20 Years of Coastal Creativity: The Story of Fluid Graphic Design

There’s something about living near the water that keeps ideas flowing—and for the past two decades, that’s exactly what has fueled Fluid Graphic Design.

Hi, I’m Stacy Rector, founder of Fluid Graphic Design, a one-woman creative studio based in Sarasota, Florida. This year marks 20 years of doing what I love: helping businesses tell their stories visually, with intention and style—all from the heart of Florida’s Gulf Coast.

How It All Began

My design journey started in 1991 at Inter Ad Agency, working under the guidance of Peter Paul Sliwinski. I later joined the Herald-Tribune, where I spent eight formative years sharpening my design voice. After welcoming my second child, I transitioned to a part-time role at The Observer, a shift that allowed me to balance motherhood and my creative career.

Then came Labor Day weekend in 2005—when a phone call changed everything. Robin Lankton, Tampa Bay Times Marketing Manager at the time asked if I’d design a niche publication in partnership with the Tampa Bay Times Newspapers in Education and Busch Gardens. Coasters 101 was the spark! Just like that, Fluid Graphic Design was born, and I haven’t looked back since.

A Career Built on Creativity and Gratitude

Over the years, I’ve had the opportunity to work on a wide variety of projects—from restaurant branding for local favorites like Big Top Brewery, Libby’s, Lefty’s, Circo, Molly's, New Balance, Gecko's, Bagels & Brews Cafe and Good Liquid Brewery, to high-profile editorial publications for the Tampa Bay Times Newspapers In Education featuring NASA, Busch Gardens, Pinellas County Emergency Management, Florida Press, Publix, the Tampa Bay Rays, and more. I’ve worked for statewide lacrosse clients such as Snipers Lacrosse and Tony Lowe Lacrosse, helping to build strong visual identities for their growing communities. Also, I’ve designed marketing collateral for events for respected local nonprofits like YoungLife Sarasota, The Venice Symphony and the Healthy Start Coalition of Sarasota County. I was even the Turquoise Magazine Creative Director for the Naples Daily News along with working as a freelance designer for CBD Healthcare, Professional Baseball Strength & Conditioning Coaches Society, Intersect Media, Knight Marketing, Sarasota Magazine and In A Bleu Marketing. There have been so many amazing projects over the 20 year timespan that it is difficult to name them all!

A proud Florida State University graduate, I’ve been incredibly fortunate to collaborate with businesses of all sizes—helping them find their voice through design.

Making Waves in the Industry

One of the highlights of my career came in 2014, when my work in partnership with the Tampa Bay Times Newspapers in Education program earned international recognition from the World Association of Newspapers & News Publishers. Together we received both a World Award Silver and a World Award Honorable Mention—the only North American publication honored that year. Judges called the Reading with the Tampa Bay Rays (Silver Award) “a fabulous way to involve students in reading during summer vacation... a strategy that could transfer to any country’s main sport.”

In addition to those international accolades, I’ve also received national and state honors from the National Newspaper Association Foundation, the FNAME Creative Excellence Awards, and local recognition that continues to fuel my passion.

The Heart of My Work: Relationships

But the greatest reward? The relationships I’ve built. I truly love working with all of my clients—many of whom have become longtime partners and friends. I’m deeply thankful for a career that has allowed me to work from home while raising a family, doing what I love every single day.

Follow me on Instagram and Facebook for Throwback Thursday posts featuring my creative designs over the past 20 years.

Kind Words from Clients

Here’s to 20 years of passion, perseverance, and design that makes waves. And to all of my clients—past, present, and future—thank you for being part of the journey.

– Stacy Rector

Fluid Graphic Design

Where Ideas Flow and Creativity Takes Shape