A billion people on the planet don’t have access to clean drinking water. As Director of Design and Branding at charity: water, Viktoria Harrison is working to change that. Tired of fueling retail desire working for clients like Coke and American Express, Viktoria joined the non-profit at its inception four years ago and now leads all creative work. Viktoria’s unexpected and impactful communication materials include everything from the orginzation’s website and print ads to gala wall exhibitions. Her designs have already helped charity: water bring clean water to over 1 million people. Learn more about this influential designer in her 10 ANSWERS below.
1. How would you describe your work in three words?
Water changes everything.
2. Who is your creative role model?
Paula Scher. And my friend Chuck Anderson.
3. If you had an extra hour each day what would you do with it?
Run.
4. What place in the world most inspires you and why?
Ethiopia. It feels like a different world… from the times of Moses and Abraham… very epic. I go back in time when I’m there, and it just reminds you of how big and vast the world really is. And it’s quiet and simple… completely opposite of NYC.
5. If you could do a different job for a day what would it be and why?
Customer service rep. They can literally make or break your day. I always find it amazing when I get a great customer service representative. They make me feel like there are still decent people in our world. And it’s an amazing challenge because by default people expect you to be grumpy, and then when you go out of your way — its so unexpected and memorable.
I’d also be a flight attendant for a day. For the same reason. Or a food delivery person. I’ve had some grouchy ones lately.
6. What is your favorite homemade gift to give?
Cards. I used to refuse to give store-bought cards when I was younger because I thought I was an artist and store-bought cards were beneath me. So all my girlfriends got hand-made cards. But now spending time on hand made cards is beneath me. Just kidding. Sort of.
7. What is your favorite object in your home?
This may sound silly, but it’s our big Crate and Barrel farmwood table. We got it on sale.
8. What is the best advice you’ve ever received?
I’ve recently been given the amazing privilege of leading my own little team. I have a designer and a video blogger/copywriter.
The advice I learned recently about working with people is find what gives people “Life”, and then do everything in your power to make Life happen for them. It’s the opposite of “control people, get results, demand accountability etc. etc.” Just do what you can to make people feel alive in their jobs, and the rest will fall into place. I’m not good at this yet, but I’m trying. Thanks, Ray East.
9. What websites do you use for inspiration?
Styleboost, Dribbble, Seth Godin.
10. When do you consider a piece of your work complete?
When more people get clean water because of it.
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