Hi, I'm Hillary!
strategic designer, creative lead, and the person you call when something needs to come together.

I ask the questions, pull from the strengths in the room, and keep personal preference out of it. The work isn't about me. It's about the client and what their customer is actually buying.

Designer + Creative Leader.

I've spent 20+ years paying close attention to what people respond to and what actually works.

Working together

I work like an extension of your team — without the onboarding, the ramp-up, or the hand-holding.

I know how to work within a brand and push it when it needs pushing. I've led teams, pitched concepts, built collections, and pulled in the right collaborators when a project calls for them. I work fast, think big, and handle feedback well.

Whether you want to hand something off or think it through together, I'm here for both.

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  • 1 on 1 consulting

    Let’s talk shop. Let’s figure out what’s working, what’s not, and what’s next.

    I’ll help you see what’s possible and how to get there.

  • Design Collaboration

    Already have a vision? Great. Send me your sketches, mood boards, or scribbled notes—and I’ll bring them to life with a designer’s eye and a strategist’s brain. The result? Work people want to pick up, share, and buy.

  • Creative Team Support

    Need a fresh set of eyes or a quick-turn design lead? I can step in seamlessly—boosting your team’s bandwidth without slowing things down.

Let'S WORK TOGETHER

Client Testimonials

If I were to choose a designer to create a project for me, I would choose Hillary Barney without hesitation. Truthfully, I did choose Hillary! Despite my having a Master's Degree in Graphic Design and a successful design career, Hillary possesses a unique talent for design creation that consistently exceeds my expectations.


I met Hillary while working for Making Memories, a scrapbook and crafts company. We had a strong design team, including Hillary, who was a talented designer and a fun person to work with.
Anyone needing brilliant design work will love working with Hillary Barney.

Gigi Merrill - owner, Oh, for the love of dogs.

Working with Hillary at Creative in Progress has been an absolute pleasure. Her visionary approach and meticulous attention to detail not only inspire innovation but also ensure every project is executed flawlessly. I appreciate Hillary’s ability to blend creative artistry with strategic thinking, making each collaboration a rewarding learning experience. Thank you for all your work—our collaboration is not only productive but also inspiring, and I’m looking forward to many more creative ventures together!

Shazam Naseer - Dats Entry Specialist

Got questions? I’ve got answers.
Here’s what people usually ask before working with me.

What kind of design do you do?

I specialize in graphic design, surface pattern design, illustration, and creative strategy—especially for home, gift, stationery, and kid-focused brands.

Do you take on freelance projects or collaborations?

Yes! I love teaming up with good people on projects that need a smart visual touch.

What types of clients do you work with?

I’ve designed for brands like Shutterfly, Camelbak, and small creative businesses. I’m especially great at working with teams who have strong design direction,

Can I hire you to design a pattern or collection?

Absolutely. I create repeat patterns and illustrations for licensing, packaging, textiles, and more.