Renae earned a Fine Arts Bachelor's degree in Graphic Design in 2003. She worked for two years for Howard Publishing (now Howard Books) from 2002-2004. She then worked for Neill Corporation from 2004-2005, before deciding to teach English in Japan.
Renae has pursued other work as a graphic designer, including working for the Wellness Program at the Lousiana State University Student Health Center. She also created numerous print and web design projects while pursuing her doctorate at Penn State University.