RYLA alum Amy Moore, formerly Amy Sowards, took a few minutes out of her day as a freelance graphic designer to catch the Informant up on her career, life with her husband in Dallas and involvement with Camp RYLA.
RI: Tell me a little bit about what you do as a graphic designer.
AM: I have been doing graphic design for over 8 years, all kinds of jobs, but finally I’m a freelance graphic designer. I work from home, most of the time, and I design logos, brochures, mailers, ads, websites, business cards, magazines, newsletters, etc. I love working for myself, plus it has helped me to come back to RYLA.
RI: Wow. Who are your typical clients?
AM: My clients are mostly small law firms, small business owners and churches. My big client is called Direct To Your Door. I’m their art director and I come and go when needed; we design custom door hangers, business cards and mailers.
RI: Do you apply things you learned at RYLA in the workplace?
AM: Of course, I have to go out and find work. It’s a 100 percent self-motivated job. I’m also an Art Director for one of my clients and I have two other designers working for me, plus five sales reps. It can get very stressful during deadline time, so I need to be a strong leader so everything doesn’t fall apart.
RI: That sounds very exciting. What impact did RYLA have on your life when you were a camper?
AM: I realized that I was a great leader, but I needed to put myself out there more. I needed to try new things and to go out for that interview or that position. It gave me that extra confidence that I needed.
RI: How does RYLA continue to influence your life today?
AM: RYLA has been with me every step of the way. It still gives me comfort and that extra boost that tells me, “You can do it.”
RI: Why do you keep coming back to RYLA?
AM: I love to see camp through the eyes of the campers, watch them change and grow in a very short time. It’s the most rewarding experience. I also love being around all the wonderful people that come back year after year.
RI: What year were you a camper at RYLA?
AM: 1997
RI: And where did you attend college?
AM: TCU, where I received my Bachelor of Fine Arts, with an emphasis on painting.
RI: Were you involved in anything specific during college?
AM: I was a Chi Omega, ambassador for the Art Department and a facilitator and camp director for the university’s orientation camp, Frog Camp.
RI: What are you favorite things to do during your free time?
AM: I love to paint and go fly fishing with my husband, Travis, who I married in 2007.
RI: Are you a Rotarian?
AM: Yes, I’m a charter member of The North Texas Pioneers.
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