There’s some tail wagging excitement at the Loading Dock. Yellow Dog Creative recently became a member and brought a burst of color into the Wake Forest location. Owner Julie Schmidt has an impressive pedigree too! In this Loading Dock Member Spotlight, find out why Julie decided to pack up her downtown Raleigh office to become a Loading Dock Member.

1. Who are you and what do you do?

Julie Schmidt, graphic designer and owner of yellowDog : creative. yellowDog is a design studio specializing in graphic design in all shapes and forms, branding and illustration. We love brands – digging into them from logos on paper to branded spaces and events. 30 years as a graphic designer. Started the studio in 2009. Graduate of NCSU College of Design.

2. How did you learn about The Loading Dock?

I went to an event at the Beryl Road location with a colleague for an event and really loved the space. Once I moved to Wake Forest, I started trying out the space on the days I didn’t go to my office in downtown Raleigh. I was looking for a space where I could meet other people and wouldn’t be in my office alone every day. I really loved working at The Loading Dock with my other designer. I inquired about having my own space there after a few months and officially moved in September.

3. What do you like best about The Loading Dock?

I love having my own office suite and still getting to interact with other people working in the main open space (garage doors open on pretty days!). I see some of the people regularly and new people daily. I also work late or odd hours and I feel comfortable coming to the space any time. As in introvert (mostly) it has helped me be in a safe place to introduce myself to people. Just saying hello at the coffee station or grabbing lunch from the fridge helps me to feel more connected to my community. I spend many hours at a computer a day and it’s nice to be around other people working, talking, cooking, having a beer… Bonus: I bring my sneakers and can take walks around downtown Wake Forest for some great time outside.

4. What amenities are the most attractive? (conference rooms, coffee, beer, networking, classroom space, private office space, etc...)

Since moving my office to Wake Forest, I love still being about to work at locations in Raleigh. I held a meeting at The Dock location as it was more convenient for everyone attending. As a suite member (not sure what this is called), I get credits for conference rooms, which is great! They were even baking cookies in the kitchen that day. What could be better than starting a meeting like that? Also, I also love the phone booths for calls that need extra focus and trying new ciders on tap each month.

5. How has The Loading Dock help you and your business grow?

I like to have an office outside of my house, so The Loading Dock is the perfect solution. My business has changed so much over the past fifteen years, and so has my need for office space – size, location, etc. I have made myself introduce myself to people I see at the

space (there is that introvert again) and it’s nice to see friendly faces. This interview is one of the rewards for getting out of my comfort zone. Thank you, Sloane! That is encouragement to keep on doing it.

I notice that when I am at The Loading Dock I am really focused on work and that can be a challenge some days. Business has been really busy over the past few months and I think that focus is why! It’s an exciting time, especially to be thirty years in and still loving this work.

6. What was the inspiration behind designing your space?

Christine asked if I had a color, and I do! Gulfstream is a great backdrop to all of the yellow things I have… So many fabulous gifts from clients and friends. The neon sign is one of those gifts. Artwork too. Each piece has a special meaning and it’s fun to get to put it in one place. It inspires me to look around and see things I love. My office used to be three big rooms, so paring down has been a fun challenge.

7. Why would you recommend The Loading Dock?

My office has changed many times over the years – from my house to historic spaces to office building. At this time in my business, it feels right to be in the suite and have the option to be in the common space co-working. In addition, I love the ease of the business side of having a suite at The Loading Dock. From moving in, to paying rent, it’s all so easy! AND, you get the option of being in three locations. It’s perfect for yellowDog.

Would you like to be featured in a Member Spotlight? Let us know!