We had the good fortune of connecting with Summer Walter and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Summer, what was your thought process behind starting your own business?
The thought process behind starting my own business was driven by a desire to set my own schedule. In 2019, I was laid off from a non–profit organization somewhat out of the blue. After sending my resume to what felt like hundreds of job applications, I felt extremely frustrated by the recruitment blackhole of 9–5 culture. This frustration prompted me to move into a van with my partner and three dogs to re-group, cut down on living expenses, and have an adventure. I loved the spontaneity of living nomadically, and realized that if I wanted to have a flexible lifestyle that allowed me pursue my creativity, I would need to start my own business.

Alright, so let’s move onto what keeps you busy professionally?
My company, Summer Sun Design, provides bespoke visual solutions for your creative projects. I approach each design like a puzzle. I combine the client’s information, my own research, and brand archetype philosophy into a custom visual solution. I thrive at helping brands find their personality, and it brings me joy to provide a final product that they are proud of.

Visual design can take many forms. Most of the time it encompasses graphic design for print and web applications. However, it can also include fine art–like painting or collage, 3D/sculptural applications, or audio/visual solutions. My artistic style is clean, not overly detailed, and ever-evolving. I’ve been told that my style evokes late 90’s animation mixed with modern art.

Any places to eat or things to do that you can share with our readers? If they have a friend visiting town, what are some spots they could take them to?
I pride myself as being rather spontaneous, which means I don’t like to over-plan. One of my favorite activities is to put my finger down on a map, travel to that location, and see/eat/drink my way around like a local to the best of my ability. If my bestie were visiting Arizona, I’d probably show them the local landscape by driving them to Naco, Mexico for tacos, stop for a hike around Cochise Stronghold, and finish up with a craft beer at The Brewery at Tirrito Farm in Willcox. Lots of people go to cities when they travel, but I like to see what lies outside city limits!

If we stayed in the city, I’d show them the Tucson botanical gardens, eat some fantastic tacos at Rollies, Aqui con El Nene or Los Tacos Apson, and tour the local craft beer scene with visits to Westbound, Motosonora Brewing, and Crooked Tooth Brewing (to name a few of my favorites). I’d also probably try to sneak in a round of disc golf at one of Tucson’s many disc golf courses!

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
My partner, Andy, has been my biggest cheerleader. Support and encouragement from him and my family has been extremely valuable. Starting a business is as frustrating, or perhaps more-so, than looking for a job; and I am fortunate to have a family to lean on. In addition to family, I would like to extend a big shoutout to the friends, businesses, and organizations that have put their creative needs in my hands. Without them, I wouldn’t have Summer Sun Design.

Website: www.summersundesign.com

Instagram: @summersun_discgolf

Image Credits
Headshot by Shua Photography

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