Fort Worthian: Becca Waugh

Graphic designer and owner of Sleepy Panther Design Co.

August 15, 2022

2:41 PM

Crystal Wise

Rebecca (Becca) Waugh has always dabbled in different facets of the fine arts. From painting to digital design, she was determined to do it all.

Waugh is the owner and designer of Sleepy Panther Design Co., an independent creative studio based in Fort Worth that specializes in graphic design, illustration, and animation. Starting her own business allowed Waugh to follow whichever path life showed her.

“My professors in college told me that I was all over the place and that I needed to focus, but I felt like I was constantly overflowing with creativity,” says Waugh. “I like to dabble in a lot of things because they all serve different purposes.”

Growing up, Waugh was vocally trained through church choir. This sparked her interest in music and laid the foundation for her to eventually become a guitarist and lead vocalist in a band.

During her brief stint in Denver, Colorado, she tried her hand at improv comedy, enrolled in an improv comedy school, and found a new creative outlet to entertain.

Although you can’t quite pin down exactly what Waugh does, her personality comes to life in everything she produces.

“You can say a lot with any art form,” says Waugh. “Whether it’s painting or performing, you can express yourself and have an effect on an audience with any art practice.”

As a testament to her ability, Waugh is versatile. Her paintings and personal projects are often loud and vibrant, but her commercial endeavors can be more subdued, catering to the needs of her clients.

“I still add a touch of my personal style, but I love being able to help other people bring their visions to fruition,” says Waugh.

After college, Waugh left Fort Worth to pursue her creative career, but that search eventually led her home. She returned in 2020 to a new city transformed by both the ongoing pandemic and the influence of a flourishing artistic community.

“Fort Worth looked a lot different when I came back,” says Waugh. “I’ve appreciated the opportunity to become reacquainted with my hometown and become a part of its ongoing development.”

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