Today we’d like to introduce you to Medea Peabody.
Medea, can you briefly walk us through your story – how you started and how you got to where you are today.
The first time I knew I wanted to be a graphic designer was in 10th grade when my computer teacher asked us to design an envelope and letterhead in my computer class. Despite the limitations of designing in a word processing program, I loved the creative part of the process. Later, I inquired from my computer teacher what type of job I could get doing that kind of work and she revealed it would be a career in graphic design. From that moment, every one of my decisions was made with the intention of working towards a degree and career in design. I received a Bachelor’s of Fine Art with a specialization in Graphic Design from Ball State University. My first job was as an intern in Dallas doing clipping paths for an Ad Agency.
From there, I worked in the Commercial Photography business in the Dallas Design District as a freelancer for several photographers who shot for companies like JCPenny and the Container Store. Between 2006-2016, I spent most of my time designing for non-profits who needed good quality design and branding but had very low budgets with which to work. I recognized that the non-profit world cannot spend much money on good design because their financial decisions have to be practical. It’s always a Catch 22- you need good design to go further, but you can’t afford good design. It felt like the perfect opportunity for me to hone my skills in an environment where the standards weren’t super high. During that time, my family and I moved to London for six years which had a huge impact on the way I saw the world and only enriched my love for the arts. Once we moved back to the States, I re-launched (2017) my freelance business slowly and have been building it back up ever since.
Great, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
I think the most difficult parts of being a graphic designer hinges on the client/designer relationship.
Designers often feel like the means to an end for the client rather than the professional creative they want to be. The client has a specific aesthetic vision that they can’t accomplish without an industry professional, and the designer has their own vision based on their subjective aesthetic preferences. During my years working in an office building, I have had non-designer supervisors lean over my shoulder, take the mouse from me and attempt to “fix” the problems with the layout of the design. Those were some of the more infuriating jobs.
As a freelancer, many problems arise though just from the client’s inability to communicate their vision OR their unreasonable expectations that stem from their poor subjective preferences.
Other huge obstacles have always been getting paid the amount that you’re worth. This is an industry that can often be seen as an unnecessary expense because it’s aesthetically based and therefore deemed impractical. So many companies are not properly educated on the extreme impact good design and branding can do and the revenue it can drive, and therefore are unwilling to make the necessary investment. I would say most designers are seriously underpaid.
Alright – so let’s talk business. Tell us about Medea Peabody Design – what should we know?
Currently, I am a freelance graphic designer running Medea Peabody Design. I most widely known for my vintage children’s silhouettes, but also sell wall art and prints, and provide custom print design projects at medeapeabody.com. At least half of my experience has been with these personal print pieces such as baby shower invitations, wedding invitations, programs, or custom print jobs. I love doing these personal projects because my clients let me into the very vulnerable and special parts of their life to commemorate something important or intimate. It’s a privilege and honor to be included in those custom projects.
I have a variety of experience in identity and logo design, multi-page layout, large print media, advertising & marketing, DVD and CD packaging, catalog design, and am highly skilled in the technical side like pre-press set-up. Most of my work in web design has been to handle the aesthetics and hand those off to a coder. I’ve also designed a few websites for clients that run small businesses and need a low-budget self-promotional site. Some of my other work has included researching targeted groups for strategic marketing and then developing a plan to execute email blasts based on that research.
My goal for each project I work on is to provide creative design concepts combined with practical solutions that include technical skill. I can offer creativity and practicality. I provide artistic talent combined with organizational skills and reliability. I will fight for beauty while understanding the client’s unique needs will not always satisfy my subjective eye. I really think this is what sets me apart from other creatives. I can offer great creative solutions, be incredibly organized, and give superb customer service.
I have always understood design is a luxury and commodity for many individuals and businesses and budget is a real concern. I offer competitive pricing and special rates for non-profits and churches.
Is there a characteristic or quality that you feel is essential to success?
I hear all the time about how FAST I work. People are always surprised by how quickly I can turn around a project. What they don’t realize is that I usually will stay up ALL night(s) working to get it right. I think my success has a lot to do with a combination of a few things: offering quality work, flexibility & teachability, quick response times, efficiency, excellent customer service, and customer satisfaction. I often say “I want you to love it.”
Pricing:
- Vintage Children’s Silhouettes (starting at $40 each)
- Wall Art & Prints ($25-$30)
- Custom Print Projects quoted per project
Contact Info:
- Website: medeapeabody.com
- Email: medeapeabody@gmail.com
- Instagram: @medeapeabodydesign
- Facebook: /medeapeabodydesign
Image Credit:
headshot: Sarah Avitua Photography
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