I am many things. I am co-owner of DVQ Studio. I am a graphic designer. I am a communications strategist. I am a singer/songwriter. I am a musician. I am a social change junkie. I am an entrepreneur.

This may seem like a random collection of roles and interests, but I consider it living by design. Each of these roles influences and enhances the others. Living intentionally, outside the typical silos, helps me ask deeper questions and push for smarter ways of living and working.

Starting DVQ Studio in 2006 was the ultimate way to live and work with this kind of intention. I began the company as a one-woman show, after working for over five years in the nonprofit sector. Today, I’m surrounded by a like-minded team, and together, we’re helping many organizations think differently about their work.

As a communications strategist and graphic designer, I work with clients to ask the right questions, help them identify their organization at its deepest core and then communicate that through graphic design and communications.

As a social change junkie, I work to leave this world a little better than I found it. Our work at DVQ Studio is exclusive to non-profit organizations and businesses with social purpose. Our goal is always to help clients connect their organization’s mission to action-to create meaningful change.

As a singer/songwriter/musician, I put my soul on paper – good and bad – as a means to express myself. I recently started a blog to document my songwriting process from start to finish. Writing, performing, recording and collaborating with my bandmates and other musicians feeds my soul.

As an entrepreneur, I am constantly questioning the status quo. Is there a better way? How do we get there? I’m on a quest to integrate life and work in a balanced way and bring more meaning to both.

Learn more about my experience on my LinkedIn profile, check out my band the Icicles at www.theicicles.com and my songwriting blog at www.gretchendevault.tumblr.com, or catch up with my latest happenings on Twitter