Meet Andi Sigsbey | Graphic & Web Designer / Intuitive Art Facilitator

We had the good fortune of connecting with Andi Sigsbey and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Andi, what led you to pursuing a creative path professionally?
Honestly, I think creativity has always been a part of me. I come from a long line of artists—musicians, quilt makers, and basket weavers—people who used their hands to tell stories, to create beauty, and to make something out of nothing. So in many ways, this career path feels like a continuation of that lineage.

My academic background is in the humanities—I studied Anthropology at Auburn University and Geography at Appalachian State, where I first started making maps. I loved the challenge of taking complex information and distilling it into something clear, visual, and meaningful. That was my first real taste of design, and I realized that what I loved most wasn’t just the data or the analysis—it was the creative process of shaping ideas into something people could engage with. That love for design eventually led me to branding and web design, where I now get to do the same thing in a different way: helping people visually communicate who they are and what they stand for.

At first, I stepped into this work out of necessity. I needed a career that gave me the flexibility to care for my family while still being creatively engaged. I didn’t have a clear roadmap—I just knew that I wanted to create something that felt meaningful, something that allowed me to explore ideas, experiment with design, and help others along the way. What started as a way to make things work turned into something so much bigger. Over time, I found myself drawn to the stories of small business owners, artists, and creative entrepreneurs who were passionate about what they were building but struggled to bring their vision to life in a way that felt true to them. I realized that was where I could help—not just by designing logos or websites, but by creating visual identities that feel like home, that reflect the heart of the business behind them.

Alongside my design work, I also guide people through intuitive art facilitation, helping them reconnect with creativity in a way that’s free from pressure or perfectionism. Creativity isn’t just a tool for branding—it’s a tool for healing, for self-discovery, for letting go of expectations and simply enjoying the process. Whether through workshops or one-on-one sessions, I love helping people break through creative blocks and rediscover the joy of making, just for themselves. It’s deeply fulfilling to hold space for that kind of exploration, to see someone’s eyes light up when they realize they don’t need permission to create.

I love working with people who are dreamers and doers, the ones who are building something deeply personal, often from the ground up. There’s something incredibly rewarding about taking someone’s raw idea and shaping it into something tangible, something that truly feels like them. I’ve worked with ceramicists, beekeepers, nonprofit leaders, lawyers, and outdoor brands—each one completely unique, yet all driven by a deep sense of purpose. My goal isn’t just to create something aesthetically beautiful, but to craft a brand that resonates, that tells a story, and that helps my clients step more confidently into their work. Watching that transformation—seeing the excitement when they see their brand come to life, when they finally feel seen and understood—that’s what keeps me coming back to this work. It’s about so much more than design; it’s about giving people the tools to show up fully, to take their business to the next level, and to step into the story they were meant to tell.

Alright, so let’s move onto what keeps you busy professionally?
At the core of everything I do—whether it’s branding and web design through Etowah Creative Co. or the intuitive art work I do with The Compass Wild—is creativity, and connection. I’ve always been drawn to work that feels alive—a little imperfect, a little offbeat, something that carries personality and a human touch. I don’t create just to follow trends; I want my designs to feel like a natural extension of the person or business behind them.

That’s why I love working with creative entrepreneurs. They’re building something deeply personal, something filled with passion, and my job is to help bring their vision to life in a way that feels truly them. Whether I’m designing a brand with hand-drawn elements and whimsical details or creating a website that feels like a welcoming home, I want their story to shine through.

And then there’s The Compass Wild, which is a whole different side of my creative work but still deeply connected. As a certified therapeutic art facilitator, I help people reconnect with creativity—not for productivity, not for perfection, but for themselves. Art and design have always been healing for me, and I love guiding others through that process, whether it’s breaking free from creative blocks or simply finding joy in making again.

Getting here has been a journey. In the early days, I said yes to everything, worked obsessively, and constantly wondered if I was good enough. Over time, I learned to trust my instincts, focus on the work that actually lit me up, and lean into what made my designs and approach different.

One of the biggest lessons I’ve learned is that perfection is overrated. The magic is in the quirks, the hand-drawn lines, the human touch. The best work doesn’t come from obsessing over every tiny detail—it comes from leading with heart, listening closely, and creating with intention. Whether I’m helping a small business tell its story through design or guiding someone through an art experience, it’s always about connection.

More than anything, I want people to know that creativity isn’t just for ‘artists’—it’s for everyone. It’s for business owners trying to shape a brand that feels true to them. It’s for people who think they ‘aren’t creative’ but just need permission to explore again. It’s for those of us who have been told to do things the ‘right’ way when really, the best work happens when we let go of the rules a little.

Through Etowah Creative Co., I help creative entrepreneurs bring their vision to life in a way that’s uniquely theirs. Through The Compass Wild, I help people reconnect with their own creativity in a way that’s freeing and joyful. No matter what I’m creating, my hope is that my work reminds people that their story matters, their voice has a place, and they absolutely have permission to embrace the messy, beautiful process of bringing something new into the world.

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
If my best friend was visiting, we’d spend the week soaking in the best of Western North Carolina—good food, time in nature, and plenty of creativity.

We’d start with coffee at Cup & Saucer, then head into Pisgah National Forest for a hike and a swim in the Davidson River.
We’d get a canoe and paddle down the French Broad River, followed by tacos at White Duck Taco and a Sunday Sauna Social at The Drip—nothing better than the sauna, cold plunge, and live music to unwind. A picnic dinner on the Blue Ridge Parkway at sunset would be the perfect way to end a day.

We’d make time for creativity, maybe a clay class at Brevard Clay or visiting the galleries in downtown Brevard and Asheville. Meals would be a highlight—Pisgah Bakehouse for wood-fired pizza and Chai Pani for Indian street food. We’d take a night to camp at Upper Cove Creek, cooking over a fire and stargazing.

Western North Carolina is full of amazing places to visit and things to do, but the best part? Just slowing down and sharing it all with a good friend.

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
Oh, where do I even start? My success isn’t just mine—it’s intertwined with the incredible people I’ve had the privilege of working with. I wouldn’t be where I am without the creative entrepreneurs, small businesses, and organizations that trust me and collaborate with me to bring their visions to life.

I want to give a huge shoutout to some of my recent clients, who are each doing meaningful and inspiring work in their own right:

MK Clayworks – A talented ceramicist creating minimalist, timeless pottery. I worked with MK Clayworks on her website, ensuring her beautiful work has a digital home that reflects her pottery. mkclayworks.com

Bee. Honey & Hive – A brand dedicated to sustainable, high-quality honey and hive products. I had the pleasure of crafting their branding, bringing their story to life with visuals as rich as their honey. beehoneyandhive.com

The Family Place – A nonprofit organization creating a supportive community for families. I worked with them on their branding and website to make it easier for families to access resources and events. thefamilyplacenc.com

Pisgah Pet Treats – A brand focused on providing natural, farm-sourced pet chews. I worked on their branding to highlight their commitment to sustainability and high-quality products. pisgahpettreats.com

Each of these clients is pursuing something bigger than just a business—they’re building something that matters, something that makes a difference in their communities and beyond. It’s an honor to be part of their journey, and I’m constantly inspired by their passion, dedication, and creativity.

Beyond my clients, I also want to recognize my creative lineage— artists, musicians, and makers—who showed me that creativity isn’t just a hobby, it’s a way of moving through the world. Their influence is in everything I do.

And of course, my family—who have supported me every step of the way, reminding me why I do this work in the first place.

Website: andisigsbey.com, thecompasswild.com

Image Credits
Kaelee Denise Photography- www.kaeleedenise.com