My name is Madeline Backes and I have had a love for art and design for as long as I can remember. Some of my first memories are of sitting in front of an easel, watching The Joy of Painting with Bob Ross while messily smearing paint across the page. As far back as kindergarten, I remember getting excited about art class. It was the point during the day where I could be as creative as I wanted without having rules holding me back, I could just … create. This love continued all throughout grade school, so much so that I was the only one in my school to take every art class offered and was voted most artistic in my senior class. But my love for art didn’t stop there; in fact, it continues to grow more and more every day and has become my passion in life.
Talking about graphic design specifically, I discovered it by accident. My sophomore year of high school I signed up for yearbook thinking that I would be going to school events to take pictures and hang out with friends. Instead, the teacher assigned us roles and I was placed on the design team. I had never even heard of InDesign or Illustrator, let alone how to use them. I gave it shot and I fell deep in love. At that time I felt that there were endless creative opportunities right at my finger tips and I still feel the same today.
During my college career, I have grown and expanded my knowledge of art and design beyond what I ever thought possible. I have taken all that I have learned, and continue to learn, and apply it to each and every new assignment. As a designer, I hold detail and presentation to the highest of standards. So much so that I have gained the title of perfectionist among my family and friends as I will spend hours upon hours perfecting my work, making it the best it can possibly be. “The magic is in the details” is a saying that reigns true as it is the most basic of elements such as shape, color, and space that truly take a work from being good to great.
My main source of inspiration comes from other artists, music, and pop culture, though inspiration can come from anywhere. I love to be able to see other people’s interpretations and problem solving of ideas; as it shows just how unique everyone is. I enjoy a wide range of design styles but find that a common element in my own work is that of color. I hope to continue to expand my knowledge as a designer and grow to be the best I can be.
