![](https://www.irmamagazines.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/04/StaciHeadshot-e1618516462340.jpg)
IRMA Honorary Member, Staci Miller, Arkansas Life
Name: Staci Miller
Magazine: formerly Arkansas Life (RIP), but so thankful to be an IRMA Honorary Member!
Position: Creative Services Director at the Arkansas Democrat-Gazette
Favorite magazines: Real Simple, Bon Appetit, Conde Nast Traveler, Rolling Stone
What do you love most about magazines? The escape. You can get lost for hours in a good magazine.
Who or what inspires you? Art, music, nature
What is the most valuable lesson you have learned in the industry? Having a good staff is important, but having good freelancers is EVERYTHING (And make sure you have solid freelance contracts!)
What aspects of your job do you like best? It’s never boring. The ongoing demand for creativity keeps me searching for new inspiration.
If you could choose anyone as a mentor, who would you choose? Jonathan Johnson, Vice President Creative Services and Brand Marketing at Torrid
What are some fun facts about you that not many people know? I love to sing. And I have a collection of hippopotami.
Drink of choice (alcoholic or non): Vodka soda with lime
What’s the last book you read? I Don’t Want to Die Poor: Essays by Michael Arceneaux
What’s the first concert you ever attended? New Kids on the Block
What did you want to be growing up? Linda Ronstadt or Madonna
When not making amazing magazines, how do you like spending your time? Listening to true crime podcasts, playing guitar, learning ukulele and singing to my dog.