The University of Maryland Medical System’s creative director is a Maryland Institute College of Art graduate who uses creating art as a personal outlet and a way to connect with people.
As part of its 10th anniversary celebration, the University of Maryland, Baltimore’s (UMB) Council for the Arts & Culture is featuring Q&As with its members on The Elm. This week, we shine the spotlight on Linda Praley.
What is your name/school/job description at UMB?
Linda (Epstein) Praley. I am the creative director for the University of Maryland Medical System (UMMS). I lead a small but mighty team of designers who create graphics in many forms (print, digital, animated, environmental graphics, etc.) to support the mission of UMMS.
Why did you join the Council for the Arts & Culture?
I was honored to be invited to join the council about 10 years ago. It has been my pleasure to serve with a group of talented and motivated professionals.
Outside of your work on the council, what’s something people might not know about you?
Something people might not know is that I went to art school right here in Baltimore — the Maryland Institute College of Art — and have been immersed in the arts my whole life. Creativity has always been at the core of who I am — long before any job titles or roles. For the past 40 years, I’ve worked professionally as a graphic designer and creative director, which has given me the chance to bring ideas to life across many different industries. But beyond the career, making art has always been a personal outlet and a way for me to connect with others.
Who are some of your personal artistic influences or role models?
My influences range from the timeless to the contemporary. I’ve always admired artists like Amy Sherald for her raw emotional honesty, and Jean-Michel Basquiat for his fearless energy and commentary. As a designer, I’ve also been inspired by visionaries like Paula Scher and Stefan Sagmeister — people who’ve challenged the boundaries of visual communication. I gravitate toward creatives who break rules and use their work to make people feel, think, or take action.
What inspired you to become involved with the arts?
It started as something I was just naturally drawn to — I’ve been making art for as long as I can remember. Over time, I realized that the arts weren’t just a passion, they also were a calling. That led me into a career where I could not only create, but also lead and mentor others in the creative space. What keeps me involved today is the understanding that art has the power to build bridges, start conversations, and bring communities together. That’s a big part of why I stay engaged and continue to advocate for the arts.