Abbie Park is the creative force behind AbbieParkDesign.com, a boutique graphic design studio known for delivering “big design for small businesses.” With a career that bridges the worlds of NYC publishing and coastal Connecticut charm, Abbie blends her artistic talent with a marketing-savvy mindset to craft compelling visual stories that serve businesses and inspire individuals alike.

Before she was a designer, Abbie was a sales and marketing professional in the fast-paced world of children’s publishing in New York City. Years later, with her children grown and off to college, she returned to school to study graphic design—unlocking a whole new chapter of creativity that has since become her full-time calling. What began as a watercolor hobby on the beach quickly transformed into a fulfilling career. “Every illustration I do has a story,” she says. “It’s amazing to blend my artistic side with my business experience to create something that not only looks beautiful but also works for my clients.”

Her first professional project was designing a campaign for the Stonington COMO’s 75th anniversary—an especially meaningful moment since her children grew up attending the COMO’s sports camps and art classes. That work helped spark a thriving business that now spans everything from vehicle wraps and annual reports to billboards and websites.

A true creative rooted in two distinct places—Stonington and the West Village of NYC—Abbie draws inspiration from both. “The cozy, historic character of my cobblestone street in the city feels surprisingly similar to the shoreline charm of Mystic and Stonington,” she reflects. That duality is exemplified in her work, as does her lifelong love of the water. An avid sailor, she raised her kids on the waters of Fishers Island Sound and remains closely connected to the area’s sailing and boating communities.

Abbie was first connected with the Chamber when she participated in the Mystic Outdoor Art Festival years ago. She had some graphic illustrations of the Bascule Bridge that Bruce Flax, President of the Greater Mystic Chamber of Commerce, really liked. Flash forward to the 100th Anniversary of the Bascule Bridge where Abbie is standing on a stage surrounded by hundreds of people, politicians, and families, where the Chamber unveiled her limited edition Bascule Bridge Anniversary Print.  She says that it was such a boost of confidence as an artist! Abbie was later hired by the Chamber to design the artwork for the Traveling Visitor Center which showcases a map from Niantic to Misquamicut along the coastline. She has also designed coloring and activity sheets for kids, a brochure with a map, and other materials to promote the area and local businesses. “That project really symbolizes the blend of art and function that I love. My work with the Chamber really got me through some challenging times,” she shares. “It’s a 100% give-give relationship.”

Beyond her client work, Abbie actively donates her artwork to support causes like Sails Up 4 Cancer, New England Science & Sailing, the Mudhead Sailing Association, and the COMO. Her father was one of the founders of the Stonington Harbor Yacht Club, and she’s carried that legacy forward by serving as a board member and Rear Commodore, always striving to make the water more accessible to all. Recently, she joined the Board of Directors at the Mystic Museum of Art, with a passion for helping the institution connect with more families in the community.

From launching a website for the oldest Army & Navy retailer in New York City to designing a massive digital billboard in Midtown Manhattan to illustrating a culinary SoupyFest Map for the United Theatre in Westerly, RI , what makes her truly proud is the trust clients place in her to visually represent their stories and values. “Just because you don’t have a big marketing department doesn’t mean your business shouldn’t look amazing,” she explains.

When she’s not designing, Abbie is immersed in the world that inspires her—attending museums, wandering the parks of NYC, sailing, painting, and mentoring her kids.

“Being recognized by the Chamber’s Community Proud series is a major honor,” Abbie says. “This community has enriched my life and my children’s lives in countless ways. To be part of that story—visually and personally—is incredibly meaningful.”

Thank you, Abbie, for helping bring color, creativity, and connection to our community. You truly embody what it means to be Community Proud.