Meet Victoria Demsey

We recently connected with Victoria Demsey and have shared our conversation below.

Hi Victoria, thanks for sharing your insights with our community today. Part of your success, no doubt, is due to your work ethic and so we’d love if you could open up about where you got your work ethic from?

Growing up, I witnessed firsthand the incredible work ethic of my parents, who started their own business when I was young. Watching them pour their hearts and countless hours into building something from the ground up taught me the value of hard work, perseverance, and dedication. Their commitment to their dream wasn’t just about the business; it was about creating a better future for our family. Whether it was late nights, early mornings, or juggling challenges with grace, their determination left a lasting impression on me. Today, I carry that same drive into everything I do, knowing that success comes not only from talent, but also from the relentless effort and passion they modeled for me.

Thanks for sharing that. So, before we get any further into our conversation, can you tell our readers a bit about yourself and what you’re working on?

When I was fifteen, I painted a portrait of my family. By their polite smiles and suppressed giggles, I realized painting might not be my calling. Determined to explore other creative outlets, I downloaded Photoshop—and my journey into design began.

To be honest, the first several years were tough. I wasn’t great, and I knew it. The frustration of knowing I was capable of more, but feeling stuck was overwhelming. However, two pivotal moments helped shape me into the designer I am today.

The first was interning with a wedding and stationery design duo. Immersed in their creative process, I learned the nuances of the wedding industry and discovered how bold and unique stationery design could be. It wasn’t all neutrals and elegant script fonts; it could be vibrant, personal, and entirely reflective of a couple’s vision.

The second was attending the Chicago Portfolio School after college. Surrounded by inspiring instructors and peers who shared my creative drive, I finally found my stride. Their guidance helped me uncover my potential, and for the first time, I felt confident in my abilities and direction.

Over the next nine years, I worked across various industries as a graphic designer and art director. While there were moments I loved, I began to feel unfulfilled, creating designs that didn’t resonate with me. It became routine, and I longed for something more meaningful.

I’ve dreamed of owning my own stationery design business for as long as I can remember, but fear of failure held me back. This year, I decided to take the leap. Leaving the security of a steady job and benefits was terrifying, but I knew it was the right step toward pursuing my passion.

While my business is still in its early stages, I’ve been focusing on creating Canva templates for wedding stationery and themed party invites to build a portfolio. It’s been rewarding to see my designs come to life, and I’m now ready to take on custom orders. Starting this journey has been both thrilling and humbling, and I’m so excited to finally live out my dream as a stationery designer.

There is so much advice out there about all the different skills and qualities folks need to develop in order to succeed in today’s highly competitive environment and often it can feel overwhelming. So, if we had to break it down to just the three that matter most, which three skills or qualities would you focus on?

Looking back, three qualities were particularly impactful in my journey as a designer: resilience, a willingness to learn, and adaptability. Each played a critical role in shaping my growth, especially during the challenging moments when self-doubt crept in or when I felt stuck creatively.

1. Resilience —

The creative journey is full of ups and downs, and resilience helped me push through the times when I felt like I wasn’t good enough. For the first several years, my work wasn’t where I wanted it to be, and that was frustrating. But instead of giving up, I reminded myself that growth is a process, not an instant result.

Advice: Give yourself grace. Embrace the fact that every creative starts somewhere, and improvement takes time. Set small, achievable goals and celebrate your progress along the way. Surround yourself with people who inspire and encourage you to keep going.

2. Willingness to Learn —

One of the biggest turning points for me was recognizing that I didn’t know everything—and that was okay. Interning for a wedding stationery duo and attending design school opened my eyes to new techniques, trends, and possibilities I had never considered.

Advice: Stay curious and never stop learning. Seek out mentors, take classes, and immerse yourself in environments where you can learn from others. Don’t be afraid to ask questions or experiment with unfamiliar tools and styles. Growth happens when you step outside your comfort zone.

3. Adaptability —

Over the years, I worked in various industries as a graphic designer and art director. Each role taught me something new, and being adaptable helped me thrive in different environments and explore new creative paths. When I launched my stationery business, I realized that my previous experiences—though unrelated at times—gave me the skills to pivot and find solutions.

Advice: Be open to change and embrace new opportunities, even if they don’t seem directly aligned with your goals. Every experience adds to your toolbox of skills and perspectives. Learn to see setbacks as opportunities to pivot or grow in a new direction.

For those early in their journey, my biggest advice is to trust the process and stay patient. Building skills and confidence takes time, but each step forward, no matter how small, adds to your growth. Stay resilient, seek out learning opportunities, and adapt as you go. Your journey will be uniquely yours, and that’s what will make it so rewarding.

How can folks who want to work with you connect?

Absolutely! Collaboration is one of my favorite aspects of being a creative, and I’m always open to partnering with like-minded individuals and businesses. I’m particularly interested in collaborating with:

1. Wedding Planners and Event Coordinators – If you’re looking for custom stationery or unique templates for your clients’ weddings, bridal showers, or parties, I’d love to create designs that complement your events perfectly.

2. Fellow Designers and Creatives – Whether you’re a graphic designer, illustrator, or calligrapher, I’d love to explore opportunities for co-branded projects, design bundles, or creative workshops. Collaboration can bring fresh ideas and energy to our work!

3. Small Business Owners – If you need branding materials, custom stationery, or themed party designs to elevate your business, let’s create something that reflects your unique vision.

4. Influencers and Content Creators – If you love hosting parties, weddings, or creative events, we could team up to showcase custom stationery or themed party designs for your audience.

If you’re interested in collaborating, I’d love to hear from you! You can reach out via:
– Email: victoriademseydesign@gmail.com
– Social Media: @victoriademseydesign
– Website: victoriademsey.com

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.victoriademsey.com
• Instagram: @victoriademseydesign