Meet Isabel Webre

We’re excited to introduce you to the always interesting and insightful Isabel Webre. We hope you’ll enjoy our conversation with Isabel below.

Isabel, thank you so much for taking the time to share your lessons learned with us and we’re sure your wisdom will help many. So, one question that comes up often and that we’re hoping you can shed some light on is keeping creativity alive over long stretches – how do you keep your creativity alive?
I keep my creativity alive through curiosity. I really believe that being curious is one of the greatest gifts a person can have. For me, design is a daily reminder of that—it constantly challenges me to see things differently.

I don’t think creativity should be measured by results or by how much someone has produced. Instead, it’s about how much someone has explored, experimented, and even failed along the way. That process of trying and learning is what keeps creativity growing.

While studying for my Master’s degree in design, I worked on a year-and-a-half-long thesis that could focus on any topic, as long as it included a full business model and visual communication system—logo identity, website, social media, everything. I had just finished my undergraduate degree and had very little work experience at the time, so I used the project as a way to explore which area of design I wanted to dive deeper into.

I’ve always had a thing for magazines. It started as a weekend routine—going to the newsstand, browsing covers that caught my eye, and discovering stories that stuck with me. Over time, magazines became a huge source of inspiration for type treatments and photo concepts. So for my thesis, I decided to explore what a magazine could look like in 2025—a world where digital media dominates. It became a study in how print and digital storytelling can coexist.

Thanks, so before we move on maybe you can share a bit more about yourself?
I’m originally from Louisiana, but I moved to New York for school and have been continuing my career here ever since. I work as a freelance book designer—creating covers and layouts—and as a brand designer, helping businesses reshape their identities to reflect their growth.

Recently, I started a new role at PEOPLE Inc. as an Associate Art Director. I’m part of an amazing design team working on the PEOPLE App, which launched earlier this year, designing editorial content. It’s been such a great mix of modern-day editorial work, which actually ties back to what I explored in my thesis on the future of magazines.

A lot of my curiosity and ideas come from everyday things outside of design. I love watching TV shows, listening to podcasts like <i>Smartless</i>, <i>The Run-Through With Vogue</i>, and <i>Print is Dead (Long Live Print!)</i>, going for runs, and cooking new recipes at home. Those moments away from work usually end up inspiring me the most and remind me why I love working in design—it’s about finding connections in the unexpected.

Overall, I’m drawn to thoughtful, editorial-style design that blends storytelling and strategy. Whether it’s a book, a brand, or digital content, I love finding ways to make it intentional and connected to how people experience stories today.

Looking back, what do you think were the three qualities, skills, or areas of knowledge that were most impactful in your journey? What advice do you have for folks who are early in their journey in terms of how they can best develop or improve on these?
I think one of the biggest things that has helped me is being able to connect with people. I’m not afraid to reach out to someone I admire or ask for help when I need it. Design is such a collaborative field, the community is smaller and more supportive than you’d think. Writing that first message can definitely feel scary, but hitting send is always the best part—it’s that moment of putting yourself out there and knowing you’ve done what you can.

Another thing that’s been important for me is trusting my gut. Listening to myself and doing what I love has guided so much of my path. A lot of people questioned my interest in print and editorial design, especially with everything being so digital now, but sticking with what excites me most has helped me build a career that actually feels like mine.

And honestly, I’d say the third thing is just being open to learning. I’m still early in my journey, so I’m figuring things out as I go. Every project teaches me something new—whether that’s a skill, a process, or just a better way to work. I think staying CURIOUS (that’s the key!) and adaptable has been one of the most valuable things so far.

To close, maybe we can chat about your parents and what they did that was particularly impactful for you?
I wouldn’t be where I am without my parents. They’ve always been my number one support system—encouraging me not to take the easy road and reminding me to keep pushing myself. They’re the people I want to make proud, the first ones I want to share my accomplishments with. They’re my biggest fans, but also my biggest critics, and they challenge me to be better every day. They’re the best role models a girl could ask for!

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Isabel Webre

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