Lily Marshall
Lily Marshall
Co-founder / Creative Director
New York, NY
www.marqstudiony.com
instagram @lilmarshall
instagram @marqstudiony
WHAT DO YOU DO?
“Hi there, I’m a New York-based digital creative and co-founder of Marq Studio NY. We provide holistic design solutions for branding + identity, marketing materials, website design + more with a conceptual rigor and refined aesthetic rooted in storytelling.”
As an agency, our approach is always collaborative and grounded in strategy. Having worked with clients ranging from start-up to global companies, we understand the vernacular needed to attract and connect with a diverse range of audiences.
WHAT STEPS DID YOU TAKE TO GET TO WHERE YOU ARE NOW?
I'm a DC-native, but these days call NYC my home base. I have a BFA in Fashion Marketing & Management with a focus in Graphic Design from Savannah College of Art and Design, where I truly found my passion for building brands through visual identity and authenticity.
Shortly after graduating I relocated to New York, where I took on multiple Graphic Design and Marketing internship opportunities, while teaching myself basic coding on the side. From there I took on several freelancing clients and started F/T as a digital designer for a global luxury shoe brand, creating email marketing campaigns, designing paid & organic social posts, look-books, digital catalogs and custom landing pages.
At the end of the day, nothing substitutes hard work, dedication and always keeping your eyes and ears out for inspiration!
HOW DO YOU STAND OUT IN YOUR FIELD?
I'm obsessed with details, both macro and micro. Everything project I tackle is rooted in story-telling and problem-solving.
WHAT ARE YOU WORKING ON RIGHT NOW?
My business partner/best friend/fellow SCAD grad and I launch a boutique creative agency, Marq Studio NY. We partner with brands by joining their team in an intimate and in-depth deep dive, helping them find actionable solutions and build their brand aesthetic/identity/voice in a truly authentic way. Our work ranges from Brand Strategy, Brand Identity, Art Direction, Digital Marketing + Design, Web Design, Visual Merchandising + more. Prior to launching our creative studio, with my best friend/co-founder Stephanie Telemaque, I spent 5+ years in the fashion industry, working as a graphic and digital designer in the global luxury goods + editorial sector.
WHAT'S YOUR STYLE/PERSPECTIVE/TASTE? DO YOU HAVE A PROJECT THAT REPRESENTS THIS?
Story-telling is my most favorite part of the design process. It's the apex that defines what the voice, look & feel of the brand will be. Personally, I am most attracted to clean, thoughtful, sophisticated and refined brand identity. I love simplicity. However regardless of personal taste or aesthetic, I am always working to design assets or craft identity that are both visually relevant and speak to the core of the brand's ethos.
WE ALL HAVE MULTIPLE SKILLS OR WORK IN VARIOUS INDUSTRIES, WHICH ONE DO YOU WISH YOU COULD FOCUS ON MORE?
Creative Direction! I love crafting the story, then filtering it through the lens of the consumer, and creating visually relevant content that you can trace back to the brand's own identity.
WHAT IS FRUSTRATING YOU RIGHT NOW?
Keeping up-to-date on updating our portfolio section of our website! This task usually ends up at the bottom of my t-do list, but setting aside a few hours per month on our calendar to focus on this has made the task (marginally!) easier to stay on top of. .
IF YOU COULD HIRE SOMEONE FOR $20/HR, WHAT WOULD YOU HAVE THEM DO TO MAKE YOUR DAY EASIER?
Hiring a personal chef would be a game-changer!
LET'S BRING OUT THE TIME MACHINE. WHAT DO YOU WISH YOU COULD HAVE TOLD YOURSELF, WHEN, AND WHY?
Never a failure, always a lesson. Trust your gut instinct, it will never steer you wrong.
IF YOU COULD TALK TO AN EXPERT TO GAIN MORE INSIGHT ON SOMETHING, WHAT WOULD IT BE ABOUT?
I would love to sit down with disrupters in the social media space. I'm so intrigued by CRM and social media wizards that are able to analyze and define social media strategy for brands big and small.
WHAT KIND OF OPPORTUNITIES/PROJECTS ARE YOU LOOKING FOR?
Branding projects in the wellness/health/beauty/food/activewear space are especially intriguing to me right now. I also love continuing to build my reputation in the fashion/beauty and lifestyle space.
DESCRIBE YOUR IDEAL JOB/CLIENT/COLLABORATION.
Open-mindedness, trust, communication! My most favorite projects or collaborations are successful because everyone is on the same page from the very beginning, expectations are clear, and because of this, the results often end up above and beyond the original expectation.
WHAT IS YOUR HOURLY RATE, RETAINER, OR SALARY RANGE?
Depending on scope and size, rates will vary. Let's talk details! Reach out to us directly for a customized quote.
WHO IS A CREATIVE THAT HAS HELPED YOU ELEVATE YOUR WORK?
So many amazing designers and creative studios I follow on IG! Just a few of my favorites:
@katiforner
@anagramastudio
@roandcostudio
@_storiesstudio
@saturday_studio
@soultwinstudio
@whiteandsalt
@kindledandkindred
HOW SHOULD SOMEONE APPROACH YOU ABOUT WORKING TOGETHER?
The best ways to reach me regarding a quote or question is directly on our website in the contact form marqstudiony.com or by email hello@marqstudiony.com
You can always send us a DM on Instagram @marqstudiony as well
In general, hearing about the scope of the project, who your brand is/what you'd like to say and your budget– these are just the basics! I also would love any and all inspiration you already have, just so I can get a feel for your vibe. This way we can start off on the same page and go from there. Also, smart gifs/emoji placements are always welcome!
HOW DO YOU STAY CREATIVE?
Traveling! I'm constantly seeking out new adventures, everything is documented on my instagram @lilmarshall
This member profile was originally published in June 2019, Updated February 2020.