I’m Deb Pang Davis.
Sr. ux designer at Disney. Based in the Twin Cities.
Photo credit: Mike Davis
My background is in editorial design and photography. I’ve worked for newspapers such as The Globe and Mail, Copley Sun Publications, The Chicago Tribune, The Oregonian as well as National Geographic Traveler and Virtuoso Life. I’ve worked with many photographers over the years and love to see the compelling digital visual story packages published today.
In May 2020, I completed a rigorous, two-year STEM-based graduate program from the University of Miami, School of Communications earning an MFA in Interactive Media with a focus on UX and data visualization. I returned to school full-time to fill in my knowledge gaps and immerse myself in learning how to design and think about emerging technologies such as artificial intelligence and augmented reality. To further increase my understanding of the relationship between people and technology, I had the privilege of being a graduate research assistant to Dr. Barbara Millet in the UX Lab.
I thrive when I collaborate with people and work in a team. My favorite moments involve brainstorming and ideating with others. I love to understand people — listening, asking questions, observing — and the systems that impact access, behavior, authorship, inclusion, and more. I’ve made it a mission to learn all I can about website accessibility through Deque’s digital training program.
I also love to teach; helping people learn new things and figuring out ways to meet people where they are. I’ve been told I’m a connector. Read the kind things clients and colleagues say about me.
When I’m not designing, I enjoy long, conversational dining experiences, early morning walks, making happy snaps and share what I learn with others. Most of all, I enjoy road trips and cycling with my husband and camping on the sofa with a matcha latte and our dog.
What I believe …
Start with the truth. Ask questions; try to ditch conjecture.
Respect peoples’ boundaries. Compassion is connection.
Life is a constant iteration. Strive to do good work and your best work first.
Movement is health. Empathy is good design. Practice small and you’ll create big.
Down-to-Earth should be an official color.
If you hold something dear, hold it with open hands
Select awards & professional activities
2022
Board member, National Press Photographers Foundation (NPPF)
2021
Juror, POYi, University of Missouri, Visual Editing categories
Morris Berman Citation, NPPA, Trailblazers of Light
2020
Award of Excellence, Best of Digital Design, SND, Anne Sexton: Poetry Between Pain
Winner, Computation + Journalism Symposium Awards, Anne Sexton: Poetry Between Pain
2019
Longlist, Information is Beautiful Awards, The Changing Landscape of HIV
Longlist, Information is Beautiful Awards, Florida: Why Are So Many Seniors Struggling?
Best Photo Books, Photo District News Photo Annual, Sin & Salvation in Baptist Town
2017
Award Winner, Carry Me Ohio, Photo District News, Photo Annual, Best Photo Books
2016
Jury, Society of American Travel Writers Muster Photography Competition
2013
Third place, Tablet/Mobile Delivery product, NPPA Best of Photojournalism
First place, Best Design, AEJMC, Best of the Web, Visual Communication Division, PUSH magazine iPad app
Third place, Technological Innovation, AEJMC, Best of the Web – Visual Communication Division, PUSH magazine iPad app
Honorable Mention, Mini-site, Special Section of a News Site, SND
Best Digital-Only Student Publication Award Winner, SPJ Region 1 Mark of Excellence Awards,
The Field Report
2012
Editor’s Pick, Just Can’t Wait Save the Date Design Challenge, “Mangold Mojo”
2011
Editor’s Pick, February Showers Design Challenge, “Asian Circles”
2010
Best Photo Books, Photo Eye, Carry Me Ohio
Best in Show, State Education Editor’s Conference, Today’s OEA
Most improved, State Education Editor’s Conference, Today’s OEA
Editor’s Pick, Getting Hitched Save the Date Design Challenge, “Vineyard Harvest Light”
Editor’s Pick, Getting Hitched Save the Date Design Challenge, “Posh Wine Label”
2008
Runner-up, Minted, Design Challenge, The Ultimate Bridal Shower Invitation, “Deco Lights”
Editor’s Pick, Minted, The Ultimate Bridal Shower Invitation Design Challenge, “Opera”
Commissioned Design, Minted, “Opera” Party Invitation Design
Commissioned Design, Minted, Holiday Card, “Twilight Stars”
Winner, Minted, The 2009 Minted Holiday Card Challenge, “Red Ribbon Happiness”
2007
Finalist, Best Color Editorial Layout, WPA, Maggie Awards, “Where the Wild Things Are”, Virtuoso Life
Finalist, Best Series of Editorial Photographs, WPA, Maggie Awards, “Picture Perfect”, Virtuoso Life
Finalist, Best Series of Editorial Illustrations, WPA, Maggie Awards, “Royal Waves”, Virtuoso Life
2006
Silver, Magazine Photo Illustration: Travel, Lowell Thomas Awards, “In Living Color”, Virtuoso Life
Finalist, Best Color Layout, WPA, Maggie Awards, “Back to Tsukiji”, Travel + Life
Finalist, Best Travel and In-Transit Magazine, WPA, Maggie Awards, Travel + Life staff
2004
Finalist, National Magazine Awards, General Excellence, National Geographic Traveler staff
2002
Silver, Magazine Photo Illustration: Travel, Lowell Thomas Awards, National Geographic Traveler staff
Gold, Best Overall Design, Folio: Ozzie Awards, National Geographic Traveler staff
Honorable Mention, Feature Design, Folio: Ozzie Awards, National Geographic Traveler staff
Gold, Best Travel Magazine, Folio: Eddie Awards, National Geographic Traveler staff
2000
2nd place, Editing and Design Portfolio, 58th POYi, Copley Sun Publications team portfolio
1999
First place, Best Use of Photography, 57th POYi, Copley Sun Publications team portfolio
Honorable Mention, Feature Page Editing and Design, 57th POYi, Copley Sun Publications team portfolio
Third place, Sports Page Editing and Design, NPPA, Copley Sun Publications team portfolio
1998
Silver, Illustration Art Direction, SND,The Globe and Mail
Photo by Akili-Casundria Ramsess
Speaking
2016
“Marketing is Not a Dirty Word”, National Press Photographers’ Association, Northern Short Course, Fairfax, VA
2014
“Why Make a Photograph? Understanding & Harnessing the Photographic Instinct” LOOKBetween, Deep Rock Farm, VA
2013
Q&A with GRAIN Images, LOOK3, Charlottesville, VA
“Marketing & Branding for Photographers”, NPPA Business Blitz,
University of Georgia, Grady School of Journalism, Athens, GA
“Leverage Your Content”, ASMP’s Business as Unusual, Online webinar
“How to Easily Present your Photography Online with a Professional Website”, B&H Photo Events, B&H Photo Video, New York, NY
“Marketing & Branding for Photographers”, The Image Deconstructed,
University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill, NC
2011
“Excuse Me, Your Brand is Showing”, The Atlanta Photojournalism Seminar, Atlanta, GA
2010
“Excuse Me, Your Brand is Showing”, GeekFest, Poynter Institute, Saint Petersburg, FL
2012
WISE Women’s Conference, Syracuse, NY
Please say hello
LinkedIN — Behance — Instagram — Twitter
Please do not steal. It may bring on bad karma. Thank you.
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