Illustration credit: Stephanie Smith — stephsmithart.com

I wanted to quarterback the Denver Broncos as a child. Instead, I’ve worked as a community newspaper reporter, an audio journalist, content designer, UX writer, and a GED teacher for people experiencing homelessness.

Comics:

It turns out every one of those jobs prepared me to create comics. As a storyteller, I see myself as an ambassador of empathy. My work lives in the quiet portrayal of life and relationships, with a hint of magic or the absurd.

UX writer and content designer:

With more than a decade of experience shaping digital content experiences, I’ve helped brands like Foot Locker, Walgreens, Sears, and Michaels connect with customers by making the experiences feel human.

Tidbits:

I snapped a board with my forehead during my Tae Kwon Do black belt exam, finished a half-marathon (barely), and won a Smiths/Morrissey karaoke contest.

These days, I buy too many Criterion Blu-ray discs. I walk the streets of Chicago way too fast, but I’ll stop to flip a penny to the heads position. Why? To give a stranger good luck.

And I still cheer for the Broncos to this day.

Clients:

WBEZ (91.5) Chicago / Vocalo.org / Foot Locker / Walgreens / Michaels / Sears / Pepperdine University / University System of Georgia / The Business Journal / Carolina Alumni Review

Contact:

boris.hartl at proton.me