Hello

I like to make things look pretty. 

I have always joked that's what my job description is but it's so much more than that! I love to create, to learn, to be a part of something that can change things for the better. And if I can make it look good too – well that's an added bonus!

 
 

Katie Cooper Bussell
Owner, Lemon Life Design LLC

I went to art schools.

  • BFA – emphasis in graphic design & photography

  • Arkansas State University, 2005

  • Lorenzo d'Medici Academy, Florence, Italy, 2003 – Art History & Photography

I worked at a fashion corporation.

  • 2005-2009

I started work at Dillard’s Inc. right out of college in the Visual Merchandising department as a Graphic Artist and was later promoted as the Fashion Photography Coordinator, giving me a strong base for art direction, photography production, fashion and teamwork. 

 I went back to art school.

  • Drury University, 2009 – Masters of Fine Arts program: Studio Art & Theory

In 2009 I decided to revisit my fine art background and joined the graduate degree program at Drury University focusing on Studio Art & Theory. A professor encouraged me to create a self portrait every day of the semester. That art study taught me several life lessons.  

I was an Art Director at a magazine.

I studied at Drury for only one semester, though, because I took the opportunity to take the position as Art Director for Inviting Arkansas magazine in Little Rock, AR. That job was one of the greatest gifts of my life. I worked for a small business with big ideas. We focused on highlighting nonprofit organizations, social events, and fashion throughout central Arkansas. I really came into myself as an Art Director there and accomplished things beyond my expectations. I had lots of big responsibilities and it was all very rewarding.

I started a business: Lemon Life.

In addition to my publication work, I decided to start a business in 2013 – Lemon Life – where I began creating & selling merchandise for the Big Dam Bridge Foundation.

I moved to Florida. Lemon Life grew.

In 2015, life brought me to Pensacola, FL when my husband & I decided to uproot our lives in Little Rock and try something new. Lemon Life gave me the platform to start working freelance full-time. Since then, I have serviced over 70 clients both in Little Rock, AR and Pensacola, FL, and continue to grow. What fun!

I am a hard working, smart, positive, passionate, persevering and creative person who likes working with people. I welcome the opportunity to talk with you about any upcoming projects or needs you may see as a good fit for us.

Here’s to creativity! – Katie

By the numbers

  • 18

    I have been working professionally with Adobe Creative Suite for 18 years.

  • 500+

    I have produced and directed over 500 photoshoots, in addition to 150+ fashion shoots.

  • 200+

    I have created 200+ publications, including magazines & books, some on a national distribution.

  • 30 / 17 / 50

    I have worked with 30+ professional stylists, 17+ professional photographers, and 50+ nonprofits.

awards + Recognition

 

Gold ADDY

2022 Print: Pensacola Symphony Orchestra 2021-22 Concert Series Brochure


Above & Beyond Award

2016 Junior League of Pensacola


Gold ADDY / best in show finalist

2013 Fashion Editorial: “Haute Americana”


Bronze ADDY

2013 Fashion Editorial: “Lightness of Being”

“I like to try and create things that matter.”

— Katie Cooper Bussell