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Graphic design

Interview

Guest Interview – Macey Mackubin

January 11, 2016
photo credit @Macey Mackubin

Hello all. How has the new year been treating you so far? I have an exciting new guest interview to share with you all! I’m happy to introduce local designer Macey Mackubin from Manitou Springs, CO.

Check out our interview together and visit more of her work from the links below.

Website | Behance | Etsy

Interview

1. Tell us a little about yourself and how did you get into graphic design?

I was born in Orlando, Florida. My first encounter with design began when I was pursuing a degree in photography. This was just as the digital world was beginning. Photoshop 1 had just come out. I was working as an intern at a food photography studio called Visual Cuisines and we were still using film. During that time we bought a high-end digital camera. As part of my photography degree I had to take a basic course in design. I fell in love with it while I continued to  work in photography. Photography ended up not being my true calling although it has made an impact on my design choices. Upon leaving Visual Cuisines I returned to school for a long journey towards earning my B.F.A. in graphic design. In the course of this pursuit I moved to Manitou Springs, Colorado and finished my B.F.A. in graphic design at the Rocky Mountain School of Design.

Photo credit @Macey Mackubin

 

2. It looks like you recently completed your BFA degree, congratulations! How has working in the industry/freelancing compared to your work in college?

I did recently finish thank you! School was more fun. Freelancing is also fun, but just not the same as making all the concept and design choices as you would on a school project. I design patterns, a line of products for sale on etsy.com, I draw constantly, I find old pieces of furniture to refurbish, so I can still feel like I have that freedom outside of work. One of the realities of my career path has been the need to fill in the gaps of freelance work with other types of work.

The internship I did at the end of school was with a company called Mama’s Sauce. It’s a screen print and letterpress shop. Print making has been another love of mine so when Mama’s Sauce asked me to work there in the screen print department I jumped on the opportunity. As this relates to the difference between work and school I envisioned myself working as a full time designer for one company during school. That’s just not how things panned out. However, it doesn’t mean that vision won’t come to pass at some point.

 

Photo credit @Macey Mackubin

 

3. Describe your style/aesthetic and where do you draw your inspiration from?

The first thing I do with all jobs is write. I make lists and then I begin sketching. After the lists are made there are so many ideas flowing through my head I have to sketch those. After that I peruse Pinterest, create a mood board and then begin the second round of sketches. Then I finish up; usually in Illustrator. To be able to go through that process on all jobs is a unicorn rainbow dream. I worked as a designer for a t shirt company. Jobs would need to be completed so fast there wasn’t really time for sketching ( this part could fit into question 2 as well ). I also get inspiration from researching the subject.

 

4. What are some of your favorite pastimes?

Making patterns has become a past time of mine recently. Doodling, print making, dogs, collecting salt and pepper shakers.

Photo credit @Macey Mackubin

 

5. Any words of advice for aspiring artist or designers?

Hmmm. I would say don’t give up.

 


All photo credits @Macey Mackubin

Thanks again!

 

 

 

 

Design

New Portfolio: Lang Tools

January 7, 2016
Lang Tools Packaging design

I’m excited to present new portfolio work this evening adding to my ever evolving collection. I love the raw texture and vibrant aesthetics this project emotes. Very much my style, which is hard to say for many commercial projects! Let know what you think!

As a disclaimer, the Lang Tools logo was provided, the art direction, packaging design and photography are all my own.
Credit: Lang Tools Logo

Lang Tools Packaging Design

Lang Tools Photography

Lang Tools Photography

 

Design

Just Added Portfolio: Stuck

November 29, 2015
Photo Credit: Krista Bradshaw

As fabulous and fun as the holidays, travel, family has been, I have been very distracted with everything and apologize in advance for the lapse in posts. Hopefully everyone else is also going through the same seasonal busyness and hasn’t noticed…

I have been thinking about new blog segments for next year and I am excited to bring in 2016 headstrong with new interviews, design bits, portfolio pieces etc. As mentioned previously, I have been revamping my personal website and can’t want to reveal the new layout and design! In the meantime, I have a new portfolio piece to share and will continue to keep you updated as more projects are completed.

Stuck - by Krista Bradshaw

Stuck - by Krista Bradshaw

Stuck - by Krista Bradshaw

Stuck - by Krista Bradshaw

In regards to this project, I love the open-ended creativity and spontaneity that children’s books afford. I had so much fun creating this piece and I hope it touches a little corner of your inner child as well.


Stuck - by Krista Bradshaw

Stuck - by Krista Bradshaw

Stuck - by Krista Bradshaw