I’m a freelance designer and artist with a BFA in Fabric Design from the Lamar Dodd School of Art and a Certificate in Personal and Organizational Leadership from the Terry College of Business. My practice is shaped by my dual identity as both an artist and a designer, and by a deep curiosity about how ideas move between concept, process, and finished work.

Over the past few years, a range of experiences has gradually shaped how I think about design. Summers spent interning in New York City introduced me to the pace and rhythm of both interiors and apparel, while studying art in Italy on academic scholarship offered time to slow down and observe more intentionally. Each environment brought a different perspective, adding new layers to how I approach my work. My participation in the Institute for Leadership Advancement at UGA further reinforced my belief that creativity and leadership are deeply connected. They both require curiosity, adaptability, and a willingness to take risks.

These experiences continue to inform my art, which is rooted in experimentation and process. I’m drawn to working across mediums. Whether creating large-scale mixed media paintings with integrated fabric samples, developing watercolor-based prints, or exploring weaving and screen printing, I value the tactile, hands-on nature of each process. It is through this act of creating that I’m able to investigate new themes, reflect, and translate ideas into work that moves fluidly between disciplines.

Freelance Artist & Designer

CAPPIE HOUSTON MAY

My biggest inspiration comes from the wide range of media I consume every day, whether that is the books I am reading, the podcasts or audiobooks I listen to, the movies I watch, or even Vogue articles I browse for their imagery. I am constantly gathering visual and narrative influence from the world around me. I am endlessly fascinated by art history and design history, and I love digging into the stories, movements, and cultural shifts that have shaped design. That curiosity continually pushes me to evolve as a designer. Art and design allow me to interpret all of this information in a way that feels innovative and fresh. In my own work, screen printing and block printing play a central role. I am drawn to the tactile, intentional quality of these techniques, where every mark and every layer matters. The rhythm of printing, the imperfections that emerge, and the hands on nature of the process all shape how I approach design. For me, it is not just about the final piece, but about the process itself, the history behind the techniques, and how they continue to inform contemporary design thinking.

Condensed Resume

Education

Bachelor of Fine Arts, Concentration in Textile Design, Lamar Dodd School of Art at the University of Georgia

Athens, Georgia | Graduation 2026

  • Certificate in Personal and Organizational Leadership- Terry College of Business

  • Presidential Scholarship Recipient

  • Morehead Honors College Student

  • Phi Beta Kappa

UGA Cortona, Study Abroad

Cortona, Italy | Summer 2023

  • Studied Art History, Painting, and Drawing.

  • Cynthia Yavinsky Art Scholarship Recipient

Experience

Coco Shop, Print Designer

New York City, New York | June 2025 -August 2025

  • Designed the first original prints since the brand’s restart. Hand-drawing all designs, layouts, and colorways.

  • Helped oversee production in the garment district, contributing to silhouette design, providing insight into fit and construction.

  • Attended meetings focused on wholesale, B2B, and B2C strategy and brand collaborations.

Maison Venu, Intern

New York City, New York | Summer 2024

  • Contributed original artwork to in-house designs as well as brand collaborations.

  • Oversaw redesigning and constructing the brand’s office, ensuring alignment with company aesthetics and functionality.

  • Supported marketing efforts by creating engaging social media content and curating personalized gift boxes for interior designers and potential wholesale buyers.

Lamar Dodd School of Art, Teaching Assistant

Athens, Georgia | August 2024 -December 2024

  • Chosen by the Chair of the Fabric Design Program to instruct students on screen-printing techniques and practices.

  • Prepared instructional materials and provided additional support by meeting with students outside of class to answer questions and offer guidance.

Cappie Houston May, Independent Designer and Artist

2020- Present

  • ·Executed diverse creative projects for clients, delivering custom artwork, illustrations, and designs tailored to unique needs.

  • Produced artwork for charity, supporting medical research and underprivileged causes, with all proceeds dedicated to charitable organizations.

  • Partnered with small business and non profits to produce design work aligned with brand identity and values.

Skills

Adobe Creative Suite, Asana, Screen Printing, CAD, Patternmaking, Surface Design, Weaving, Dying Fabric, Sewing and Construction, Mood board Creation, Color and Concept, and Microsoft Office.