Today we’d like to introduce you to Magnus Champlin

Hi Magnus, thanks for sharing your story with us. To start, maybe you can tell our readers some of your backstory.

I have been fortunate to work with a variety of creatives and designers over the years. It all started with a woman named Nancy Pennell, who had her own design studio and demonstrated how to work for yourself outside the typical 9-5 framework. She taught me the importance of hustling efficiently, working with a small team, and scheduling projects to allow time for vacations and enjoying life.

From there, I made a point to connect with other creatives and illustrators to learn directly from them. Instead of following the traditional college path, I completed a busy year to earn an associate’s degree and quickly entered the professional world. I challenged myself by surrounding myself with the most creative people, striving to rise to their level of work and meet their high expectations.

Can you talk to us a bit about the challenges and lessons you’ve learned along the way. Looking back would you say it’s been easy or smooth in retrospect?

There are always challenges, and there have been some bumps along the way. But overall, I feel very fortunate for what I have been able to do and the chaotic path I have chosen for my life. The key to life is to set a path for yourself, keep looking ahead, and plan, so you can see the bumps in the road before you hit them. And even when you do hit them, which is inevitable, it’s how you handle those moments that teaches you a lot about yourself and what you’re made of. Luckily, I enjoy a winding road and the hills and valleys along the way.

Thanks – so what else should our readers know about your work and what you’re currently focused on?

I have spent a lifetime trying to figure out what “that one thing” is, but in truth, what I want is to do it all and learn as much as I can. My design studio has seen an extensive array of projects and clients over the years. To the outside observer, it might look chaotic, but there is a common thread when you look closer. Each project either piqued my curiosity or involved a skill set I wanted to master and add to my repertoire.

My studio is now a place where clients and agencies come when they need someone to help solve problems or bring ideas to life. I never know what my next project will be, and I love looking back at the convoluted, awesome things I have created. What sets me apart is the unique way I bring my work and ideas to life. I take on challenges and jobs that others don’t even know where to start and have a blast doing so.

One of my proudest projects was assisting a very talented individual in creating an interactive diorama of a mini-fusion reactor, which now resides at MIT, one of my favorite universities on the planet.

We’d love to hear about how you think about risk taking?

I do take risks, as that tends to lead to even better rewards in the end. However, I find myself weighing those risks more carefully as I get older. Perhaps it’s because I realize that time is limited, or maybe it’s due to the rising costs and inflation, which provide less of a buffer than in previous years.

I’ve found that I am much happier looking back at the risky projects than at the dull and safe jobs. Life is short, and taking risks sometimes yields the most amazing results.

Pricing:

• It will always cost more than you think
• Your time is valuable, don’t give it away for free
• If a person wants to haggle over your cost, they will never think you are really worth what you are worth
• Ask others and research the rate others are charging
• Don’t be afraid to say no and walk away if a client disrespects and criticizes your pricing.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://magnusapollo.com
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/magnusapollo/
• Twitter: https://twitter.com/magnusapollo/

Image Credits

John Schlia of johnschlia.com/