We recently connected with Maureen Horan and have shared our conversation below.

Maureen , looking forward to hearing all of your stories today. We’d love to hear the backstory behind a risk you’ve taken – whether big or small, walk us through what it was like and how it ultimately turned out.

In the summer of 2022, I decided to get out of my comfort zone of working for a full-time creative agency and become an independent graphic designer and art director. Since 2012, I have navigated through various roles at creative agencies, in-house positions, and even dabbled in t.v. and radio. I had biweekly paychecks and was used to the daily routines that these jobs provided for me. On top of working a 9-5, I also freelanced on the side and enjoyed overseeing all aspects of a project from concept to delivery. The idea of becoming my own boss started around 2015, but my love for collaboration and the fear of the unknown held me back. So, I waited, learning valuable lessons from both positive and challenging experiences, that ultimately paved the way for this pivotal moment in my life.

Fast forward to 2021, and a persistent feeling urged me to take the risk. Becoming a new mom added a new layer to my identity, instilling a newfound confidence that I wasn’t expecting.

A friend coined it as my “big mom energy”. I was ready to bring the lessons I learned and my unique perspective to the table. This marked a big contrast to many years of feeling like an underdog, battling terrible nerves during presentations, and confronting imposter syndrome on a daily basis.

In June 2022, I took the leap and left my full-time security blanket. Now I’m approaching my second year of this adventure, and I feel very confident about my choice! I’ve collaborated with clients and teams from California, to Washington D.C., and Canada. My projects have ranged from coffee shops, to yoga studios, mobile cigar lounges, beauty companies, and more. One exciting highlight of my journey was the opportunity to art direct a project for a Fortune 500 automotive company. Each day unfolds with new challenges, uncertainties, and growth. The fears and worries persist, but I’m learning to channel that energy into securing the next project or refining my processes and systems. I’m excited for what lies ahead!

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’m Maureen, a graphic designer with over a decade of experience crafting distinctive brand identities. I approach each project with an empathetic touch to create compelling visual narratives that are not only stylish but also reflect the soul of a company.

While I am known for my vibrant color palettes and playful design, my professional portfolio demonstrates versatility across many industries. From collaborating with accountants to working with breweries, restaurants, independent artists, and coffee shops.

What sets me apart is not just my ability to deliver visually stunning designs but also my commitment to understanding the unique needs and values of each client. This ensures that the work I produce goes beyond aesthetics, leaving a lasting impact.

In addition to building brand identities, my services also include design for print, web, merchandise, and social media.

My passion for graphic design was sparked early on during a high school Photoshop class and evolved during college, where I explored logo and layout design, animation, and more.

Following graduation, I balanced many roles at a radio station and a creative agency while concurrently serving as a restaurant server. My unwavering determination to carve out a niche in the Tampa Bay design scene has led to a fulfilling career that continues to evolve!

What’s the most rewarding aspect of being a creative in your experience?

When I first dove into graphic design, I loved the idea that you could create whatever you imagined and get lost in a project for hours. Then when I started working professionally, it was all about getting the opportunity to work on cool projects and building my portfolio. As I’ve grown in this field, I realize now that the human connection within a project is what I find the most rewarding. This is why I love working on logos and brand identities the most.

Throughout the brand identity process, I’ve had the privilege of learning about people—their day-to-day lives, their businesses, and dreams. Many people I collaborate with are pursuing their passion, taking risks, and investing substantial savings into these projects. This resonates with me, and I approach each project with care and a deep responsibility! I appreciate the investment in my work as part of their journey.

My goal is to craft designs that not only meet their expectations, but authentically reflect their personalities and businesses. It’s important to me that the designs hold significant meaning for them. When I’ve achieved that, and they feel inspired and happy, the sense of fulfillment I have is truly rewarding!

Is there mission driving your creative journey?

I have always been deeply in tune with people’s feelings and the vibe of different environments. Initially, I viewed this as a potential weakness in the early stages of my career. Perhaps I was worried that I’d be seen as too sensitive or emotional? However, I experienced a significant shift in perspective after receiving guidance from my friend and colleague Anna. She helped me recognize that being sensitive or an empath is a positive trait and a powerful asset in the workplace. It serves as a catalyst for creativity rather than a hindrance, especially when building brand identities and understanding people. Since then, I have leaned into this side of myself and I embrace it fully!

While research shows us all of the valuable insights into a brand, the ability to see the big picture and step into others’ shoes becomes crucial during the design process. Approaching design and projects with a mindset centered around empathy sustains my enthusiasm for this job! It serves as a constant reminder that, through design, meaningful change can be made in this world. My goal is to always tackle projects using these tools, ensuring that I never lose sight of the reason I felt drawn to art and building brands in the first place.

Contact Info:

• Website: maureenthebean.com
• Instagram: @maureenthebean
• Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/maureen-horan-6912904b/