We recently connected with Allie Feigeles and have shared our conversation below.

Allie, appreciate you joining us today. Let’s talk legacy – what sort of legacy do you hope to build?

I think that by bringing attention to the impact designers can have in social change, more creatives will be inspired to contribute to movements they’re passionate about. When you think about it, designers shape almost everything we see and use daily, meaning design plays a crucial role in how people perceive products or campaigns. Every designer has different goals and motivation, but in my practice I feel it’s most important to do work that lifts up other voices. I hope that my legacy will highlight the connections between creative work and real life, empowering other designers to pursue meaningful work.

Great, appreciate you sharing that with us. Before we ask you to share more of your insights, can you take a moment to introduce yourself and how you got to where you are today to our readers

I’ve been drawn to creative outlets as long as I can remember: drawing, painting, textiles, and a bit of everything else. Narrowing down what I wanted to do as a career has been difficult, but I’ve had many opportunities to develop my beliefs and goals throughout my time at the University of Kansas. I’ve learned that it is entirely possible to do something you love, something you’re good at, and also contribute to a bigger picture in your community. My design is defined by collaboration, trying new things, and making something fun.

I first began my endeavor with selling illustrations in my freshman year of college. I majored in Visual Communication Design and had access to new technology and printing methods I hadn’t used before. I started offering prints and stickers with my illustrations on my website, and also participated in tabling events in Wichita, KS in summer 2021. This was just the start of connecting with people through art and design, and I hope that some of my next steps after graduating this May will lead me to even more community-based design projects.

Throughout college I’ve had opportunities to create with a lot of really inspiring people. Design is by definition a creative outlet, but for me it is also a mode to make a statement. One collaboration with a major impact was the Vote Neigh campaign with the Kansas organization Loud Light, centered around the 2022 abortion referendum. The bright western design elements along with the team’s amazing dedication exponentially spread awareness of a crucial issue, and to be a part of this campaign’s visual process was really important to me. I enjoy creating things as a hobby, but the projects that have real, tangible impact are always the most fulfilling.

For you, what’s the most rewarding aspect of being a creative?

I love being able to collaborate with other people on big projects, and it’s always really rewarding to see the final product with everyone’s input. The hours of work become so worth it when people actually engage with and enjoy what you’re putting into the world. Holding something I designed or seeing my work on shirts around town is cool, but for my work to also help spread the word about local organizations is what makes it more important to me.

Can you tell us about what’s worked well for you in terms of growing your clientele?

Creative events have helped me expand my network a lot, especially this past year. I’ve participated in and led some really inspiring events that center community members and accessible design opportunities. It’s been exciting meeting people who make similar things I do and work towards similar goals. These events are a great chance to meet other creatives, but I also love talking with people who come to shop and take in all the booths. It’s important to keep business cards out in case people want to share and remember your work, but making a personal connection will build your reputation further.

Contact Info:

• Website: www.alliefeigeles.com
• Instagram: alliefeigeles
• Linkedin: www.linkedin.com/in/allie-feigeles

Image Credits
Personal photo is from @kucolorbar on Instagram