Kelsey Mader
WHAT DO YOU DO?
“I’m a graphic / web designer based out of Northern Pennsylvania, I work with small businesses and female creatives on print, branding and web design. ”
I collaborate with my clients to create designs for their businesses that are more than just "pretty".
WHAT STEPS DID YOU TAKE TO GET TO WHERE YOU ARE NOW?
I originally went to college for fashion merchandising with a dream to go to FIT my senior year and I wanted to get a job at a magazine. Then, I decided to pick up a minor in graphic design (thinking it would help with the whole "get a job at a magazine" thing), and I fell in love with graphic design. I had one of those movie moments where I was sitting in front of the iMac in the graphics lab and just thought "I could do this for the rest of my life" so I switched my majors and dove head first into being a designer.
How do you stand out in your field?
As a third generation artist, being creative really is part of who I am. So I try to do things that aren't like what everyone else is doing.
WHAT ARE YOU WORKING ON RIGHT NOW?
I've actually started a new project recently. I've been thinking about bringing the fashion aspect of my education and my life into my design work more, fusing the two. So I'm working on a A-Z Fashion Designer poster series that is heavily type based.
WHAT'S YOUR STYLE/PERSPECTIVE/TASTE? DO YOU HAVE A PROJECT THAT REPRESENTS THIS?
Ah, gosh. I don't know if I've really come into my true style yet. I think it can be a life-long process for some and I'm only in the beginning stages of my career. There are things that I like, but i'm still figuring it out really.
WE ARE ALL SLASHIES WITH MULTIPLE SKILLS, WHICH ONE DO YOU WISH YOU COULD DO MORE OFTEN?
I wish I could paint digitally, and be better at lettering on my ipad pro.
WHAT IS FRUSTRATING YOU RIGHT NOW?
Honestly the pandemic has me all over the place with worry. Wash your hands, friends!
I've also been worried about if I will be able to make the change from a 9-5 to freelancing, but I have faith that the right clients will come into my life and allow me to do that.
IF YOU COULD HIRE SOMEONE FOR $20/HR, WHAT WOULD YOU HAVE THEM DO TO MAKE YOUR DAY EASIER?
Right now I would love if someone could run my social media and cold-email potential clients for me.
LET'S BRING OUT THE TIME MACHINE. WHAT DO YOU WISH YOU COULD HAVE TOLD YOURSELF, WHEN, AND WHY?
I think I would want to tell my college self to network, network, network and network some more. Since I'm an introvert I definitely blew off my professors stressing the importance of it, but I didn't realize JUST how important it was until networking was how I landed my first graphic design job out of college. Now I always carry business cards.
IF YOU COULD TALK TO AN EXPERT TO GAIN MORE INSIGHT ON SOMETHING, WHAT WOULD IT BE ABOUT?
I would probably ask questions about creating a font. That's something I want to do in the future.
WHAT KIND OF OPPORTUNITIES/PROJECTS ARE YOU LOOKING FOR?
I'm available for freelance graphic design and web design opportunities including branding, print collateral, and web design. I'd love to hear from you!
DESCRIBE YOUR IDEAL JOB/CLIENT/COLLABORATION.
I'd love to work with more female creatives, I'm all about women helping women. Maybe a fashion blogger? More ways to merge my love of design and fashion together.
HOW SHOULD SOMEONE APPROACH YOU ABOUT WORKING TOGETHER?
Send me an email or fill out the contact form on my website!
HOW DO YOU STAY CREATIVE?
Unplugging from my phone!
This member profile was originally published in November 2020.