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Member Spotlight: Troy

Member Spotlight: Troy

Nov 27, 2024

This month’s member spotlight features Dedicated Desk Member, Troy, whose design eye and patience have been a comfort to us all. We appreciate you, Troy, and we’re thrilled to learn more about you!

Can you tell us a bit about your work? What do you do, and what do you love about it?

I’m a creative leader and design strategist, with experience across the spectrum—from global tech giants like Microsoft, where I had the unique opportunity to work on the iconic Halo 3 franchise, to innovative startups like PicMonkey and Shutterstock. 

I’m currently working as a Studio Design Lead for a local design agency Allovus based in Gig Harbor, WA. My work focuses on bringing joy and clarity to complex products, making them intuitive and engaging. I lead design teams with a playful approach, encouraging designers to experiment and tap into their curiosity. What I love most is seeing how thoughtful design choices can create real connections between people and technology, making experiences feel seamless and genuinely human-centered. 

As someone passionate about bridging technology with authentic user experience, I’ve come to appreciate how crucial it is to keep the human element alive in every interaction. That’s why I strive to start every project with the focus of, “We are human.”

Can you tell us a bit about yourself? What are your interests and hobbies? What’s a fun fact?

Outside of work, I’m a father of three and an avid cyclist. Cycling is my go-to for clearing my mind and finding creative inspiration, and I find it’s the perfect balance to the focus and energy I bring to my work. I also love exploring all things design, from digital to print and packaging, and have a strong appreciation for how design touches every part of our lives. 

A fun fact? I grew up in Bend, Oregon, where I was a 4-H kid through and through, raising goats and rabbits. In 1983, I even won the title of Deschutes County Grand Champion Dairy Goat Showman—and I’ve still got the goat trophy to prove it!

What drew you to Workhorse? What’s your favorite thing about it? What problems does it help you solve?

Workhorse immediately appealed to me for its location and the perfect balance it offers between focus and connection. But the biggest draw is that working from home just isn’t an option for me—I’ve got kids, dogs, home projects, and bikes all vying for my attention, making it nearly impossible to stay productive. Since my work is likely to remain permanently remote (unless I stumble upon something with a great local office), Workhorse fills that gap by giving me the collaborative office vibe I need without the time suck of commuting into the city. It’s a great space where I can dive into work and still feel part of a creative community.

Anything else you want to add?

I spend so much of my time building experiences for other people that I seem to have no time for my own, but you can learn more about me at troycoleman.com as I start to build out a better online presence for myself. My desk is always open at Workhorse—feel free to grab me to say hi, talk design, or just chat. I’m not as grumpy as my face makes me look—that’s just my resting Troy face 😉 

If you see Troy in the space, say hey. Compliment his desk setup. He’s good people.