Ryan Paige
WHAT DO YOU DO?
“I dedicate myself to creating and connecting.”
I possess many creative passions and strive to utilize and intertwine my disciplines of digital design and production, fine art, and printmaking.
WHAT STEPS DID YOU TAKE TO GET TO WHERE YOU ARE NOW?
I have a stellar education from MICA in Baltimore, where I studied my design and printmaking passions. Since graduating, each job I have pursued has been vastly different from the next. This has allowed me to experience many types of teams and environments, as I mastered my skillsets along the way.
How do you stand out in your field?
I have a strong sense of typographical composition. Sculpting the perfect rag brings me joy. I've learned that it's something I naturally possess, but I also had one hell of a type teacher in design school. Detail and craftsmanship is extremely important to me, as I have printed with letterpresses and engraving presses for over eight years. Without a dedicated execution, a great idea can fall flat. Designing for letterpress or other forms of print is a world away from digital platforms, and with experience in both orbits, I understand how to create for each. Also.. I'm the one who's going to make you a margarita after a long day. I'm THAT teammate.
WHAT ARE YOU WORKING ON RIGHT NOW?
I have started a portrait series of drag queens from a less-pop art, more-intimate perspective. I also continuously work on various freelance design projects for nonprofits and small businesses.
WHAT'S YOUR STYLE/PERSPECTIVE/TASTE? DO YOU HAVE A PROJECT THAT REPRESENTS THIS?
When it comes to graphic design, I do enjoy shifting my aesthetic to cater to my client. It's part of what makes design challenging and exciting. My personal aesthetic in my artwork is softer but striking, with a focus in color theory. My favorite piece that I have painted is of a taxidermy ostrich infant. It reflects my love of color and composition, while expressing exactly how I was feeling at the time. Graphic design works the same way-- the marriage of aesthetics and purpose.
WE ARE ALL SLASHIES WITH MULTIPLE SKILLS, WHICH ONE DO YOU WISH YOU COULD DO MORE OFTEN?
It's not a matter of the right industry, it's about the right people. I would love to be in an environment of mutual support, appreciation, and respect.
WHAT IS FRUSTRATING YOU RIGHT NOW?
It's difficult to think past this massive covid-19 thunderhead overtop of us all. I'm just staying grateful for what I have.
IF YOU COULD HIRE SOMEONE FOR $20/HR, WHAT WOULD YOU HAVE THEM DO TO MAKE YOUR DAY EASIER?
Help me grow an incredible garden of vegetables in my backyard!
LET'S BRING OUT THE TIME MACHINE. WHAT DO YOU WISH YOU COULD HAVE TOLD YOURSELF, WHEN, AND WHY?
I wish I could have told my 20-year-old self to freely experiment more. I think I may have been too focused on doing "well in school." Hell, it's art school-- GO FOR IT! But I eventually got there.. no regrets.
IF YOU COULD TALK TO AN EXPERT TO GAIN MORE INSIGHT ON SOMETHING, WHAT WOULD IT BE ABOUT?
It'd be cool to speak with a founder of a well-oiled brand agency and discuss their favorite and most surprising hires. Why were they hired or why were they fired -- ha! The drama.
WHAT KIND OF OPPORTUNITIES/PROJECTS ARE YOU LOOKING FOR?
I'm actively looking for more stable work, whether it is contract, part-time, or full-time employment in either design or printmaking fields. I hope to be a valued member of a rockstar team who support and influence one another for the better. I want to be proud of the brand or company I create for. Everything in my life has proven that a strong tribe is the most successful thing we can build. A rising tide lifts all boats.
DESCRIBE YOUR IDEAL JOB/CLIENT/COLLABORATION.
Event design is an industry in which I am highly familiar, and without a doubt, checks all the boxes for me. Developing a close relationship with a client and collaborating with many vendors and creatives from inception to completion: branding and marketing strategy, invitation / signage / details design and print, making sh*t happen! And watching your hard work come to life!
WHAT IS YOUR HOURLY RATE, RETAINER, OR SALARY RANGE?
Nonprofits aside, I typically charge 40-50/hour for design work, but with a more stable contract, this can vary depending on the timeline and scope of work. I will often agree to a flat-rate if the project is clear-cut with an edit maximum. (for example, 3 custom wedding invitation options, small business logo, etc.)
My commission acrylic portraits start at 700 for a 20-inch minimum. My future dream full-time gig with benefits (insert heart-eyes here)… I'll get back to you.
HOW SHOULD SOMEONE APPROACH YOU ABOUT WORKING TOGETHER?
Just slide into my DMs…but I'll most likely reply to your email sooner.
HOW DO YOU STAY CREATIVE?
Work my craft, play outside, stay grateful.
This member profile was originally published in May 2020.