You may not know Susan Gamble's name, but you could have her artwork in your pocket. Susan, an Air Force wife and a Master Designer for the U.S. Mint, created the flip side of the state quarters for Alaska, Oklahoma and Washington, as well as many other coins.

She spoke to me by phone from her home in Texas for the April 19 Spouse Calls.

Susan and her colleagues, nine designers in all, are responsible for developing artwork for all U.S. coins -- circulated, commemorative and collectible. Susan is able to submit her coin designs electronically and necessary paperwork via real mail, so this is a job that travels with her.

Susan said military moves have challenged her as a  graphic designer, helping her to develop versatility and a wide-ranging resume of art experience.

Susan said the diversity of her palette of artistic experience may have been instrumental in her selection as a Master Designer for the U.S. Mint in 2004.

“Looking back on it, I think a strong factor was my widely varied back ground. Of all the mint artists, I have done a little bit of everything. They may have caught their eye a little bit. All of those moves that were so difficult for me … it all looks fairly impressive on a resume.”

Susan applied for the position when the U.S. Mint began their Artist Infusion program, soliciting professional artists from around the country.

Having a successful career as a military wife is not easy, Susan said, but it is possible.

"Up until you’re in your late twenties, what you don’t realize at the time is that the moves are helping you," she said.

"You’re getting more experience at your age than many people who get jobs and stay in them for longer. For the first ten years or so, your resume starts looking pretty darn good compared to other people your age. You don’t see that until later on."

"Later it starts becoming more of a problem because you’re senior you have all this experience," said Susan, who has been a military wife for 30 years. "Then people are afraid of hiring you as a full time because they’ll have to pay you more. A number of times, the way that I was able to get a decent salary ... was to point out that I didn’t require benefits, and I could be hired as a consultant. The money that would have gone into paying benefits for me went into my salary."

Even with years of experience, Susan said relocating her career is still difficult. The Gamble's most recent Air Force move was to San Antonio from Washington, D.C., where Susan had been a graphic designer for the National League of Cities.

"I was working a full time job there, and I loved my job. I had just gotten a nice fat pay raise and more responsibility ... It was really hard to leave it. It doesn’t get any easier.

Now in Texas, Susan operates her own design firm, Gamble Graphics, a company that has traveled with her to various assignments.

"You do have to research the new city," she said. "I’ve found that this time, networking organizations has been really helpful. I’ve not had to go out cold calling this time."

Susan and her husband have two adult children who continue to provide inspiration for her artwork.
A Louis Braille coin released last month bears the image of her son as a child and an upcoming coin will bear the likeness of her daughter.

See more about Susan and her coin designs on the U.S Mint Web site.