About

Hello! I'm Johanna (pronounced yo-hahnuh)I'm a well-rounded freelance designer born and raised in Austin, TX. I live in Madrid, Spain with my family.
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I have 14+ years professional design experience (8+ agency) and a BFA in Fine Arts from The Cooper Union in New York City. Design is more than a job to me – I enjoy freelancing for the flexibility it gives me to continue adding depth and breadth to my knowledge and capabilities.

In my free time, when I'm not hanging with my family, I like to work on personal design projects, do puzzles, make music, and bake things.

If think you'd like to work with me, or if you have a question/comment, please fill out the form.

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This is stuff I love to do→

  • Product design
    (visual, UI, UX)
  • Web design
    (visual, UI, UX)
  • UI/UX audits
    (website, apps)
  • Branding and identity
  • Illustration & lettering
  • Infographics & information design
  • Publication design
  • Consulting on any of these topics
back pats
I received a full-tuition merit-based scholarship to The Cooper Union in NYC where I received my BFA studying typography and design.
Design 4 Life
As a child I used to sell my drawings door-to-door. Later, neighbors and friends' parents commissioned drawings and designs from me.
Fun Fact
I'm an avid crossword-er. My record speed for a New York Times Monday puzzle is 2:49. I prefer Saturdays, though.
Design 4 Life
My start in print design was via Print Shop Pro in the early 90s, where I would design (but couldn't print) cards and banners.
back pats
I made the handwriting graphics for this viral video (5M+ views) and the magic mirror in it.
Fun Fact
I love learning languages and am currently working on becoming fluent in Spanish! I've also studied (but am not at all proficient in) German and French.
back pats
A Country Doctor was a featured project on Behance Typography, and I've had other work featured on Smashing Magazine, Gawker, and other design sites.
Fun Fact
Music is everything to me. Listening to it, making it, seeing it live. I'm more about the vibe than the lyrics, and listen to all sorts of genres. I always have a tab open to NTS.live.
Design 4 Life
In 6th grade I started a lip gloss business. It had a geocities website complete with comic sans, scrolling marquees, and a guestbook.
Fun Fact
I've always been interested in learning about animals of the world, especially reptiles & amphibians.
Design 4 Life
I used to create fictional magazines, products, and businesses just so I could design ads, logos, and business cards.
back pats
Many of my clients and collaborators (project and product managers, engineers) have expressed enjoying working with me. Happy to provide references!
Work ©Johanna Abzug, and I've tried to be transparent throughout re: my role in each project. Please contact me for more information if you need. Don't steal stuff.