- Resilience
- Perseverance
- Growth Mindset
- Creativity
- Empowering Others
- Self-taught
- 20 Years Experience
- Visual Design
- UX/UI Design
- Front-end Development
- Creative Direction
- Human-Centered Solutions
My Journey
From Adversity to Achievement
My path to design wasn't traditional. It was forged through resilience, determination, and an unwavering belief that hard work can overcome any circumstance.
Humble Beginnings
I grew up in an unsupportive household where skipping school was the norm and we moved monthly. From an early age, I learned that hard work is essential to survival. By 15, I was living on my own and working to support myself.
Finding My Path
At 16, I landed my first real job at a large Los Angeles print company, where talented in-house designers became my mentors. What started as assisting with print layouts quickly evolved into something much bigger.
Rising Through Leadership
Through dedication and natural talent, I progressed from assistant to leading multimillion-dollar client projects, eventually overseeing the entire creative department as Creative Director. I later became Director of Marketing & Promotions for an Inc. 500 company.
My Vision & Values
What Drives Me Forward
Whether through growing my own studio or shaping design at a world-class company, I'm committed to building a future where I lead impactful, creative work.
"Driven by resilience and a passion for growth, I'm earning my Bachelor of Science in User Experience Design while building a future where I lead impactful, creative work. Whether through growing my own studio or shaping design at a world-class company."
Stephen Fitzgerald - Vision Statement
Core Values
- Resilience: Overcoming challenges with determination
- Growth Mindset: Always learning and evolving
- Creativity: Finding innovative solutions to complex problems
- Empowering Others: Supporting team growth and development
- Honesty & Humbleness: Authentic leadership and collaboration
My Passion
Design isn't just what I do - it's what drives me. Whether I'm sketching interfaces, optimizing user flows, or shipping full web builds, I wake up every day excited to learn, create, and grow through each project. UX and design let me build things that matter - and I can't imagine doing anything else.
Current Chapter
Surefire Studios & Beyond
Today, I'm a creative director and self-taught designer with 20 years of experience, known for blending visual design, UX, and front-end development into seamless, human-centered solutions.
Surefire Studios
I launched my own design + development studio where I manage everything from client strategy to execution across web, UX, and brand. This allows me to work with diverse clients and continue pushing creative boundaries.
Continuous Learning
I'm currently pursuing my Bachelor of Science in User Experience Design at Western Governors University, with plans to graduate within the next 1-2 years. This formal education, combined with my 20 years of hands-on experience, represents my commitment to both practical expertise and academic growth - driving my evolution as a designer and leader.
Human-Centered Design
My approach combines visual design, UX research, and front-end development to create solutions that truly serve users. Every project is an opportunity to solve real problems and make a meaningful impact.
Final Thoughts
Reflection
I've come to realize that life isn't about what you can get from it—it's about what you can give to keep growing. This philosophy fuels my work, driving me to create impact and contribute meaningfully, knowing that true growth comes from investing in others and in the world around us.
Teamwork makes the dream work,
Let’s build your next project together!
