Fresh Dialogue~A Post-Mortem for Studio HMVD

Join in a candid conversation with the former partners of Studio HMVD, Heather-Mariah Dixon and Abigail Kerns as they unpack the closing of a business while navigating interpersonal dynamics.
Often when you start a studio, project or business, the last thing you’re thinking about is how it ends. In this tell-all event, Abigail and Heather-Mariah chronicle what led to the end of Studio HMVD, how they landed on their feet, and stayed friends throughout a rocky time.
Expect insights on what the former partners would have done differently, the same or not at all throughout this heartfelt (and yes, a bit juicy) conversation. If you’ve ever looked at a friend and said, “we should start a business together,” this talk is for you.
We’ll cap off with a robust Q&A, so come prepared with questions and get ready for a heart to heart.
Event Series: Fresh Dialogue
These events are critical discussions that focus on current events, personal experiences, issues of cultural relevance, and emerging topics in the world of design.

Heather-Mariah Violet Dixon is an award-winning creative director whose work blends and bends disciplines from design to photography to poetry. She’s also a partner at Overeasy, a strategic design office founded in 2024. Prior to Overeasy, Heather-Mariah dedicated her twenties to building her eponymous practice, Studio HMVD (2018-2024), a boutique branding and photography agency. Her client work has spanned the gamut from indie darlings (Boy Smells, Disco, Berczy) to behemoths (M·A·C Cosmetics, Johnson & Johnson), and has been recognized by AIGA, The Dieline, The Brand Identity, Type Director’s Club, Communication Arts and more.

Heather-Mariah holds a BA in Design from Western Washington University, and has completed continuing education at SVA and Type @ Cooper. Outside of work, she studies and collects vintage designer clothing and catalogs vernacular typography.

Abigail Kerns is a freelance account director, with expertise in brand strategy, visual identity, and photography production. Her award-winning work builds structure through empathy and transparency allowing creativity to flourish. From 2019 - 2023, she built Studio HMVD’s strategic and operational practice as a partner working with a diverse range of clients including Boy Smells, Berczy, Strella, LBBA, and Image Skincare. Her work has been featured by The Brand Identity, Type Director’s Club, Communication Arts, The Dieline, AIGA and beyond.

After completing her BA in Design and BFA in Dance at Western Washington University, a one way ticket brought her to NYC where she lives and works. As a new parent, she enjoys sharing her passions with her family through frequent museum visits and outdoor adventures.

We are committed to keeping events accessible to all participants. Your ticket and donation supports AIGA NY and costs associated with event production costs. If ticket cost is a barrier, please contact [email protected].

Event Venue & Nearby Stays

Museum of Arts and Design, 2 Columbus Circle - Auditorium lower level, New York, United States