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Jennifer Tolo Pierce

Jennifer Tolo Pierce

Chronicle Books

Career Roadmap

Jennifer's work combines: Design, Business, and Communicating / Sharing Stories

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Day In The Life

Design Director

I am a member of a team of people dedicated to sharing stories and bringing them to life in a meaningful, enduring way.

Skills & Education

Here's the path I took:

  • High School

  • Bachelor's Degree

    Art/Art Studies, General

    Middlebury College

  • Bachelor's Degree

    Graphic Design

    California College of the Arts

  • Graduate Degree

    Poultry Science

    Vermont College of Fine Arts

Here's the path I recommend for someone who wants to be an Art Directors:

Bachelor's Degree: Graphic Design

Learn more about different paths to this career

Life & Career Milestones

My path in life took a while to figure out

  • 1.

    Loved writing but wanted a chance to put making art first.

  • 2.

    Decided to go into design to make a living knowing nothing about design but liking words and art.

  • 3.

    After earning my second degree in design, worked at a boutique design and branding firm.

  • 4.

    Moved across country to New York for a fresh perspective.

  • 5.

    Moved back to California after being laid off in an economic downturn.

  • 6.

    While working at another boutique design firm, decided to go for an MFA in Writing (poetry).

  • 7.

    Designed several books through the design firm for Chronicle Books. I LOVE books.

  • 8.

    Hired as Design Manager at Chronicle Books. Design, writing, art, storytelling, teamwork= dream job.

Defining Moments

How I responded to discouragement

  • THE NOISE

    Messages from Myself:

    Find that one thing and stick to it. Jack of all trades, master of none.

  • How I responded:

    One path or focus is not for everyone. Or sometimes multiplicity can be found in one place. If you're curious about many things, embrace them. Some may fall by the wayside while others begin to speak more loudly and with insistence. Listen to these voices. Try different combinations. Not all paths are A to B but all paths create opportunity and experience. Embracing my tendency towards multiple interests led me to book publishing, where multiple interests are assets, not noise.