I’m a Buffalo-based designer and illustrator who thrives at the intersection of brand strategy and storytelling. Over the past decade, I’ve led brand identity and design projects for cultural institutions, universities, and a range of clients, including Martin House, Theatre of Youth, and the Burchfield Penney Art Center, while running my own design + illustration practice. I translate strategic objectives into audience-centered brand experiences, guiding collaborative teams to deliver work that is grounded in why-based positioning. I’m passionate about inclusive design, community engagement, and mentoring emerging designers. I love exploring typography and visual storytelling, enjoy building websites and digital campaigns, and value hands-on collaboration with artists, photographers, and programmers. When I’m not designing, you’ll find me exploring art museums, designing for impact, and starting new traditions with friends.

Lillian Selby Pawloski

I’m a Buffalo-based designer and illustrator who thrives at the intersection of brand strategy and storytelling. Over the past decade, I’ve led brand identity and design projects for cultural institutions, universities, and a range of clients, including Martin House, Theatre of Youth, and the Burchfield Penney Art Center, while running my own design + illustration practice. I translate strategic objectives into audience-centered brand experiences, guiding collaborative teams to deliver work that is grounded in why-based positioning. I’m passionate about inclusive design, community engagement, and mentoring emerging designers. I love exploring typography and visual storytelling, enjoy building websites and digital campaigns, and value hands-on collaboration with artists, photographers, and programmers. When I’m not designing, you’ll find me exploring art museums, designing for impact, and starting new traditions with friends.

Available to hire

I’m a Buffalo-based designer and illustrator who thrives at the intersection of brand strategy and storytelling. Over the past decade, I’ve led brand identity and design projects for cultural institutions, universities, and a range of clients, including Martin House, Theatre of Youth, and the Burchfield Penney Art Center, while running my own design + illustration practice. I translate strategic objectives into audience-centered brand experiences, guiding collaborative teams to deliver work that is grounded in why-based positioning.

I’m passionate about inclusive design, community engagement, and mentoring emerging designers. I love exploring typography and visual storytelling, enjoy building websites and digital campaigns, and value hands-on collaboration with artists, photographers, and programmers. When I’m not designing, you’ll find me exploring art museums, designing for impact, and starting new traditions with friends.

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Language

English
Fluent

Work Experience

Senior Art Director at Crowley Webb
January 1, 2011 - January 1, 2017
Led brand strategy and design initiatives for major clients, including rebranding identities for Martin House, Theatre of Youth, the Burchfield Penney Art Center, and Central Terminal. Translated strategic planning into audience insights and positioning, and established brand guidelines grounded in objectives. Managed print and digital campaigns (e.g., Visit Buffalo Niagara and Lexington Co- op); developed environmental brand experiences; and led website redesigns for multiple partners. Oversaw budgets, negotiated estimates with freelancers and vendors, and led pitches for new business. Collaborated with illustrators, photographers, and programmers to deliver high-quality work, while fostering a culture of learning through Studio Shares and team events.
Design Lead at White Bicycle
January 1, 2017 - Present
Directed brand strategy and design across identity projects, translating audience motivations into brand messaging and creating comprehensive brand guidelines. Designed environmental brand experiences and digital/print campaigns; managed project plans, budgets, and vendor relationships; led new business pitches and maintained the studio portfolio. Fostered an inclusive, collaborative studio culture through ongoing leadership and community engagement.
Owner, Designer / Freelance at Lillian Selby Design + Illustration
January 1, 2025 - Present
Operate a design + illustration practice delivering branding, marketing communications, and design systems for diverse clients; emphasize inclusive communications, audience engagement, and thoughtful visual storytelling.
Owner / Freelance Designer & Illustrator at Lillian Selby Design + Illustration
January 1, 2017 - Present
Provider of brand strategy and design services, including identity refreshes, website design, and inclusive brand communications for cultural institutions and businesses. Collaborated with artists, photographers, and back-end programmers; produced campaigns and brand messaging rooted in audience motivations; built websites and branding guidelines; engaged in community-focused projects and pitches for new business.

Education

Bachelor of Arts, Cultural Anthropology; Art & Art History minor at The College of William & Mary
January 11, 2030 - January 9, 2026
Continuing Studies: History of Design at MICA, Maryland Institute College of Art
January 11, 2030 - January 9, 2026
Continuing Studies: Illustration at MICA, Maryland Institute College of Art
January 11, 2030 - January 9, 2026
Bachelor of Arts in Cultural Anthropology (Art & Art History minor) at The College of William & Mary
January 1, 2002 - January 1, 2006
Continuing Studies: History of Design at MICA, Maryland Institute College of Art
January 1, 2007 - January 1, 2008
Continuing Studies: Illustration at MICA, Maryland Institute College of Art
January 1, 2007 - January 1, 2008
Bachelor of Arts, Cultural Anthropology (Art & Art History minor) at The College of William & Mary
January 1, 2002 - January 1, 2006
Designer at Loyola University Maryland
January 1, 2007 - January 1, 2008
Designer at Mower Studio
January 1, 2008 - January 1, 2011
Continuing Studies: History of Design at MICA, Maryland Institute College of Art
January 11, 2030 - March 7, 2026
Continuing Studies: Illustration at MICA, Maryland Institute College of Art
January 11, 2030 - March 7, 2026
Bachelor of Arts at The College of William & Mary
January 1, 2002 - January 1, 2006

Qualifications

Add your qualifications or awards here.

Industry Experience

Media & Entertainment, Professional Services, Education, Other, Retail, Non-Profit Organization, Software & Internet