Highlight of the Week: Number 4: Lindsay Maddox
Give everybody a brief summary of what you do:
I’m a physiology grad turned graphic design student. Yup, geek all around. Working on my BFA in Graphic Design. Right now, I do a lot of little freelance side jobs for several non-profit organizations. Since I’m still a student, I volunteer my services to charities by doing their fliers, programs, tickets, mailers, menus, websites, etc. It’s a win/win – I get stuff for my portfolio and they get amazing design. I’ve also become pretty popular with the photography crowd in WV, creating identities for several photographers around the area. Lastly, I do a lot with wedding design – from invitations, to monograms, to wedding websites & blogs. I enjoy making things pretty.
What brought you to DCTH?
Luck, mostly. I had no idea something like this existed, but it was exactly what I was looking for – good conversation with brilliant designers. I had only been active on Twitter for about two weeks when it hit me to really start searching for other creatives to connect with. This particular day happened to be a Thursday, and I noticed that several people kept mentioning that DCTH would be starting soon. I popped in to see what the fuss was about and was overcome by the number of people willing to welcome the new girl. I was hoping to connect with at least a few people to talk design with – turns out I found about 20 of them… and they’re pretty awesome.
What brought you to twitter?
I’m a conversationalist. I like to talk, listen, pry, eavesdrop – I like to know things. I’m the gal that will chat you up in the Starbucks line just because I want to know what your story is. People are interesting to me, and I like that with twitter, it’s more about whom you don’t know, as opposed to Facebook and other social media, where you tend to share with only those you’ve already met. I want to see things from every different direction, share inspiration with others, learn, and even laugh a little. Twitter makes it easy. I came to Twitter to network, but it’s really been a lot more than that.
How vital is connecting with others in this field?
If you don’t connect with others, how do you grow and evolve in what you do? I learn so much by talking with and looking at others work. I’m struck with so many fantastic ideas to build on. I suppose it depends on the designer, but without connecting with other creatives, I feel like my work would eventually get stuck in a rut. I guess I really do believe that 2 heads are better than one….
Why Design?
I’ll try to make a long story semi-short.
Up until a year ago, my mind was set on med school. I enjoyed organic chemistry, biology, lab reports, etc. But, as much as I loved it, something was missing. It finally occurred to me that I worked longer and harder on the aesthetics of my projects and presentations that I did on the actual reports and data. I enjoyed doing layouts on big white presentation boards, designing and printing handouts for the rest of the class, and making gorgeous cover pages for all of my papers. Last summer, I really started thinking about all of this. I’ve always had this complete fascination with book cover design, creative typography makes me weak in the knees, and I’m a bit of a corporate identity fanatic. Clever business cards also make me swoon.
I remembered a project we had in 4th grade – we were to come up with a product and do a sales pitch/commercial for it. I created a healthy and yummy dog treat, which consisted of my dogs crunchy kibble with some skittles melted overtops, and called it “Doggie Delights”. I branded it, did package design (a soap box and construction paper works wonders), wrote some copy, and even made my very own business cards with some un-ruled index cards and colored pencils. This was truly the highlight of my secondary school career.
It finally occurred to me that I could actually do this for a living. I don’t know why it didn’t hit me before, but once it did my stomach filled with butterflies from excitement. OK, so, why design? Because I love it so much that I’d marry it if I could. Mrs. Lindsay Design.
What are some lessons you learned the hard way?
1.) **Cliché Alert** Follow your dreams. I ignored my gut when I originally wanted to work toward a career in design, and as a result I’m getting a late start to it.
2.) Seek criticism, especially if you’re new to the field. So much of my work has really improved by asking other designers what they’re honest opinions were. Don’t get offended. Ever. Learn.
3.) Get it in writing.
Freelance or Full-time?
Part time freelancer, full time student.
Where can you be found in the social media realm? (twitter, facebook, blog… shameless self promo ☺ )
I can be found just about everywhere. I keep most of my links to all of my social networking on my site: http://lindsay.extendr.com <-Flickr, Facebook, Friendfeed, Coroflot, and all of that good stuff will be listed there ☺
Currently working on a WordPress Blog, Yay! I’ll have it up in 2 weeks. Follow me on twitter for updates.
Speaking of Twitter, @LJmadd
Any recent projects you want to show-off? (urls)
Just setting up a Behance portfolio, not a lot on there YET, but I’m absolutely loving Behance and will defiantly be adding more work to it in the next few weeks
behance.net/maddox
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