Meet Madeline Markus

Today we’d like to introduce you to Madeline Markus.

So, before we jump into specific questions about the business, why don’t you give us some details about you and your story.
I’ve always been super passionate about art. From a young age, I would doodle all over my homework – I even had a math teacher tell me the eyes I drew on my homework made it feel like I was watching him grade me. I began showing my artwork in galleries around the Phoenix and Scottsdale area when I was in elementary school and stayed involved in that until I went to college.

It was in college that I discovered I also really enjoy marketing, and graphic design because it is art with an applied purpose. While in college, I studied in Greece for a semester, which gave me an international perspective on my field, while also allowing me to have incredible life experiences that reflect in everything I do. Graphic design presents a specific challenge, and that is being sure that my work conveys the thought, idea or values a client wants it to.

This challenge is what makes graphic design so interesting to me. I have started doing freelance work, which is especially fun because I am able to work one-on-one with clients, some of which who have never worked with a designer before. It’s fun to not only engage with them on a personal level but show them what good design can do for their business.

Overall, has it been relatively smooth? If not, what were some of the struggles along the way?
I was born and raised in the south Phoenix area and was raised in a single mother household. What I really admire about my mom is her strength and ability to persevere through everything, despite difficulties. Because of my background, of course, there have been some bumps. However, I was able to get through them by putting in a lot of work.

Throughout high school, I was determined to be the first in my family to achieve my bachelor’s degree. By the time I got to college, I had earned enough scholarships (both academic and art-related) to put myself through school with no additional cost. This was a tremendous achievement for me. I’ll now be graduating as not only the first in my family with a bachelor’s degree but also with the graphic design degree my mom always dreamed of having.

We’d love to hear more about what you do.
I’m most proud of my use of color through my designs. I think that color can really make a design (or company) stand-out, and I employ that a lot in my work. I also very much like illustration, which makes it a dominant element in the majority of my designs.

What’s your outlook for the industry in our city?
In my opinion, Phoenix is a vibrant hub for all sorts of businesses, but especially for creatives. We definitely have a good art scene, especially because each area has its own markets and downtown areas with galleries.

I think my biggest advice to people that want to start out in the creative industry is just to really throw yourself into your work.

Dedication is the biggest part of the success I’ve achieved up to this point, and I hope to continue growing through more hard work – and really putting myself out there.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://madelinemarkus.myportfolio.com/work
• Email: madelinemarkus@gmail.com
• Instagram: @mmarkus_design

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