> ## Content Index > Fetch the complete content index at: https://capitolcommunicator.com/llms.txt > Use this file to discover other available public pages before exploring further. # Up Close and Personal: Getting to Know Julia Sarver, Senior Designer at Dynamic Integrated Services - URL: https://capitolcommunicator.com/up-close-and-personal-getting-to-know-julia-sarver/ - Published: 2018-08-10T16:32:42.000Z - Updated: 2026-10-08T23:49:34.000Z - Author: Capitol Communicator - Tags: Agency, Profiles, Up Close and Personal, #Import 2026-10-08 18:49 ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/50/16/5016dd29-aeff-4565-a68b-cdbb78bc58e6/content/images/2026/10/Julia_Sarver_0523.jpg) **Capitol Communicator is running** **“Up Close and Personal” profiles** of communicators in the mid-Atlantic. In this profile we feature **Julia Sarver**, Senior Designer at Dynamic Integrated Services (DIS). Photography for the series is by [**Cade Martin.**](http://cademartin.com/?ref=capitolcommunicator.com)**,** wardrobe styling by **Pascale Lemaire** and **Sybil Street** for THE Artist Agency; and hair and makeup by **Patti D Nelson, Janice Kinigopoulos** and **Lori Pressman** for THE Artist Agency. **Julia, please provide us a short bio.** My career in D.C. began at Porter Novelli, where I interned for two summers and played first base on their softball team. After graduating from Virginia Tech, I was offered a job at Arnold D.C. as a Production Artist. I took every opportunity to express my desire to be a designer, which may or may not have included cornering Creative Directors in the kitchen. I was eventually promoted to Art Director and had the pleasure of being part of the Arnold family for almost six years. I spent two years at Wunderman as an Art Director before moving to Merritt Group in 2013, where I worked as the Creative Director for six and a half years. At Merritt Group, I had the good fortune of building a creative team, establishing a brand, and adding almost 40 creative awards to the trophy case. In 2019, after the birth of my son, I transitioned to freelance design to spend more time at home. I recently took on a new part time role as a Senior Designer, supporting Dynamic Integrated Services (DIS), a Service-Disabled Veteran-Owned Small Business. **Are you involved in any other organizations?** I love mentoring students in any way I can. I’m an Advisory Board Member for the Communication Design department at Northern Virginia Community College and twice have been a judge for the AAF National Student Advertising Competition. I’m a member of AAF DC, and have been a speaker at AdWeek DC. **What are the things you are most proud of?** I am so proud of the designers I was blessed to mentor during my time at Merritt Group. Each of them taught me so much, and I was able to watch them grow as designers and communicators. They are all now working as leaders with their own businesses and teams. Outside of work, I am really proud of my family. I have an amazing, supportive husband whose affinity for spreadsheets consistently impresses me. He is an incredible father and a talented musician. My five-year-old daughter is witty, a true LEGO engineer and has a fearless sense of style. My one-year-old son is the sweetest child, but also loud and determined and definitely has a future as a drummer. **Who are your personal role models?** My dad, who was also my softball coach, helped to instill a strong work ethic. He also showed me the importance of kindness, and not taking yourself too seriously. Professionally, I’d have to say **Rebecca Mabie**. I’ve followed her all over D.C., at least that’s the running joke. I met her when I interned at Porter Novelli and then worked with her at Arnold and Wunderman. She never made me feel like a junior and always had time to help. **Did your role models offer professional advice that helped you in your career?** My dad always told me if I wanted to be better, I would have to work at it. This has been incredibly true over the course of my career. I hope to never stop ‘working at it.’ Rebecca taught me the value of a strong edit. Never settle. Work can always be better. **What professional advice do you have for others?** Be authentic; treat everyone with respect, regardless of their position; transparency builds trust; and be honest. I love this Mark Twain quote: “If you tell the truth, you don’t have to remember anything.” **What’s on your Spotify and Pandora playlists?** I’m all over the place. Motown, 80s and 90s Country, The Greatest Showman Soundtrack, Disney Karaoke, Simon & Garfunkel. Although when I need to focus I can only listen to the sound of rain. **What’s your favorite restaurant?** Right now I’m loving Ford’s Fish Shack. Nothing beats their fish & chips and a cold beer. **Is there anything else you would like us to know about you?** In high school I played the trombone in marching band and worked at a tackle shop… and both were excellent character builders. All joking aside, I feel so honored to be able to work in a field that I love. In each phase of my career, I have been privileged to work alongside many incredible and genuine people. This is one talented town and I’m so glad to be a part of it. **To stay current on items of interest to communicators, visit Capitol Communicator at** [**www.capitolcommunicator.com**](https://capitolcommunicator.com/).