MEET CARLIE
— graphic designer, artist, photographer, videographer, & actor, just to name a few.
Fun Facts
born and raised in the Chicago suburbs
video game lover from a young age
wants to be cool like her big brother & sister
loves existential questions
dreams of owning a horse ranch
Outside of design, you may find Carlie…
enjoying a hot beverage
catching up on SNL
smothering my cat with love
practicing my newest monologue
calling my friends
at the farmer’s market
basking in the sun
trying a new coffee shop
laughing at cat memes
watching a sitcom
staring blankly into space
MY MISSION
As a creative solution specialist, connection and empathy are the core of my work. I aim to simultaneously captivate and delight each viewer by combining rich artistic character with the utility of design. My passion lies in using my creative skills to give others confidence in their own passions, and I advocate for everyone to embrace their own creative side as a means of practicing mindfulness and building community. I am a collaborator who is willing to meet a client where they are and develop ideas into a graphic identity that is invigorating, unique, and personal.
what's diem?
what's diem?
My full name is Carlie Danielle Merola, and “Diem” comes from my initials, “DM” . After discovering that Carlie Diem sounds like Carpe Diem, I made it my brand name.
My brand is all about mindfulness and connection, which is the definition of carpe diem: “make the most of the present time.”
My Design Recipe
Preheat oven to 350°.
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My work always begins with thinking empathetically. After all, graphic design is for people. I consider intended and unintended audiences to make my designs accessible and inclusive.
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I create work that stops people in their tracks. My designs are unique and playful, tapping into the wonder of a viewer’s inner child.
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Design is most memorable when it is not just seen, but experienced.
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Because design should be FUN.
Stir until fully combined. Bake for 30 minutes. Let cool completely. Enjoy.