Shop creations from Graceful Designs.

I am an artist and communication professional with a passion for art and design, writing, books, and nature. As an artist, I specialize in graphic design, woodworking, and epoxy resin. In my role as the owner of and lead artist for Graceful Designs, I get to combine all of the things that I love to create unique furniture, decor, and resin art. 

My passion for art started as a child and matured throughout my undergraduate studies in studio art and graphic design at the University of Maryland at College Park, from which I graduated Magna Cum Laud with an Honors Citation. Shortly after graduation, an internship with the Smithsonian Libraries and Archives in Washington DC fed a passion for books, communication, and nature that occupied the next decade plus of my career at the Smithsonian and the Smithsonian-based Biodiversity Heritage Library (BHL), where I served as a Digital Projects Librarian (2008-2012), the BHL Program Manager (2012-2013), and the BHL Outreach and Communication Manager (2014-July 2021). During these years, I also received an M.S. in information management and systems, again from the University of Maryland at College Park, and a graduate certificate in communication management from the University of Denver.  

My time at BHL and the Smithsonian allowed me to pursue many interests and develop many skills, but not surprisingly my favorite role was serving as BHL’s graphic designer as part of my various positions within the organization. Clearly, while my career has led me down many different paths, art has always been a part of who I am and what I do. 

In 2021, I had the opportunity to pursue this lifelong passion for art and design full-time by starting my own business: Graceful Designs. While I said goodbye to BHL and the Smithsonian to pursue this dream, these organizations left an indelible mark on me that continues to influence my work today, namely through my love of nature and the inclusion of historic scientific illustrations in my artworks, sourced from the incredible books that I came to know during my time at BHL. Researching and writing about the books and artists that I include in my work, so that I can share these stories with those who enjoy my art, is also deeply satisfying given my fondness for writing and books.  

I could not imagine a more perfect way to spend my time than by combining my many passions to create artworks, furniture, and functional decor that celebrate the beauty of nature and allow anyone to brighten their spaces with that beauty. 

I hope my work brings you as much joy as it does to me.

Photo of Grace Costantino courtesy of Micelle Hallmark of MYH Photography.