Meet Our Panelists: Shay Harder of Narratives Inc.
It was a fun progression to get to this starting with seeing BaseCamp 59 (while out at Grand Beach), chatting with them, and then learning about Narrattives Inc. and then having a lovely meeting with Shay and now we’re here!
We are so excited to have Shay Harder (she/her) a part of our Panel for Camp Rover Conference 2024.
Here’s a bit more on Shay through a little interview to get to know her.
What is the hardest part about what you do?
Definitely weaving together all the considerations involving responsible, accessible and informed design, but not in a bad way. When you are creating something to have a positive impact on as many different people as possible, there's just a lot you have to think about. It's difficult, but that's because we're designing for people, and people are complex. If it was easy, we wouldn't be getting the most beneficial outcomes.
What is the all-time dream part of your job? The thing you still pinch yourself that you get to do? And, tell the people how often you actually get to do it.
I'm a part of paving paths that haven't really been walked yet. A lot of my work involves creating things that we don't necessarily have the blueprints for, so it's very exciting but also comes with some anxiety. And I get to be in that space almost every day, because it requires you to constantly be looking, listening, and responding to the environment. It forces you into new perspectives which expands your worldview a little bigger each time. And who doesn't like the opportunity to play with new stuff.
If you could tell your Day 1, starting a biz self one thing what would it be?
You don't have to have all the answers or every little thing perfected before you start. Setting a good foundation is all you need to build off of as you learn and grow. This gets you over that just starting hump and you can start rolling out things as the need arises.
Someone wants to get into digital design, branding or multi-media campaigns. What advice - from an expert - would have saved you a lot of time, sweat, and tears?
Figure out what your core values are, and use those to navigate who you work with. It will save you a lot of stress from working with people who don't align. And don't be afraid to say no! Quality over quantity. It is much MUCH better to work with people you know value what you do, will show you respect and you feel good about producing work for.
Fun fact about you?
I have a leaf collection that I started back when I was 7 years old and I add to it every time I visit a new place. The only thing is I wasn't all that great at remembering where I was putting them when I was little, so some times when you pick up a book at my parent's place, you might have a leaf or three fall out of it.
Fav book? Fav show? Your All-time go-to movie while working?
My favourite most recent book would have to be Goodbye, again by Jonny Sun. It's a heartfelt reminder that we are all connected through very similar human emotions. My favourite TV show has and always will be Bones, I almost went to school for forensic anthropology actually. And my favourite movie is Chicken Run, I will not elaborate on that one haha.
Any closing thoughts for the Camp Rover Community?
Really excited to get to mingle with creatives outside my own direct field, and hear their stories and insights!
