February 10, 2025
GET TO KNOW: PAIGE SANDVIK – SENIOR DESIGN MANAGER
Q: Share a bit about your education and career experiences.
A: While in college and for several years after, I worked at the Apple Store, geeking out over new products (the first iPhone—crazy, I know). After earning my bachelor’s in Graphic Design, I landed my first job as a Production Coordinator at a publishing company specializing in collision repair magazines in the Twin Cities. I spent two years laying out stock ads, organizing departments, and refining my design skills while building my freelance business.
During that time, I worked exclusively with a science publisher for the Mayo Clinic, producing M.D. procedural websites, scientific publications, and collateral for what was once known as the Mayo Mile at the Mall of America. This role introduced me to transit advertising when I worked on a light rail car ad near the Vikings Stadium. Today, my freelance work focuses on wedding invitations and branding—much less intense than it was 20 years ago.
From the collision repair magazine, I moved on to Midwest Sports Publishing Network (MSPN) as an Art Director, where I managed 14+ publications, photographers, designers, and editors. I even found myself riding on the backs of snowmobiles and ATVs to capture content. Those seven years taught me the value of speed, design, and organization—there’s nothing quite like a publishing deadline.
After MSPN, I joined the Houck Team, and most recently, I started my Master’s in Illustration at the Academy of Art University!
Q: Tell us a little about your family.
A: My family includes my wife of 14 years, a public librarian, along with our 13-year-old dachshund, Leizl, and our 5-year-old corgi, Gylly.
Q: Tell us about the work you do at HTA.
A: This year marks my 10th year at Houck, where I currently serve as the Senior Design Manager. My design work is split between the Operations Team and Marketing Department, and I also lead our print operations. When the printers act up, I’ve been known as the “Mother of Dragons.”
Q: What are your interests outside of work?
A: Outside of work, I spend much of my time on homework—creating illustrations and refining my fine art skills. When I’m not drawing, you’ll find me in one of my gardens or along a shoreline, collecting and tumbling rocks. My office is filled with extra tumbled stones that no longer fit in my displays at home.
Q: What have you found to be your favorite experience at Houck Transit Advertising so far?
A: One of my favorite parts of working at Houck is not just collaborating with amazing people but also seeing my designs come to life. Watching my work transform from 2D templates to full-scale installations on real buses—and following the process from start to finish—is incredibly rewarding.
