Hallie Mitchell’s journey into the world of design wasn’t exactly conventional. As the founder of Vivid Design Studios, a thriving Portland-based creative agency, her path has been one of unexpected turns, relentless ambition, and a deep commitment to the local creative community.
Mitchell’s interest in art and design took root early, though not without its hurdles. “I got kicked out of art school in like fifth grade,” she recalls with a laugh. It wasn’t until high school, under the mentorship of teacher Jeff Bell, that she realized she had a real knack for visual arts. “He asked me, during my freshman year, if I wanted to join AP Arts.” That push led to pre-college programs and, ultimately, an early start at Maine College of Art & Design (MECA&D).
Originally set on painting, Mitchell had no idea what graphic design entailed until a chance conversation changed everything. “One of the regulars at the bar I worked at, Ken Murphy, was a graphic designer. He told me, ‘You should take a graphic design course.’ I did, and I found I had a knack for it.” That realization led to an internship at Ethos Marketing, which quickly evolved into a junior designer role while she was still in school.
Mitchell’s passion and work ethic soon opened doors beyond Maine. One of her most formative experiences was working under a mentor, Drew Hodges, whose projects spanned Broadway productions and large-scale entertainment branding. Hodges was an adjunct professor at MECA&D, and Mitchell was determined to work under him. “I got really motivated,” she says. “When everyone else was submitting one to three designs, I’d be submitting three to five.” That hustle paid off, landing her opportunities to work on high-profile campaigns in New York City, including a branding project for the Michelangelo’s Sistine Chapel exhibit at the Oculus and several Broadway shows.
But despite the allure of big-city projects, Maine called her back. Mitchell launched Vivid Design Studios in 2020, which quickly became a go-to agency for local businesses and national brands alike. “I was getting a lot of new clients,” she says of her early days as a freelancer. “I got to the point where I realized I couldn’t do it on my own anymore.”
Vivid has since grown into a tight-knit, all-female team, something that happened organically but has become a defining part of the company culture. “It wasn’t intentional, but it’s a really comfortable environment for everyone,” Mitchell explains. “We’re super transparent with each other, and my team has been so supportive in growing this business with me.”
Her agency has left a mark on Maine’s visual landscape, working with brands like Oakhurst Dairy, Gifford’s Ice Cream, and Portland Old Port. One of her most visible contributions is the illustrated mural on Forest Avenue for Oakhurst.
Being a woman in the design industry hasn’t always been easy. “At first, people doubted that we could do it,” Mitchell admits. “I had to really validate my work. I’d think to myself, ‘I’ve literally done all this Broadway work, what more do you want from me?’” But as Vivid’s reputation has grown, she’s been able to let the work speak for itself.
Looking ahead, Mitchell sees both challenges and opportunities in the industry, particularly with the rise of AI in design. “We’re fully embracing it, but not to the point where it’s doing the work for us,” she clarifies. “We still give it a lot of art direction.”
Her advice to aspiring designers? “Stay organized, set up your systems early, and intern or work somewhere first so you have something to base a business off of.” As she expands her studio and brings on new talent, Mitchell remains committed to both her craft and her community. “There’s just something about Mainers. We get each other.”
“When everyone else was submitting one to three designs, I’d be submitting three to five."