cynthia sowder

Cynthia Sowder

LinkedIn | Instagram @cyntapottery | cyntastudio.com

Driven by a passion for people, I bring a solution-oriented mindset and a talent for simplifying complex problems through innovative thinking. I thrive in collaborative environments, value integrity, and am committed to continuous learning and growth.

WORK HISTORY

Cynta Studio 2 years 2023 – Present

As the artist and business owner, I design and create functional and decorative ceramic works. I manage all aspects of the business including website design, development and updates, product photography, online catalog maintenance, customer communication, and shipping logistics.

User Experience/Design and Research 27 years 1997- 2023

Focused on the Education and Healthcare sectors, I provided both strategic leadership and hands-on design from planning through delivery. My work spanned user research, information architecture, visual design, and resonance testing to ensure solutions were both effective and engaging.

Reqs > Data Integration > IA/Wireframe > Prototype > Research > VisD > Dev > Test > Release

Athenahealth (Director UX) 2019 – 2023 | GE Healthcare (UX Designer) 2017 – 2019 | Caradigm (Sr UX Designer) 2012 – 2017 | Microsoft (Sr UX Designer) 2008 –2012 | Consultant (Product Designer) 2004 – 2008 | Microsoft (Product Design Manager 1997 – 2004

Production Designer – Film/Video 10 years 1981 – 1991

Based in Los Angeles, I played a key role in the rise of Independent Film and MTV, managing design teams of 12 to 100+ across Art Direction, Set Decoration, Construction, Props, Wardrobe, and Special FX. I collaborated closely with directors, producers, writers, and DPs to realize creative visions on screen, overseeing all visual design elements. Known for delivering projects on time and within multimillion-dollar budgets, I successfully designed 20+ films, 30+ music videos, and numerous commercials. I won Best Art Direction for Whiter Shade of Pale, and my work has earned recognition at festivals and the Academy.

VOLUNTEER WORK

Master Gardener – WSU Master Gardener

Art Teacher – Easter Seals Washington

Developed and taught Art program to students ages 1 – 6. Created curriculum (Instructional Design), lesson plans, provided materials and onsite classroom instruction.

Art Teacher – Lake Washington School District

Taught art for the Art Smart program in the classrooms for 2nd – 6th graders. Included providing curriculum and collaborating with principal teachers on subject matter.

Classroom Aid, Diversity Committee, Marketing – The Little School

Worked in classrooms for children 4 – 12. Parent rep, taught art projects and mentored in reading, math and science. The Diversity committee brought awareness programs to teachers, staff and parents. Provided marketing services as needed.

EDUCATION

WSU

2020 – 2023

The Art Institute 1994 – 1996

AA -Animation/Multimedia, Animation (2D and 3D), Interaction Development

UCLA 1980 – 1982

Film Design and Production

Whitman College 1976 – 1979

Majors in Art and Philosophy

SKILLS

Design: Material/iOS, Adobe Creative Cloud, Sketch, Figma, Visio/Mural

Computer: Windows/MAC, Chat GPT 4, MS Office

Gardening; Working with children; Teaching

LANGUAGES

English; some French and Spanish (no longer fluent)