Molly M. Casey
Molly M. Casey
Designer / Artist / Writer / Creative.
Chicago, IL & Lawrence, KS
behance
instagram @mmcasey99
instagram @mollycaseyartwork
pinterest
WHAT DO YOU DO?
“I am a person of many passions, I enjoy anything surrounding art, fashion, architecture, interior design and all things pop culture. ”
I prefer the label "Creative," as while I am pursuing a degree in Graphic Design and Visual Communication, I also freelance paint, make furniture, have dabbled in social media, interior design and more. I love how one project can inspire you in a totally different way to start something completely opposite. I am always looking to make new friends or connect with people to express ourselves and chat about what we love (and sometimes hate) about working in a creative field.
WHAT STEPS DID YOU TAKE TO GET TO WHERE YOU ARE NOW?
I am currently finishing my junior year at the University of Kansas, earning my Bachelors of Arts in Visual Communication Design (a fancy term for a blend of Graphic Design, Branding and Marketing) with a minor in Psychology. I have interned and apprenticed with several accomplished designers and creators, giving me a solid idea of real world application within a creative field. On the side (and especially as a way to stay sane during the pandemic) I enjoy freelancing abstract mixed media paintings, watercolor paintings, furniture art, designing apparel, graphic design projects, and anything that sparks joy and inspiration. I believe one of the most important jobs a creative can have is to keep creating, even without a job or deadline to meet, because you never know where a personal project can take you. :)
How do you stand out in your field?
I think something that sets me apart from other creatives, is my ability to blend both traditional and technological mediums to create unique works. I love when I see a project that inspires me and think to myself: "How did they make that?" and find a way to teach myself new methods. Beyond my work, I think my personality, sense of humor, and engagement to my clients and team mates brings me the most success in the workplace.
WHAT ARE YOU WORKING ON RIGHT NOW?
I am constantly filing between improving old and beginning new projects, but right now I am focused on polishing my website to go live (hopefully soon) in a way that displays both my work and my personal brand in a way that makes me happy. I am also preparing for the real-world, post-grad life and applying to internships to foster my growth as a designer and creative.
WHAT'S YOUR STYLE/PERSPECTIVE/TASTE? DO YOU HAVE A PROJECT THAT REPRESENTS THIS?
I feel that I am a little young to have a distinct style, However, I do find myself drawn to layered works and creating texture and effects within my works. I often work in many, many layers mixed of hand-done media and computer processes. I love love television and movies, so I am drawn to poster work, tv show redesigns, and film inspired projects. I am also intrigued by fashion and weaving that into brand representation and identity.
WE ARE ALL SLASHIES WITH MULTIPLE SKILLS, WHICH ONE DO YOU WISH YOU COULD DO MORE OFTEN?
I would love to find a way to blend my love of fashion and media with my design work. A position that involves fashion, television, or publicity along with creativity would excite me. I am very social and would prefer to work in an arena where collaboration and networking were a part of my routine. I am well versed in business writing, editorial writing, and creative writing and would feel comfortable doing more than design work. I am interested in expanding to events, experiential work, marketing, or entertainment. Basically open to many new things and many new paths!
WHAT IS FRUSTRATING YOU RIGHT NOW?
One thing that has caused me some frustration is balancing school work while trying to make work that inspires me, and network/apply for jobs and internships on the side. That being said, I have found the farther I work into my degree, the more freedom I am given within my assignments. I am excited to polish off and tweak some older projects to fit my site and portfolio better. I look forward to new opportunities this summer and following my graduation in May of 2022.
IF YOU COULD HIRE SOMEONE FOR $20/HR, WHAT WOULD YOU HAVE THEM DO TO MAKE YOUR DAY EASIER?
My laundry! I prefer to arrange my schedule on my own but I often find myself dreading the little tasks needed to keep the week going.
LET'S BRING OUT THE TIME MACHINE. WHAT DO YOU WISH YOU COULD HAVE TOLD YOURSELF, WHEN, AND WHY?
If I could go back in time, I wish I could tell my younger self that she would likely never be a doctor so it would be worth while to just return back to art and design, and also to take life less seriously. I am now a big believer in having fun for yourself everyday, alongside hard work, and reminding myself that things are not that personal, and not everything is the end of the world. Sometimes, bad things serve as blessings, or open doors for personal growth and new opportunities.
IF YOU COULD TALK TO AN EXPERT TO GAIN MORE INSIGHT ON SOMETHING, WHAT WOULD IT BE ABOUT?
If I could talk to an expert on anything, I would likely interview Grace Coddington. As a fellow redhead, the fashion icon and former creative director of Vogue has always inspired me with her creative vision and styling abilities. During her 28 years at Vogue she managed to keep the magazine so relevant and work alongside legends such as Anna Wintour to create something magical. I would love to hear her stories and adventures from her time at Vogue, and listen to her journey from model to creative director.
WHAT KIND OF OPPORTUNITIES/PROJECTS ARE YOU LOOKING FOR?
I am looking for anything to expand my portfolio and add breadth to my work as a creative and designer. I'd love the chance to work in fashion, entertainment, events or media, and always open to new experiences.
DESCRIBE YOUR IDEAL JOB/CLIENT/COLLABORATION.
My dream job would likely be something that would combine interior design, experiential design, fashion, and branding. I could imagine this manifesting into designing the space and feel of a fashion show, creating set designs for talk show or movie, or organizing a museum exhibit to honor a creative's life. When all types of creativity are poured into one experience, from the font to the texture, the dress to the carpet, or the viewer to the space, amazing things are formed. One of my favorite feelings is when you find yourself thinking "This is surreal," or "I feel like I am inside a movie," and while I may not stick to one career forever, I want my life's work to contribute to more of those feelings.
Who is a creative that has helped you elevate your work?
I have previously worked for Victoria Lidstrom of Leggy Bird Designs, Heather Milligan of Heather Milligan Design and my dear friend Belle Leigh Smith always inspires me and critiques my work.
HOW SHOULD SOMEONE APPROACH YOU ABOUT WORKING TOGETHER?
I am always open to new opportunities! I prefer Instagram DM's to email as I find it easier to have a quick conversation. My work page is @mollycaseyartwork.
HOW DO YOU STAY CREATIVE?
Create new things just for fun!
This member profile was originally published in March 2021.