Alright – so today we’ve got the honor of introducing you to Margaret Maddison. We think you’ll enjoy our conversation, we’ve shared it below.

Margaret, thanks for taking the time to share your stories with us today What’s been the most meaningful project you’ve worked on?

My most meaningful project I’ve worked on so far was my album cover design I did for my favorite band, Red. They are a Christian metal band that I have listened to since I was a kid.

Music is a cornerstone of how I my mind works. I was not born a singer, but I’ve had moments where I wanted to sing. For me, that passion feels like a chill that starts at the base of my neck and travels up and over my head. When I create, my main goal is to have my art be my ballad and for that ballad to make people feel that same passionate chill I do.

Red has been a continuous source of inspiriation, so as one of their albums reached its 10th year anniversary, I wanted to design something to represent their music. It started as a pet project and was shelved for a couple years. I took it up again during my senior year of college at SCAD. I needed a portfolio piece and this dusty sketch was the perfect one to start with.

I didn’t just want to make a piece and turn it in, I wanted to show it to the band myself. Beginning this project in April 2022, I bought a VIP ticket to their next concert in June that year. My plan was to make an album cover, print it as a vinyl record sleeve, then package it and bring it to the VIP meet-and-greet. That final year of collage had me feeling like time was running out to find a job, internship, or anything that will help me stay afloat after they handed me that piece of paper upon graduation. I was plagued with what-ifs. What if this ends up like a fan handing a celebrity a friendship bracelet? What if nothing comes of this interaction? What if they don’t like it? I had to eventually push those thoughts aside because the process of this piece was keeping that bold fire lit.

It was almost done. I had placed an order for the vinyl sleeve. I knew this project wouldn’t bring me any financial gain, I just had to do it. Unfortunately, the package was stolen off my front porch right before the day of the concert. At first, I panicked. That quality print was gone, and I had a week left. I hastily made another copy myself using the collage’s printing facilities. It was alright, but I had to measure, cut, and glue the sleeve together. The end result would have paled in comparison to the stolen print, but I guess I’ll never know.

I drove to the concert, handed the piece to them after the meet-and-greet, and enjoyed the rest of the night. I was more relieved than nervous. They liked the design and accepted it. I wasn’t expecting anything to happen next, but the next day I wake up to a message from their agent asking if they could use the design for their next limited edition apparel drop! I was beyond excited! I made some edits, sent them the files, and they sent me the print on a hoodie.

It’s been two years and I still use music as a driving force in my artwork.

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 an illustrator and creative designer. During the week, I work for an apparel company called Bioworld as a senior graphic designer. On the weekends and in the evenings, I work as a freelancer doing graphic design or illustrations (often times a mix of both) for small businesses, record labels, and other artists. Every week, I try to build my freelancing into something more. The goal is to make my own business as a creative, whether that be branding projects, album designs, posters, installations, or even murals!

I graduated SCAD with a bachelors in illustration. To me, the title felt a little vague, so I had trouble figuring out what being an illustrator really meant. I was stuck trying to decide whether or not I wanted to do novel art, editorial, concept art, or any of the other many roads the illustrator field has to offer. Some mentors have told me being an illustrator and graphic designer are two different jobs, but I have found ways to merge the two.

My art style is bold and dynamic. I normally use ink and watercolor as my mediums, but I’m able to use photoshop and illustrator to enhance my artworks. My goal this year is to take what ideas that have been hiding in my sketchbook and turn them into something tangible. They are currently works-in-progress right now, but I hope to bring them to life soon.

We’d love to hear a story of resilience from your journey.

I thought I was going to work for a gaming company and be a concept artist, but now I work as a designer for apparel. The job search process was brutal and discouraging, especially with social media panicking about the rise of A.I. and threatening artist jobs. I spent most of my time on LinkedIn, sending messages, applying for applications, editing resume, and praying for an interview request to hit my inbox. I even made some trips down to Austin TX for to meet creative directors in person. I gained some freelance opportunities that way, but no job openings. Ultimately, the designer spot at Bioworld opened up when a professor of mine suggested I meet with an artist he knew in my area. They had worked at Bioworld previously as a designer and suggested I send a message. Three months later, I got an interview request.

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

I feel like I am still figuring that out. As of right now, the rewarding aspect of being a creative is the enrichment my art can bring. I enjoy starting a project and thinking of the potential it has to become something others can enjoy.

I’ve never really been an art gallery artist. Yes, it’s nice to see my art being appreciated in a frame, but I’m also a designer. I want my work to be useful. For example, I had an idea for a project to both memorialize the horses I was lucky enough to know and make some elegant patterns to be used as wallpapers, scarfs, table wear, or anything. I grew up riding horses and I miss them dearly. They are now owned by different owners that love them as much as I do. I came home from college and visited a carousel I loved as a kid and thought I could illustrate my horses as carousel horses. I know their owners would love an elegant piece of art of their horse with this fantasy theme. I want to turn theses designs into other equestrian styled pieces like scarfs, wallpapers, etc.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.margaretlane.art
• Instagram: @margaretlane_art
• Linkedin: Margaret Maddison

Image Credits
Personal Photo: Bronston Photography