I Am Theresa Hertling.
Sr. Design Strategist | Enterprise Account Salvage Expert | UX/UI Product Designer | Brand Architect | Design Technologist | Lead High-Value Client (HVC) Designer
With over 20+ years of experience designing high-impact digital solutions, and having spent multiple years in the massive corporate arena front-lining legal clients and later scaling my own creative agency, I bridge the gap between creative visual branding and front-end layout architecture; I focus on designing the next generation of comprehensive, unified design systems built for prioritizing user trust, accessibility, and visually compelling user experiences.
I Build Digital Strategy For High-Stakes Environments
For years at FindLaw, part of Thomson Reuters, I was the designated driver for high-value client accounts on the verge of collapsing as the one called into the room to save them. I don't just design beautiful interfaces; I build bulletproof digital strategies that protect investments, salvage broken client relationships, and fix the operational messes that others leave behind.
Whether leading creative execution for global brands or engineering custom digital frameworks for my own agency, I bring an unmatched work ethic and zero tolerance for mediocrity. If you need someone to sit in a corner and do the bare minimum, I’m the wrong person. If you need a frontline strategist to ensure your project wins, let’s talk.
Education
MCAD, Minneapolis College of Art and Design
Bachelor's Degree
(2004 – 2008)
Minneapolis, MN
Totino Grace High School
(2001 - 2004)
Fridley, MN
St. John the Baptist Catholic School
New Brighton, MN
My Roles
Senior Design Strategist
Creative Agency Co-Founder
Web Designer II & III
Associate Web Designer
Clothing Line Business Owner
TV Show Host
Marketing Manager
Senior Graphic Designer
Graphic Designer
Production Artist / Designer
Artist / Painter
Freelancer
Installer
Country Night Host
Line Dance Instructor
Front Door Security Guard
Prep Cook
How I Work
As a multifaceted professional, I thrive on challenges and possess a wealth of experience that spans various sectors. My commitment to excellence, paired with my relentless pursuit of innovative solutions, empowers me to make a significant impact in every project I undertake. I aim to collaborate with visionary leaders who want to harness the power of cutting-edge strategies and technologies, and thrive on collaborating with engineering teams to turn complex corporate vision into flawless mobile-first products.
While others hesitate, I move.
I bring a rare combination of high-level technical talent and an obsessive work ethic, fully focused on outperforming expectations, protecting the frontlines of business, and delivering an undeniable return on investment. I wake up thinking of a world I want to live in, design in, thrive in, and provide in. I don’t wake up to pass the time. I wake up to build.
I thrive on challenges.
I stride with a wealth of experience that spans various sectors and multifaceted, professional planes. My commitment to excellence, paired with my relentless pursuit of innovative solutions, stages and positions me to make a significant impact in every project I undertake. I aim to collaborate with visionary leaders who want to harness the power of cutting-edge strategies and technologies. Hold my beer.
My anxiety isn't a bottleneck, it's my superpower.
Consider it a fuel source that ensures every risk is calculated and every detail is bulletproof. I don't work for ego, visibility, presence, or an empty title. I do it because I genuinely give a shit about the quality of the world we are building, realize the security but also what I can contribute to my own family, and traject the success of the teams I frontline for. Bet on ME.
I am the most worthwhile investment in the room because I will out-think, out-work, and out-deliver the competition. Some days, I’d love nothing more than to just escape and paint pictures—but my combination of raw talent and relentless execution is too valuable to leave on the sidelines. Let's build something serious.