Editor’s Note: This column is a continuation of “Life on the Hill”, a long-running feature section on various persons and locations in Richmond Hill.

In February 2024, Richmond Hill-based public relations firm Lesley Francis Public Relations (LFPR) announced Katelynn Santiago as their newest graphic designer. In her role, Santiago is responsible for creating visual concepts at the firm such as flyers, logos, promotional collateral, brochures and reports across a wide variety of print and digital platforms.

In the following Q+A, Santiago shares a bit on her background, why she enjoys graphic design, what drew her to LFPR, and the things she likes most about Richmond Hill.

This Q+A has been edited for length and clarity.

Briefly share your background (hometown, education, etc).

I received my bachelor’s degree in Landscape Architectural Studies from the University of Arkansas, and then I moved out to Savannah to go to SCAD for my Master’s degree in design management [graduated in June 2023]. Starting from my time in undergrad, I started as a graphic designer for the on-campus student-run newspaper at the University of Arkansas, and in my senior year [of undergrad] I became the lead designer for the magazine.That’s what basically catapulted me into the design world over landscape architecture.

How did you hear about LFPR and what drew you to the position?

I initially had a job as a graphic designer for an architectural engineering consulting firm, but after leaving there, I found the position at LFPR to work as their in-house graphic designer and having the opportunity to work on so many different kinds of graphic design projects [at the firm] really interested me. Everyone there [at LFPR] has been really welcoming and it’s been great fun working there so far.

Briefly describe your day-to-day work routine.

Everyday is really different! I can do everything from helping our social media manager make social media posts to making flyers for clients such as the City of Port Wentworth or for events for non-profits like Mary’s Place [of the Coastal Empire], for example. A big part of my job is being able to work with folks who may not be familiar with graphic design and figure out what they want out of their particular project.

What do you enjoy most about your field?

Working with the clients at LFPR, I enjoy creating work with meaning and figuring out what a client wants for their business or organization. I don’t like making content for the sake of making content–I want the work to have meaning and for the work to be meaningful for the client.

What do you like most about Richmond Hill?

So far, I love the food scene here! I’ve yet to be disappointed by anything I’ve eaten here. Two of my favorite spots in town are Midtown Deli and All Things Chocolate.

In general, though, I really like how the city is trying to stay connected to the community and its roots even as there is still lots of growth in the area.

Outside of work, how do you like to spend your time?

I’m a member of the local adult rec rugby team in Savannah, the Savannah Shamrocks. I actually started playing after college; I played soccer my whole life but my only exposure to rugby before was [probably] that one episode of ‘Friends’! One of my old coworkers got into rugby watching her now-husband play college rugby and got “scouted” to join the women’s team–and she invited me to join in!

To learn more about Lesley Francis PR, visit https://lesleyfrancispr.com