About Boni

              For Boni Russell, freelancing her creative services provides the best of both worlds.  “I love the freedom and flexibility of being on my own.  Many of my clients are also my friends, and I like to think we’re working together, not that I’m just working for them.”  She considers the strategic marketing and advertising firm, MediaFit, one of those client/friend relationships.  “I’ve known the people at MediaFit for a long time and was the artist that created their logo when they were first getting established.”  Today, she’s an important asset to the MediaFit team, providing graphic design support in whatever way needed.

              Russell started her design career at the Samet Elson Advertising Agency where she began as a staff artist.  When the firm was bought out by Tatum Toomey Whicker, she earned the title of art director and continued to work for them until the birth of her son prompted her to consider freelancing.  “By that time, I understood the process but needed to balance my work and home life more efficiently.  Freelancing gave me that opportunity.” 

              Russell has lent her expertise to many companies and organizations, including Hospice, Hanes, Kreeber Graphics, and Drexel Heritage.  For Drexel, she worked on the Walt Disney Signature Collection.  “That project was a great experience, and I’m honored to have my name associated with it.”  And of course, she has an ongoing relationship with MediaFit where she has designed corporate pieces for local businesses, as well as created branding material for members of the medical community. 

              Russell’s creative talents started at a young age.  Even in elementary school, she excelled at art and drawing.  “When I was little, other kids would ask me to draw pictures for them.”  She laughs.  “I mean, I drew a horse with two legs like other kids, but I guess they looked better than the average two-legged horse.”  She continued this education into high school, taking art and also drafting.  She considered going to college for drafting but decided she wanted to keep the creative side intact.  “I liked the technical aspect of drafting, and that’s why I chose graphic design.  It combined the technical with the creative.” 

              Russell characterizes herself as practical—another benefit for her clients.  She not only generates concepts but analyzes the effectiveness, shelf life, and economics of the idea.  She believes some of her design abilities are God-given but also recognizes how important it is to listen to the client.  “It’s not about money but buying into their dream.  My reward comes from seeing my customers happy and successful.”  She relies on recommendations to get projects and establish her reputation.  “You can’t put a dollar value on word of mouth,” she assures me.

              When she’s not working, Russell enjoys scrapbooking, horseback riding, or just relaxing at home with her two kids.  “Keeping my house in order and my children on a schedule provides me with peace of mind.  It’s important when you’re mixing career and home the way I do.” 

Her other goals for the future include staying in the design field and continuing her relationship with solid companies like MediaFit.  “As I build my reputation, I become more selective in my clientele.  But even if I had enough money to retire, I’d still remain engaged in creative activities.  I love what I do.”  For Boni Russell, success is about doing what you want, the way you want to do it. 

Biography written by: Carrie Graves