Howdy! I’m Justin Lee Gilman — a graphic designer, puppet maker, musician, husband, and dad living in New Paltz. I love design and creativity, but I also enjoy mentoring and helping others.
After years of creative work, I shifted toward mission-driven brands like Heggerty and the Mid-Hudson Children’s Museum, using design to support learning, connection, and positive change.
Now, I’m drawn to roles where I can connect directly with people, use creativity to build community, and brighten someone’s day in a meaningful way.
People often say I remind them of Kermit the Frog… Not just because I work with puppets, but because I lead with support and empathy. I listen without judgment, encourage others in their art and weirdness, and show up with a Bob Ross / Mr. Rogers energy wherever I go.
Mentorship
I mentored a young student through St. Nicks Alliance in Brooklyn, meeting weekly to share career advice, design thinking, homework critiques, and tech advice. It was incredibly rewarding to help him grow — he’s now a junior designer in Brooklyn, and we’re still in touch.
I also had the opportunity to mentor aspiring designers through a company called RookieUp, which was later acquired by the Interaction Design Foundation. I worked with people of all ages, helping them develop their skills and navigate their design career journeys. Seeing them grow and succeed was one of the most fulfilling parts of my career.
Career
I’m passionate about using creativity to help others. With Heggerty, I helped design their brand, website, and literacy products — building a cohesive brand that supports early education across the country.
I still work with the Mid-Hudson Children’s Museum to create powerful content for fundraising and community outreach, using design to amplify their mission and impact.