My last year of college seemed to be mostly about getting class projects done and figuring out what I was going to be doing with my life. But by the time a new semester rolled around, it’s safe to say that I was much more concerned about the fact I had no idea what I was doing with my life then about anything my classes were asking from me. My boyfriend, Jordan Becker (Art Director at SKAR), and I were both graduating at the same time from Iowa State’s graphic design program and were ready to move somewhere together to start living a “real” life out of college. Neither of us liked the idea of both of us looking for jobs all across the country and then having to make a decision based on who got a better job where. So we decided to look for a city that met the key factors we were looking for in where we wanted to live and work.

It had to be in the midwest.

I am from Wilton, a small farming community in eastern Iowa, and I didn’t want to give up that certain midwestern generosity that isn’t found anywhere else. It was also important that we were both close to our families. Plus, I didn’t want to feel like I was working in a large city, even if I was.

It needed to have a growing and innovative design community.

Especially as a young designer, it was important to me that we settled somewhere that I had the support of the community and the opportunity to grow. A place where action is happening and there is room to learn from respected members of the field, as well as the chance to be a part of that growth.

It needed to be a place to put down roots.

I’ve never been someone to make a decision lightly, or to change my mind once it is set. So it was important to me that the city we chose was somewhere that I could see myself staying for a long time. I wanted those same small town values I grew up with, but with the perks of living somewhere much larger.

In short, it needed to be Omaha.

I love that it doesn’t seem like I am working in a big city. I love that there is a bustling city and a thriving downtown just minutes and a trip across the river from the beautiful rolling countryside of the Loess Hills in western Iowa. I love that Omaha is an up-and-coming community where I could potentially make a big impact. I love that we are less than an hour from Jordan’s family, and only four from mine. And on a different note, I love that Omaha offers some of the best bang you can get from your buck in the country.

I’m excited to learn more about this community and to get to know more of its great inhabitants. Get in touch with me anytime at nathan@oxidedesign.com!