Taylor Friehl, a 2016 graduate of Bethany Lutheran College with a major in Studio Art and a minor in Art History, has crafted a dynamic career at the intersection of sustainability, design, and storytelling. At Bethany, she excelled not only in the classroom but also as a standout on the women’s soccer team, learning the value of teamwork, perseverance, and creative leadership.
After graduation, Taylor began her professional journey as a graphic designer and photographer with Mortarr, a platform serving the commercial construction and design industries. In 2018, she was recognized as one of the Advertising Federation of Minnesota’s “32 Under 32” rising stars.
She later joined Ecomedes, Inc., where she served first as resident design guru and then as Design Lead, assisting with brand strategy and product direction during the merger with Mortarr. Her work contributed to award-winning campaigns, including recognition from AdFed Minnesota and the Telly Awards.
At present, Taylor is Design Lead at Parallel Sustainability, a Minneapolis-based firm that collaborates with design and life sciences industries to accelerate sustainable practices. In this role, she brings clarity and creativity to environmental data and sustainability communication, helping complex ideas resonate through strategic design.
Taylor also leads her own creative consultancy—Taylor Friehl Creative—where she works on branding, editorial design, photography, and communication projects rooted in authenticity and creative impact. She co-chairs the mindful MATERIALS Creative Working Group, a volunteer project dedicated to design-driven sustainability advocacy.
Her work is informed by a lifelong commitment to craftsmanship and meaningful expression. Whether building brand identity, designing environmental campaigns, or mentoring others in creative storytelling, Taylor thrives at the boundary between art and impact.
Reflecting on her education, Taylor credits Bethany’s Studio Art program for grounding her in creative principles while fostering her curiosity and collaborative mindset. The small, faith-centered environment, combined with rigorous visual training and mentoring, enabled her to grow in both confidence and purpose—a legacy she now carries forward in every project and design she leads.