Vanessa Schaefer
President & Creative Director
Clockwork Designs
How did you get into designing and what made you pick to focus your clientele on professional services?
As long as I can remember, I have loved to draw, paint, sketch, sew, arrange flowers, cook, bake/decorate cakes… Anything creative. In college I was a fine arts major (with an emphasis on printmaking) and a minor in creative writing. My printmaking classes inspired me to find a job right after graduating at an ad agency. From there I eventually founded my own agency, Clockwork Design Group, Inc, in 1994 with my partner Mike Fleischner. Originally we focused on technology clients, but developed a strong following of professional service clients over the years. I enjoy working with law firms because the way we market services is so much more conceptual than selling products.
What is your favorite aspect of LMA New England?
The people! I have made so many great friends through LMA over the years, and met so many smart women (and men too!) and learned so much. LMA is a wonderful group that I am so grateful to be a part of. I have to thank Beth Cuzzone of Goulston & Storrs for introducing me to LMA many years ago!
If you had a superhero power, what would it be?
I'd love to have superhero Ninja skills so I could win American Ninja Warrior. I take kick-boxing classes, but in my head I'm always a LOT more coordinated than I am in real life!
What is something people would be surprised to learn about you?
I was a DJ in college and had a show on the school's radio station, and actually had a Mohawk for a short period of time as well. I was quite the punk rocker!
What is your favorite travel destination and why?
I went to Italy recently with my husband and friends to celebrate my birthday, and absolutely loved it. The combination of sophisticated cities with amazing fashion, culture, and awe-inspiring art, with breathtaking countryside, and delicious food — it was heaven!
If you could live in any other period of time, when would it be?
I don't think I'd be too happy going back in time. I'd miss my iPhone too much. So, I guess I'd give the future a go, but that's a gamble — I might hate it!