About me
Hey there! I’m Traci, the graphic designer behind the VA Design Academy.
If you’re a VA who’s ever thought “there must be a quicker way to do this” while faffing about in Canva for hours on designs that should take minutes… you’re in the right place.
Why I created the VA Design Academy
After speaking with countless VAs, I kept hearing the same frustrations:
“I’m just bumbling around doing my own thing in Canva with no proper training.”
“My designs look like they’ve been done by a five-year-old.”
“I feel guilty charging clients for my lack of knowledge, so I’m either reducing my billable hours or completely avoiding design work.”
Sound familiar? You’re not alone.
I believe that with the right guidance and frameworks, you can create polished, professional designs quickly and confidently – without spending hours down YouTube rabbit holes or feeling like you need to apologise for your prices.
What I value (and what you'll experience working with me)
I’m honestly a bit bored and sick of all the flashy marketing stuff you see online. You know the type – those “limited time offers” that never actually end and “bonuses” that are supposedly worth thousands but were clearly just made up on the spot.
Here’s what you’ll get from me instead:
Honesty above all – I’d rather be tactfully honest than hide how I feel. If something in your design isn’t working, I’ll tell you – considerately, but truthfully. No sugar-coating, just genuine feedback that helps you improve.
Real integrity – You won’t find me claiming my ebook is “worth £1000” when I’ve just whacked that price on it. If I add a bonus to my programme, it’s because I truly believe it adds value, not because I’m trying to create fake scarcity.
Complete transparency – There’s nothing worse than feeling like you’ve been ripped off. I’m always clear about what’s included and what’s extra so you can make informed decisions. I’d hate for anyone to feel pressured or tricked into working with me.
Collaboration over competition – I genuinely believe in supporting each other rather than competing. There’s something magical about seeing someone have that lightbulb moment when they learn something new, and knowing I helped make that happen.
A bit about me (the non-design stuff)
Being creative is just part of who I am. My mum used to find me “decorating” her living room walls from as soon as I could hold a crayon!
I’m a bit of an introvert at heart. Large, noisy settings drain me, which is why I prefer small, intimate settings where I can give people my full attention.
This translates to how I teach – you won’t find overwhelming group calls with 50 people where you can’t get a word in. Instead, I create spaces where everyone feels heard and supported.
When I'm not teaching VAs how to level up their design skills, you'll find me:
- Spending time with my two teenagers – a plane and gaming-obsessed son and a creative daughter who loves makeup (family time fills my cup!)
- Being bossed around by my two tortoiseshell cats, Cookie and Oreo
- Walking in nature to clear my head when feeling overwhelmed (but only when it’s not raining – I’m definitely a fair-weather girl)
- At the gym or doing Pilates to keep my body and mind strong
- Wrapped in an electric blanket because I’m ALWAYS cold, even in summer (I’m that person wearing a cardigan on the beach)
- Laughing at dad jokes and silly innuendos (sometimes even my own, much to my kids’ embarrassment)
My design background
I’ve spent years honing my craft as a graphic designer, working for Dorling Kindersley (part of Penguin Books), various design agencies, and events companies. Now I run my own business, bringing this unique blend of experience to help VAs like you.
What sets my approach apart is that I take time to fully understand not just the technical aspects of design, but also the strategic elements – understanding your clients’ businesses, their goals, and most importantly, their audiences.
