Six Questions for Cameryn Berridge

Get to know Cameryn Berridge, BatesMeron’s new Junior Designer! With her love for humor, creative grit and passion for design, Cameryn is right at home as a member of our team.

I interviewed Cam as part of our 6 Questions feature: a series of one-on-one interviews with people we work with who make us proud. Sometimes I like to turn the tables and put our own staffers in the hot seat, so you not only get to meet them, but also see just how special our team really is.

1. We like to kick these interviews off with a little Spill the Bees. From a card drawn randomly: If you could be a part of any TV family, which would you choose?

Not Family Guy, they were toxic. Probably the Addams Family, they were weird but at least they loved each other.

2. You’re brand new to Chicago! What are you loving about the city so far?

The food, hands down. Peruvian is my favorite, but if I had unlimited cash, I’d try a different restaurant every day. I also love the art, culture, and architecture, as well as the different festivals going on each weekend (Saint Patty’s is one of my favorites). I’m from Des Moines, Iowa, which I still love, but everything here is just – MORE.

3. You’re also new to agency life. What made you choose BatesMeron as your first design gig?

I was recommended by a friend who served as a stellar designer here at BatesMeron (Katie Baird @bambibloodlust – she’s a queen). When I saw the quality of work BatesMeron was putting out, I had literal goosebumps. I also fell in love with our bee-themed branding. I’m a big fan of bees, and nature in general. The people here made me feel at home in this new city. To be able to work alongside great designers makes me feel a sense of pride every day. On the agency side of things, I love the variety of brands we get to work with, as well as the wide array of projects to tackle. It can be daunting at times, but knowing I have the support of our experienced team gives me full confidence to tackle any new projects that come our way.

4. Aside from design, what else did you consider doing professionally?

I’ve been all over the place, but always art. I’ve been interested in comics, screen-printing, painting, animation, 3D modeling, illustration, and concept art. I always knew I wanted to do art but choosing that one thing was always the tricky part. That’s what I love about working at a creative agency, the ability to wear many hats and do many things. Never a dull day here at BatesMeron!

5. What are your top three sources for creative inspiration?

1) Nature is a big one. There’s so much design and math that goes into everything grown, such as shells and flowers. And the color palettes in the sky and autumn leaves are abundant. Nature gives so much, whenever I feel burnt out, I go for a good walk, which is always sure to revitalize.

2) Going to local art & craft shows and seeing local people pour their heart into their work invigorates me to create, and even join in occasionally with my own booth of goods.

3) Artists on social media. There are several artists and designers on Instagram who I look up to and draw direct inspiration from. Here are some Iowan creators because I am unabashedly biased: @Addnoisestudio @Maddyfusco @jenna_brownlee @baotpham

6. What are your hobbies outside of the world of design?

I’m kind of boring, I get done designing and go right into drawing. Some other things I enjoy are thrifting, weightlifting, watching scary movies, exploring venues around town, longboarding, hiking, collecting cool rocks and bones, and spending time with my friends and family.