Today we’d like to introduce you to Madeline Imig.
Hi Madeline, please kick things off for us with an introduction to yourself and your story.
Growing up in St. Louis, I’ve been fortunate to immerse myself in the vibrant culture and community here from a young age. Photography became my passion early on, as I discovered the power of capturing moments through a lens. Using my parents’ DSLR camera, I eagerly organized photoshoots with my siblings and cousins, finding joy in documenting people and events. Through middle school and high school, my enthusiasm for photography only grew. I often joke that with a camera in hand, I find contentment. Alongside photography, I developed a keen interest in videography, particularly relishing the art of video editing. Creating videos became a regular pastime that continues to bring me fulfillment today. My love for technology led me to explore graphic design during high school, sparking a new wave of excitement. I was drawn to the fusion of creative and technical skills in graphic design. Taking a graphic design class solidified my career aspirations. I now work as a Graphic Designer at Think Tank PR & Marketing, where I can seamlessly blend my passion for design with my love for technology.
We all face challenges, but looking back, would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
Navigating bumpy roads is the most effective way to grow and learn. My journey hasn’t been smooth, but I wouldn’t change anything because of the invaluable lessons I’ve gained. I was torn between pursuing nursing and graphic design as I entered college, and now, everything has turned out fine. However, I understand how challenging it can be to believe that when you’re faced with choosing a career path. Regardless of my direction, I knew I would grow and learn valuable lessons. It’s essential to remember, especially during school or job searching, that you’re not expected to make the “perfect” decision every time. Instead, it’s about recognizing and learning from whatever path you take.
Upon committing to graphic design, I grappled with imposter syndrome throughout college. While I knew I had made the right choice, I couldn’t shake the guilt for not learning from the start. I began to doubt myself. Over time, I’ve realized that self-doubt only holds me back. College demanded significant effort and countless hours. Upon graduating from the University of Missouri, I grew frustrated with my self-doubt and realized I needed to change to secure a job. Immediately after graduation, I embarked on a life-changing trip to Europe with some classmates. The experience exposed me to new cultures and facilitated profound self-discovery.
Upon returning home, I decided to stop drinking for three months and set ambitious goals for myself. I dedicated myself to daily exercise, nourishing my body with wholesome foods, reading self-help books, allocating time for job hunting and personal branding, ensuring adequate sleep, planning trips, and prioritizing self-care. What can be achieved through determination and hard work is astonishing. On the 90th day of this transformative journey, I received a call offering me the job I had interviewed for—a goal I had set for myself within those 90 days. I was beyond excited. I’ve been working at Think Tank for almost a year, and it has been an incredible learning experience. Moreover, I’ve formed meaningful friendships with my coworkers; I discovered a fantastic group of people at a coffee shop down the street from my office called Omen Coffee and have been able to lean into new opportunities. Looking back, it’s remarkable how everything falls into place when you realize that everything ultimately turns out okay, which is how your twenties go.
Can you tell our readers more about what you do and what you think sets you apart from others?
Upon graduating, I had a revelation: the work that truly resonates with me is the work that holds personal significance (I know, it sounds obvious!). I’m deeply passionate about mental and physical health and the journey toward becoming the best version of oneself. In line with this passion, I conceptualized an app—an innovation that currently exists only in my mind but may one day come to life. This app would serve as a comprehensive guide for women, offering tailored exercises, nutritional advice to nourish their bodies, and insights into how their feelings might fluctuate based on cycle syncing.
Additionally, I’ve ventured into designing posters that challenge societal norms around exercise and creating a health and fitness magazine for a class with a few of my classmates. Reiterating a familiar sentiment, I can’t stress enough how crucial self-care and self-respect are for success in all aspects of life. This belief has fueled my latest project. My brother and I are currently working on launching a podcast called “Tackling Your Twenties.” Through this platform, we aim to address the unique challenges faced by individuals in their twenties, offering advice and insights to foster personal growth and transformation. Crafting the podcast’s logo and cover art has been a joyous endeavor, and we’re aiming to have episodes ready for weekly release by this Spring. Furthermore, I derive immense satisfaction from designing apparel, packaging, and other forms of merchandise. If I can’t find something that aligns with my taste, I take it upon myself to create it. Teaming up with my classmate from Mizzou, Kim Koutsogiannis, we’re working on launching an Etsy page where we can share our designs with others who resonate with our aesthetic. I aim to leverage my talents and creativity for the greater good, hoping to positively impact those who engage with my work.
What changes are you expecting over the next 5-10 years?
The design industry will continue to expand significantly. The increasing emphasis on marketing highlights the necessity for brands to be thoroughly developed to earn credibility. Design infiltrates every aspect of our surroundings, from road signs and menus to websites and beyond. As technology evolves, it creates new avenues and opportunities for design exploration.
Contact Info:
- Website: madelineimigdesigns.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/madelineimigdesigns/?hl=en
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ImigPhotography
