Today we’d like to introduce you to Rachel Wunderlich.
Hi Rachel, thanks for sharing your story with us. To start, maybe you can tell our readers some of your backstory.
My creative journey began when I was five, and my grandmother introduced me to the book The Very Hungry Caterpillar. Something about the book’s cover… the way a few funky and abstract shapes came together to form an image, captivated me. I hadn’t yet learned the concept of Gestalt Principles, which I would later study in college as a graphic design major, but this moment was one of many that sparked years of artistic exploration and experimentation.
Over the past twenty years, I’ve practiced drawing, painting, photography, screen printing, sculpture, graphic design, and more recently: zine-making and film photography.
After a few years in corporate graphic design roles, I decided to open my own interdisciplinary creative practice, STUDIO RAE, where I have the great privilege of partnering with clients on mission-driven projects that positively impact people individually or collectively.
Owning my own business has given me the unique flexibility to pursue more personal work, including my upcoming “Year on Film” project, where I’m shooting one roll of 35mm film each month and developing them all at once after the new year. It’s a process that highlights beauty in delayed gratification, analog methods, and candid storytelling. I’ve also started distributing zines locally, most notably, “Toxic Workplace Bingo”, which has received great feedback from the community.
Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
Earlier this year, I started a new job that seemed like an great opportunity.
Unfortunately, it ended up being the most toxic work environment I have ever encountered. I gave it my all, but ultimately found myself feeling burnt out and defeated, regularly working 10-hour days full of unfulfilling work, while putting up with off-the-charts drama, tension, and unclear expectations. It drained my creativity and left me questioning my career choice all together.
The experience was difficult but ultimately empowering. It became a catalyst that pushed me to reevaluate what I truly wanted out of my career. I spent a few weeks working on, and distributing “Toxic Workplace Bingo”. When messages started flowing in from readers describing how seen, heard, and empowered they felt, and asking for more copies to give their friends, I knew I was getting something right.
I determined three guiding values that I would focus on in any future professional endeavor. One main goal and two supporting ones. It looked something like this: “I will only do work that makes the world a better place” and “Ideally this work should have space for thoughtfulness/intention, and be enjoyable!”. I also decided that I would be ruthless about making time for my hobbies and personal goals regularly, even if sometimes that meant only a few mins each day.
This experience is what lead me to open my own business, which has been extremely fulfilling, and one of my favorite learning experiences in my career so far.
Alright, so let’s switch gears a bit and talk business. What should we know?
STUDIO RAE is an independent interdisciplinary creative studio crafting bold and thoughtful solutions for visionary clients. I work in a wide range of mediums to partner with clients in their goals.
What do you like best about our city? What do you like least?
I love Orlando. I love that we still have a strong community of local small businesses and creators. I also love the number of amazing coffee shops and dessert spots that can be found all over the city.
Contact Info:
- LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/rwcreative/
