new opportunities.
My career ladder may have had a few extra rungs on it, but by the last couple of corporate roles, I felt genuine peace. At my final exit meeting, I actually hugged the HR representative. I knew, deep down, that whatever came next would be
better.
That time was different because my husband encouraged me to finally try full-time freelancing, something I had talked about for years but never quite had the courage to pursue. I started with three clients, and the business has grown year over year. Looking ahead, my goal is to continue expanding and step into hiring a junior designer to support the growing workload.
Thanks for sharing that. So, maybe next you can tell us a bit more about your work?
I’m the founder and creative director of RMA Design, a boutique marketing and design studio focused on helping businesses build thoughtful, cohesive brands that truly reflect who they are. I specialize in branding, graphic design, marketing strategy, and content creation, working with clients across industries who want clarity, consistency, and purpose in how they show up.
What I’m most proud of is the long-term relationships I’ve built with my clients. Many come to me feeling overwhelmed or unsure of how to communicate their message. Together, we create design solutions that feel aligned, approachable, and intentional.
What sets RMA Design apart is a balance of creativity and strategy, paired with a calm, collaborative process. I care deeply about listening well, serving with integrity, and creating work that feels both beautiful and meaningful. My goal is always to bring peace and confidence to the process, not pressure or noise.
Can you tell us more about what you were like growing up?
Growing up, I was a lot like I am today, just with less coffee and wine fueling my social life. I loved spending time with family, whether it was a big celebration or a simple beach picnic. My parents were big on long car rides, so summer vacations often felt like rolling classrooms filled with history, museums, ruins, and campfire meals.
I learned pretty quickly that while camping is fun, cabins are even better. That sense of adventure stuck with me, though. I still love discovering new-to-us cities, enjoying live music, meeting new people, and celebrating life’s milestones.
I spent much of my childhood in the dance studio, with dreams of becoming a professional dancer until high school, when I joined the swim team. I was also active in church youth group and choir and even attempted to play the bells for a short time. I was not good. To this day, I can confidently say the Salvation Army bell ringers are far more talented than I ever was.
Pricing:
- Pricing is based on the clients needs, timeline, and budget. While I base by project prices on an ideal hourly rate, I find that giving a full project price simplifies the billing process for everyone.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://risaauger.com
- Instagram: @risaauger.graphicdesign
- LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/risaauger/
Image Credits
Please credit Jessica Sondra Photography for my profile image. All others are mine.
