Q&A with Lynne Hardy

Designer and illustrator Lynne Hardy draws inspiration from her upbringing and Navajo heritage, building a career that celebrates creativity, vibrant storytelling and Indigenous representation.

"I was lucky enough to grow up half urban and then half on the reservation, where I was able to hear my mom, my dad, and my relatives speak fluent Navajo and to immerse myself in the culture," she explains.

Drawing emerged early as more than just a hobby—it became a vital channel for self-expression. 

"As a kid, I used to love to draw. Creating art was just a way for me to express my emotions and battle anxiety but also to have fun and share stories. As a little girl…I don't know how to describe this: I've always just loved color."

After finding her initial college experience in fine arts illustration discouraging, she made a pivotal shift to graphic design with an entrepreneurship minor. This transition opened new possibilities, giving her the digital tools and business knowledge to create meaningful work.

"I started designing t-shirts and posters representing my native culture," she says.

In 2021, Lynne received a grant through Adobe's Artist Development Fund. "The first people that actually gave me a shot were Adobe. I was awarded an artist grant, and I used that little check they sent me to start the business.”

With strong convincing from sisters Jenna and Leah, the three opened an online store, Ajoobaasani, creating and selling products with vibrant, colorful designs that capture their Navajo customs, sayings, and lessons.  

Graphic design opened up Lynne's career and expanded her artistic freedom. "Once I paved my own way, I was able to break into my career," she says. "I'm actually doing what I always wanted to do; I didn't even know it was possible. I'm incredibly blessed to work with clients and people who appreciate and want to share the mission of preserving Native art." 

Behind her colorful designs lies a deeper mission—confronting the Western beauty standards that once made her feel inadequate.

"Native features aren't seen a lot in our European Western culture... I was ashamed to be Native back then, and it was such a hard thing to work through because it wasn't that I was shameful; it was the world shaming me. It made me feel like I wasn't good enough."

Lynne works to rewrite this narrative through her art, creating representation that celebrates Indigenous identity.

"I hope it reaches other girls out there—it's why I think representation is so, so, so important, because you know, it's okay. It's okay to look different. That's basically what I've carried from childhood to now, and I hope I carry it until I'm old."

Community remains at the heart of her creative practice. "I feel incredibly blessed to be in this position where I get to create art based on my culture," she shares.

Her observation about collective power resonates deeply with her approach to art and life: "A lot of people are afraid of community because when the community gets together... bad things are thrown out and good things are brought in."

Learn More about Lynne