We recently had the chance to connect with Abby Richardson and have shared our conversation below.
Good morning Abby, we’re so happy to have you here with us and we’d love to explore your story and how you think about life and legacy and so much more. So let’s start with a question we often ask: Have you ever been glad you didn’t act fast?
Many times! Being a big-picture person means I naturally gravitate toward understanding how all the moving parts connect before making decisions. I like to zoom out and consider every angle, every potential outcome, and how a choice fits into the broader context — whether it’s a project, a team dynamic, or a long-term goal. This approach helps me anticipate challenges, identify opportunities, and make well-informed, strategic decisions that are aligned with a larger vision. I value thoroughness and perspective, and I tend to move forward only when I feel confident that I’ve seen the full scope of a situation.
That said, when I do make fast decisions, they come from a place of clarity and trust in my intuition. My quick thinking is backed by experience and a strong internal compass that helps me assess risks quickly and accurately. I don’t rush recklessly — rather, I act decisively when my instincts signal that it’s safe and right to do so. It’s a balance: while I typically prefer to weigh all the options, I’m also capable of pivoting fast when the situation calls for it, without compromising my overall sense of direction.
Can you briefly introduce yourself and share what makes you or your brand unique?
Absolutely! I’m the Senior Graphic Designer of WDW Magazine and DLR Magazine, and the Associate Art Director of DCL Magazine. Earlier this year, our company launched DCL Magazine, a luxury travel magazine about Disney Cruise Line, and I had the privilege of art directing it from the ground up. The first issue was what we deemed our “float test” to test the waters, so to speak, and we received phenomenal feedback. I’m excited to announce we will be moving forward with more issues in 2026, with more details to come soon!
Disney Cruise Line has held a special place in my heart since I was a kid. I spent two birthdays onboard the Disney Magic, and they were some of the best memories I have with my parents. As a designer, the rich, art deco feel of the ships allowed me to tap into the same look and feel for our magazine. I wanted it to still fit within our WDW Magazine brand, but with an elevated sophistication mixed with Disney flair that matches what the guests love about the ships. As a thalassophile (I moved to Florida to be closer to the water!) and travel fiend, I’m very excited to dive back into the DCL Magazine space and bring more nautical, magical stories to life!
It’s been an incredibly fulfilling year, and I’m both honored and humbled to share that my work has been recognized with three design awards in 2025. I received a Charlie Award from the Florida Magazine Association and placed third in design from the Delaware Press Association. The true career highlight, however, was earning a bronze award in a national competition from the North American Travel Journalists Association, judged alongside industry giants like National Geographic and Travel + Leisure. It’s an inspiring reminder of the power of storytelling through design, and I’m grateful to be part of such a talented creative community.
Okay, so here’s a deep one: What breaks the bonds between people—and what restores them?
In one word: trust.
Trust has always been the foundation of how I connect with people — both romantically and platonically, and it’s not something I take lightly. It’s not just about honesty, but about consistency, safety, and knowing someone’s intentions align with their words. When I trust someone, they get to see me unfiltered and open, but once that trust is broken, something in me shuts down out of self-preservation.
If I start to question the truth behind words or feel the ground shifting beneath me, I can’t stay rooted. I might love deeply, but I can’t love blindly. Once trust is lost, so is the ease and safety. And when those go, I retreat and I close that chapter. It doesn’t mean I’m closing it forever, but it takes a lot of work to open back up after that trust is broken.
In time, some relationships (like many things) can be repaired, as long as both parties are willing to put in the work to fix what bonds have been broken. When I trust someone and they trust me in return, it allows for open communication, support through tough times, and genuine companionship. That’s why I hold it in such high regard and prioritize it in every meaningful relationship I build.
If you could say one kind thing to your younger self, what would it be?
You don’t always have to have it all together. Life will throw you some insane curveballs (buckle up, kiddo), but you’re allowed to step back and process. Don’t feel like you need to hold the weight of the world on your shoulders — let yourself make mistakes, you’re human. Nobody is perfect, and if it looks like they are, they’re lying.
Alright, so if you are open to it, let’s explore some philosophical questions that touch on your values and worldview. What would your closest friends say really matters to you?
I actually did ask my best friend, and she said, “Honesty, having an open mind, and always persevering.”
She’s not wrong. The honesty definitely roots back to my comment about trust, I think they both go hand-in-hand.
For me, persevering is one of those things that when you’re given no other choice but to do so, you just keep pushing yourself until you find stable ground again. I’m not saying it has always been easy — it definitely wasn’t always pretty, nor is it the most sustainable at times — but I did it and I’m here. Perseverance, to me, isn’t about always having the energy or the answers; it’s about choosing to stay in the process, despite the challenges.
Before we go, we’d love to hear your thoughts on some longer-run, legacy type questions. When do you feel most at peace?
I feel most at peace when I lean into my hobbies! I have so many, some more creative than others, so I have a plethora of ways to let off steam and realign. My top choice is always beach combing for shark teeth, shells, and sea glass. It gives me time to listen to nature, soak up the sunshine, and get my steps in!
When I need more of a creative outlet, I pick up a paintbrush, my block printing tools, or, most frequently, my camera. While I’m grateful photography now bleeds into my professional life, I make a conscious effort to keep the joy and creativity alive. I set aside time to shoot just for myself with no clients and no deadlines, just exploring light, color, and emotion the way I first fell in love with it. Personal projects help me stay inspired and remind me why I started capturing moments in the first place.
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