Did you hear the one about…? Meet visual storytelling expert Sara Patillo
In The Light We Carry, Michelle Obama writes, “When we are able to recognize our own light, we become empowered to use it.” Principal and visual storytelling expert Sara Patillo helps brands do just that—shine bright and show up with heart. Inspired by Michelle Obama’s words and actions, Sara brings her own light to GA in the form of stand-up-level humor, quick wit, and wildly creative ideas that make you think, feel, and laugh.
For more than two decades, Sara has dazzled clients with stunning design and smart creative direction—whether she’s building an original photography library, laying out thought-provoking ads, or crafting brand identities that hit you right in the feels.
Sara’s passion for photography goes way back—to her childhood in Snohomish, Washington, and a couple formative years living in West Africa. “I loved spending time in the dark room watching the images slowly come into focus,” she says.
While earning her Bachelor of Fine Arts (BFA), she originally resisted graphic design. “I said no at first because I didn’t like computers,” she admits. Fast forward to today, and she’s a powerhouse designer whose photography background still shapes her work. Whether it’s a logo, brochure, billboard, social media post, or video, you’ll find her signature attention to balance, contrast, space, and unity throughout.
Sara has a sixth sense for capturing people at their best—for seeing and reflecting their light.
And when she’s on location helping clients build their own photography libraries, Sara has a special knack for capturing subjects at their best—for recognizing and capturing their light.
Despite her early hesitance with computers, Sara is now a master of the digital design toolkit—Adobe Photoshop, Illustrator, InDesign among others. Her deep expertise enables her to craft cohesive brand identities that make clients stand out. From harmonious color schemes to thoughtfully chosen typography and striking imagery, her designs reflect clients’ values and vision.
Sara excels at solving communication challenges through visually compelling designs. She has an innate ability to turn abstract ideas into visuals that speak louder than words. Whether the goal is to increase brand awareness, drive job applications, or boost sales, Sara finds inventive solutions that not only meet (or exceed) goals but also leave a lasting impression.
Her process is anything but solitary; Sara thrives on collaboration, working closely with clients, web developers, email specialists, printers, and other vendors. She ensures every piece of the project comes together cohesively, aligning with overall strategic objectives and brand guidelines.
Speaking of, Sara regularly creates brand guides for clients to ensure their internal and external design teams are all on the same page. These include direction on logo, photography, and icon usage, as well as guidance on color palette, typography, and brand applications.
When asked her best piece of design advice, Sara jokes, “Don’t use Comic Sans.”
Sara’s visual storytelling prowess extends to film; she’s an adept video producer, bringing a unique blend of creativity, problem-solving, and humor to every shoot. From early-stage storyboarding to final edits, Sara makes sure every frame supports the story. “Branding is all about storytelling, and videos are one of the best ways to tell a story,” she says. She makes the magic happen and keeps everyone laughing along the way.
In her spare time, Sara goes on adventures with her daughter, tends to the emotional needs of her anxious but adorable dog Puck, hikes with friends, checks out new restaurants, takes her boat out on Lake Sammamish, and sees as much live music as possible, especially if The Wood Brothers are in town.
