We had the good fortune of connecting with Vicky Gouge and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Vicky, what do you attribute your success to?
Lots of failure and relentless dedication to achieve my goals.

Alright, so let’s move onto what keeps you busy professionally?
I graduated with Art/Journalism degree and received my teaching certification. I’ve always loved teaching/mentoring and was a high school teacher where I taught art, yearbook, photojournalism. During this time I was forced to learn how to layout the yearbook using adobe pagemaker and photoshop. This was the beginning of my graphic design journey. After I decided to move on from teaching, I sought a position as a graphic designer and my career began to take off. Transitioning from teaching to corporate America wasn’t easy but I quickly grew my knowledge and skillset. While working as Art Director for real estate title company, I managed a department with 7 other designers. However, in 2004 the Texas Dept of Insurance mandated that Title Companies couldn’t provide marketing resources to their clients. We had 30 days to shut down the department and launch Full Moon Design Group. I knew there would still be a need for marketing resources. The start up wasn’t easy. Unlike many new business owners, we started busy but didn’t have the operational infrastructure in place. Our phones barely worked, we didn’t have a courier solution in place to deliver print packages to clients, and we worked from my home trying to navigate a balance between the business and home. I quickly learned to surround myself with experts who could help me optimize operations. Along the way I continued to change and modify systems and processes to make my job easier, run more efficiently, and save money. I still do that today. Technology changes rapidly and so do tools to create more efficient processes. I never stop looking for ways to evolve. I always attribute success to many failures along the way and wouldn’t change that. I am most gratified when I see a clients excitement after I’ve helped them launch their new brand for their company. I feel that my commitment to my clients success = my success which is the foundation of my brand. There’s a lot of noise in my industry and it’s my goal to help my clients navigate through the muck.

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
I’m lucky that I live close to Bishop Arts in Dallas. The culture is diverse here and there’s plenty to do including, shopping, eating, drinking, and hanging out. I would also take them to Deep Ellum where there’s lots of arts and culture.

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
The students who helped me learn graphic design on the computer when I was a high school teacher in the 90’s. Special thanks to my boss and mentor, Brian, who encouraged and supported me to start my company in 2004. And, all my clients who I’ve worked with throughout this journey.

Website: https://fullmoondesigngroup.com/

Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/vickygouge/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/fullmoondesign

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