Women Who Inspire

Women Who Inspire: Carol Neiger's Influences in Design, Art, and Business

March is Women's History Month—a time to celebrate the women who have shaped industries, challenged norms, and inspired generations. As a designer, businesswoman, and artist, I've drawn inspiration from various remarkable women whose careers have influenced my own path. These women—Louise Fili, Mary Cassatt, and Vera Wang—have each left a profound mark on my approach to creativity, leadership, and resilience.

Louise Fili: Typographic Excellence and Brand Vision

As a graphic designer and businesswoman, I have long admired the work of Louise Fili. Her typographic mastery, inspired by modernism and European Art Deco, has shaped the way I view design. My own journey into graphic design began with a deep love of typography and calligraphy—just as Louise’s did. As a teenager, I taught myself calligraphy, fascinated by the expressive potential of letterforms.

Louise and I started our design firms around the same time, though we took different paths: she specialized in restaurant branding, food-related logos, and packaging, while I focused on branding and marketing for B2B, nonprofit, and professional organizations. Yet, branding remains the unifying force at the core of our work. Whenever I seek inspiration, I turn to her work—her ability to infuse elegance into every design continues to be a guiding light.

“I’ve always loved her beautiful typographic works, which draw from European influences while remaining timelessly fresh. Like her, I found my creative calling in typography and branding, and I continue to be inspired by her contributions to the field.”

A notable project where I applied these principles was our work for the American Academy of Periodontology Foundation, where we crafted typographic elements that reinforced the organization's mission and visual identity.

Mary Cassatt: Artistic Courage and Innovation

Mary Cassatt’s life and art have profoundly influenced my artistic journey. As a female artist navigating the 19th-century art world, she defied societal expectations and pursued a career in painting and printmaking, demonstrating incredible perseverance in a male-dominated industry. Her resilience—especially after losing early works in the Great Chicago Fire—and her commitment to refining her craft resonate deeply with me.

As a printmaker, I am captivated by Cassatt’s etchings, which blend delicate composition with bold technique. Her ability to capture intimate moments with layered textures and subtle yet intentional color palettes inspires my own approach to creating meaningful, visually compelling work. Cassatt’s fearless artistry reminds me to embrace both persistence and vulnerability—essential qualities in any creative practice.

Vera Wang: Reinvention and Resilience

Another woman who has shaped my perspective on business and creativity is Vera Wang. While most people recognize her for revolutionizing bridal fashion, her journey is one of reinvention and tenacity. Initially pursuing Olympic figure skating, she transitioned to fashion after facing setbacks—eventually building a global empire.

As someone who spent years as a competitive synchronized swimmer at the Junior Olympic level, I understand the discipline required to compete at such a high level. That same discipline has carried over into my career as the founder of NeigerDesign. For 36 years, I have led my firm with the philosophy that setbacks are simply opportunities to pivot and grow. Wang’s story reinforces the importance of resilience, mentorship, and continually pushing creative boundaries.

“Discipline fuels creativity. Resilience builds empires.”

Leaving a Legacy

These women have shaped my creative path, but more importantly, they've reinforced the idea that success is a journey, not a destination. I often think about the impact we leave behind—on our industries, communities, and the lives of those we mentor.  As I reflected on this in a recent blog, Shaping Your Career: Leaving a Legacy, I shared this thought:

"In conclusion, leaving a legacy is more than the desire to be remembered... it was about the curiosity and peace of mind that came from being in the flow of the creative process. Their practiced hands became adept at forming and refining their life's work. The journey was not just about the final masterpiece but the continuous evolution and joy of shaping each moment with purpose and passion. As we spin our wheels, we find our unique forms and leave meaningful imprints on the world. It is this passion for creating that makes us whole."

As we celebrate Women’s History Month, I encourage you to reflect on the people who have shaped your journey. Who inspires you? How do you hope to leave your mark on the world?

Let’s continue to push boundaries, support one another, and create with purpose.

For more on the creative process, check out our related blog: What Makes a Successful Creative Agency? 30 Quips and Tips from 30 Years in Business