About

Thoughtful design, from first idea to finished product.

Studio Sally is a design practice for user experience, product design and illustration, for teams who care about the details.

Kate Hester, smiling, in a pink top

About Kate

Hi, I'm Kate.

I'm a multidisciplinary UX Product Designer and Illustrator, passionate about helping people turn ideas into reality. Using strategy, creativity, and human-centered thinking, I create experiences that are as functional as they are visually compelling.

I hold a BA and MA in Journalism (digital media and media management) from UGA's Grady College, along with a Certificate of Entrepreneurship from Terry College of Business. That intersection of business and storytelling led me to co-author papers on entrepreneurship education and leadership at the Association of Leadership Educators conference, and to collaborate on a poster at the International Leadership Association conference on the Innovation Intelligence Index.

Most recently, I served as Director of Digital Media and Strategy at Cecilia Russo Marketing, leading brand-driven digital experiences for a diverse client portfolio. This was a role that gave me the confidence to pursue UX and product development full time.

I also offer custom pet portrait paintings. Every pet has a personality worth preserving, and I love helping owners create something they'll treasure for a lifetime.

Outside of work, my community is my greatest joy. I am happiest around my people, and that genuine curiosity about others is what drives great design.