Author name: Whitney Cullens

I'm Whitney — a product designer based in Charlotte, NC, focused on creating intuitive systems and workflows that make complex work easier. My design practice spans over two decades, evolving from advertising art direction into web design, digital marketing, and social media strategy, and ultimately into product design and systems thinking. The last three years have been focused on building digital products, designing workflows, and creating platforms that support high-stakes operations. My foundation started in Chicago, where I earned my BFA in Advertising Art Direction from Columbia College Chicago. That's where I learned to think conceptually, design with intention, and communicate ideas with clarity. From there, I moved through creative, marketing, and operations-driven roles — gaining a rare perspective on how products are designed, marketed, and actually used in the real world. I design thoughtful digital experiences that feel clear, human, and grounded in real use. I've collaborated across industries including government, healthcare, fintech, beauty, wellness, and retail — building platforms, refining internal tools, and solving problems where design can genuinely reduce friction and support people doing meaningful work. What drives me is curiosity, iteration, and long-term thinking. I'm drawn to teams that value systems thinking, strategic collaboration, and creating products that don't just look good — they work well. I bring strong problem-solving instincts and a toolkit that spans product design, data analytics, visual storytelling, and AI-assisted workflows. I'm always learning, always refining my craft, and always ready for the next challenge.

Blogs, Product Design

How I Organize My Grocery List Like a Design System

Every week, I sit down and map out what I need. But it’s not just a random brain dump of items. It’s organized by category: produce, proteins, pantry staples, household essentials. Each category lives in the same order, every single time. Produce always comes first because that’s the first section I hit when I walk into the store. Dairy is last because I don’t want my oat milk getting warm while I’m debating between jasmine rice and basmati.

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