I’m Clarice Bajkowski, the 19th’s Chief Creative Officer. I’m passionate about innovative storytelling and creating brands that resonate deeply with communities. My journey in design began with drawing, painting, lettering, and solving design problems—this unique blend of visual arts guides everything I do. With over 20 years in design, advertising, and brand strategy, I’m committed to inclusivity and authenticity because I believe that powerful storytelling can spark real change.
Leading an award-winning team of creatives who share my passion for our mission is a privilege. Together, we shape the visual and strategic direction of our brand, ensuring our work truly reflects the diverse voices and experiences of the communities we serve. I joined The 19th in the summer of 2020, a time when uplifting underrepresented voices was more crucial than ever. Drawing on my experience in non-profits and tech startups, I played a key role in building and strengthening The 19th’s brand from the ground up.
As for me, I’m an Army brat, a proud Texan, and a University of Texas graduate (Go Horns!). While I’ve lived in many places, Texas has always been home. When I’m not working, I love exploring new destinations with my family and diving into a typography passion project I started during maternity leave with my first child—a blend of my love for hand lettering and design.
My work is free to consume and free to republish because of contributions from readers like you. A donation of $19 goes a long way toward sustaining our nonprofit newsroom.