We’re excited to introduce you to the always interesting and insightful Marc Hedges. We hope you’ll enjoy our conversation with Marc below.

Hi Marc, thanks for joining us today. What do you think it takes to be successful?

In no particular order you’ll need equal measures of determination, confidence, openness for growth and failure, plus an extra dash of courage as you lead the way. Whether running your own design business or employed, stay current and connected — through ongoing business development practices, tools and tactics training, community service, and participation in education and career development programs.

As always, we appreciate you sharing your insights and we’ve got a few more questions for you, but before we get to all of that can you take a minute to introduce yourself and give our readers some of your back background and context?

I’m a highly skilled independent Graphic Designer — a creative professional, conceptual thinker, eager researcher and seasoned collaborator with 30 years of design and business building experience. My business is Marc Hedges [Creative], a Brand Communications and Identity Design Studio delivering Brand Systems, Digital Experiences for Mobile and Web, Marketing Campaigns, and Event/Exhibit Design — within a variety of industries including: Manufacturing, Technology, Healthcare, Agriculture, Hospitality, Consumables, and Non-profit.

I’m active within the local design community and at-large. I routinely participate in class critiques, mentor designers, and serve on the Advisory Board for AIGA San Diego/Tijuana. As an appointed Design Ambassador, I am participating in the World Design Capital 2024, honoring San Diego-Tijuana as the first binational designation — WDC involves an array of public events and legacy projects, spotlighting our region’s role as a global leader in transborder design.

Let’s talk about resilience next – do you have a story you can share with us?

The first move I took towards an independent life happened right after high school. With no career or educational path laid out, my parents, both independent commercial artists (Graphic Designer, Illustrator and Fine Artist), encouraged me to join the military, to take advantage of the education and career training opportunities. I enlisted in the US Navy, was trained as an Aircraft Structural and Hydraulics Mechanic, and went to work for VA-85 ‘Black Falcons.’ Joining the Navy was a life-changing experience and after four honorable years launching A-6E Intruder aircraft, I landed in Baltimore, Maryland where I started work in product manufacturing as a CNC machinist, operating five-axis milling machines.

It’s there, while learning more about product design and fabrication, that I reconnected with my earlier design influences (my parents) and recognized that I wanted to pursue a career in the graphic arts. With a career path chosen, I soon enrolled in the Graphic Design program at Ringling College of Art & Design. And as they say… the rest is history!

Looking back, are there any resources you wish you knew about earlier in your creative journey?

Early in my career I put more effort into honing my creative development and design skills, overlooking the business of design aspects. Whether working within print or interactive environments you need a few key business development skills. Besides being proficient in the Adobe Creative Suite, get a deeper understanding of proposal execution and budget development, project planning, and vendor management, Knowing more about the ‘business of design’ adds value and it supports a more profitable outcome.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://marchedgescreative.com
• Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/marchedges/
• Other: AIGA San Diego Tijuana https://sandiego.aiga.org World Design Capital 2024 https://wdc2024.org

Image Credits
Portrait by: Allan Manzano