Nina Lubarsky on Life, Lessons & Legacy

Nina Lubarsky shared their story and experiences with us recently and you can find our conversation below.

Nina, we’re thrilled to have you with us today. Before we jump into your intro and the heart of the interview, let’s start with a bit of an ice breaker: What’s more important to you—intelligence, energy, or integrity?
All are essential for success, however integrity is definitely #1 for me. In my work, this looks like transparency about pricing and expectations, clear boundaries and honest, compassionate communication. I want my clients to feel seen and respected while also knowing how to show up as a team. I value professionalism, but not in an overly formal, stuffy way. I focus on connecting with my clients on a genuine, human level while keeping the task and timeline clearly in sight. To me, the process should be clear, timely and enjoyable too!

Can you briefly introduce yourself and share what makes you or your brand unique?
As a brand and graphic designer, I’ve guided over 60 clients to find their humm through soulful, purposeful brand design. But long before I founded my own business, I had a varied and seemingly nonlinear path winding through sustainability, farming and conservation industries. I led the sustainability strategy for a reclaimed wood company, worked as a farm-to-table chef, lived and worked on a regenerative farm, traveled the world, and attained a bachelor’s degree in conservation from UC Berkeley focused on sustainable agriculture and forestry. After gathering all of those diverse experiences, I channeled my energy into helping industries and people doing good through intentional design.

Now, with Humm House Art + Design, I craft vibrant, authentic visual identities for purpose-driven companies and solopreneurs who want to share their values and meaningful stories with their audience. Through thoughtful, human-centric branding, I help brands cultivate meaningful connection and wellbeing for people and the planet.

My clients often share that they feel truly seen when working with me — a reflection of the deep listening and genuine compassion I bring to every project. To me, the process is just as important as the final product, so I guide my clients through every step to make the journey as enjoyable and stress-free as the outcome. After all, who says work can’t be a little fun?

Oh and did I mention that I also sell my own original artwork, paint murals and teach block-printing workshops? My goal through all my creative endeavors is always the same: to bring soulful art into the world and help others feel inspired, connected, and seen.

Okay, so here’s a deep one: What breaks the bonds between people—and what restores them?
A loss of respect can quickly weaken the bonds between people. Whether it stems from miscommunication, mismatched expectations, misguidance, or neglect, it never feels good to feel disregarded — personally or professionally. For me, “walking the walk” is everything. If someone talks the talk but doesn’t show up when it matters most, trust begins to erode. Restoring connection comes from consistently showing up in times of need, taking responsibility for our actions, minding each others boundaries and genuinely caring about the other person’s wellbeing.

Trust and respect are the foundation of any successful relationship. In my work, that means communicating clearly about expectations and timelines, approaching stressful moments with patience and curiosity, and remembering that each client is a whole, multifaceted human beyond the project we’re working on together.

What fear has held you back the most in your life?
Oh fear, I know you well!

I have long struggled with an assortment of fears, including fear of rejection, fear of failure and fear of judgement both personally and professionally. My fear of rejection kept me from sharing the most vulnerable parts of myself, convincing me I needed to be “perfect” instead of simply human. That perfectionism, in turn, held me back from starting new projects or sharing artwork. I didn’t want to risk failing, so I didn’t even begin.

Fear kept me from experimenting, from discovering, from expressing some of the best parts of myself — the ones I once thought were weaknesses but, when embraced, became my greatest strengths. Learning to name my fears, lean into vulnerability, and acknowledge whatever outcome came my way completely shifted things for me.

I still feel fear when I try something new or step outside my comfort zone. The difference is, now I tell myself, “just try.” I choose curiosity over fear. Whatever the outcome, I know I’ll walk away having learned something that will shape me for the better.

Sure, so let’s go deeper into your values and how you think. What’s a belief you used to hold tightly but now think was naive or wrong?
I used to believe that designing the best work alone would make me a successful designer. Now I understand that success comes just as much from communication, client relationships, and organization as from the deliverables themselves. Running my own business has taught me that SO much of life—and work—is about growing and nurturing relationships.

Okay, so let’s keep going with one more question that means a lot to us: Are you doing what you were born to do—or what you were told to do?
I’ve always believed I was meant to be a creative. Whether in the kitchen, the garden, or behind a computer designing brands, I thrive when I’m faced with a challenge and need to find a creative solution—especially when constraints push me to think in new, unexpected ways.

Most people who knew me in school probably thought I’d end up in the sciences—and in fact, that’s where I started. No one in my family was a creative by trade, so I was forging a completely new path. There was no roadmap, no clear guidance—just a strong pull toward freedom, self-direction, and the desire to build something for myself.

Contact Info:

Image Credits
Mattie O’Neill Photography
Milk & Peonies

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