I’m  Ciara Pickering-Foote  — designer, illustrator, storyteller, and the creative superhero behind Smug Pug Ink, where bold ideas meet a little bit of glitter, grit, and graphic design magic.

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I specialize in turning wild ideas into visual experiences that stick. With a BFA in Graphic Design, an MFA in Media Design, and a not-so-secret love affair with branding and marketing, I’ve built a career crafting creative campaigns and visual identities that blend bold personality with thoughtful strategy. My recent projects include developing city-wide campaign materials for Seattle’s Department of Education & Early Learning, designing youth safety initiatives, and creating accessible community outreach tools that help programs connect with real people — not just audiences.

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But here’s the part you won’t find on a resume: I’m a lifelong maker. I grew up sewing costumes before I could spell aesthetic, spent my teen years in the theater wings, and dove headfirst into fine art, film, comics, and illustration. I also spent several years performing burlesque — designing, sewing, and rhinestoning every costume myself — and toured and performed in festivals across the country, celebrating body positivity, storytelling, and the art of performance. I’ve edited indie films, designed surreal visuals, and even dabbled in VFX and makeup artistry. Who knows what I'll tackle next, but I have always been intrigued by tattooing...

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Of course, Smug Pug Ink wouldn’t exist without my studio assistants and resident muses — Porter and Dolly, my two pugs with more personality than most people. They keep me company through late-night design marathons, quality-check every sketch (read: sit on them), and remind me daily that creativity should be joyful, messy, and full of snacks.

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At Smug Pug Ink, everything I create is rooted in creativity, heart, and a bit of mischief. Whether I’m designing a brand that stands out, crafting a surface pattern that makes you smile, or sketching my next pug-themed masterpiece, I’m here to make bold, beautiful things that connect.

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So if you’re after someone who thinks big, works hard, and brings serious creative energy — let’s make some magic together.

 

— Ciara