Who the heck is Lisa Leick? And how do you pronounce that last name?
Hello! My last name is pronounced "like". Crazy easy, isn't it?
I grew up in central Wisconsin near a tiny town called Stratford on a large dairy farm. My first job involved lifting hay bales bigger than me (ok, so I pushed and rolled them) and scooping manure. The calves didn't seem to appreciate the latter part.
After a whirlwind of adventure living in places like Missoula (MT), Glendale (CA) and Waterloo (IA), and a tiny moment in Firenze (IT), I ended up back in my beloved home state of Wisconsin. Currently, I frolic in the countryside, waking up to a drunk rooster and listening to the cows come home.
In 2006, I acquired a Bachelor of Fine Arts degree in Communication Design at the Milwaukee Institute of Art & Design (MIAD). Sparked by an internship that blossomed into a chocolate company startup, I gained invaluable insight and roll-up-the-sleeves experience. Trials and tribulations, along with a weak economy, unfortunately lead to the demise of the chocolate company. Life lessons gained. Opportunity awaited. From there, I built a successful career as a Graphic Designer and Art Director within the food & beverage industry. My production skills and client-relationship-building gained traction at a small ad agency with internationally known clients, such as the JM Smucker Company and Tyson Foods. On-the-job experience gifted me with a more intuitive, strategic approach to building brand stories that resonated with targeted audiences. Side work for the Fine Chocolate Industry Association–a nonprofit chocolate organization–provided an extra fix for moments of sweetness.
After much hard work, in 2020, I earned my Master of Science degree in Information Design and Strategy, a visionary online program gaining traction at Northwestern University (IL). I currently freelance full-time and volunteer with the Ozaukee Washington Land Trust (OWLT).
In 2021, I was awarded the opportunity to participate as an artist in residence for the ARTservancy program operated by Gallery 224 in Port Washington, Wisconsin. This yearlong residency focuses on the creative process and work of each artist (twelve total) assigned to a specific nature preserve. My residency focuses on the Biehl Nature Preserve at Lake Twelve and the potential preserve Cedar Gorge Clay Bluffs. Final pieces will be on display at Gallery 224 in 2023.
My love and respect for nature has blossomed in the past couple of years. This has culimnated in a desire to record and document everything I observe. For the duration of 2022, I am volunteering and monitoring a trail camera for Snapshot Wisconsin, a citizen science program in partnership with the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources.
As the creative mind ever churns, I am always enthusiastic for more opportunities to learn from my peers and incite a little hope in everyone I meet. Education and accessibility for everyone is truly the key to a more promising future for us all.
Craving more? View my professional work or contact me for more creative conversation. You may also find me on Instagram and LinkedIn.
Thank you!