WHERE IT ALL STARTED

I grew up in a creative household, where my love for art and design began early. That passion led me to pursue formal training through Eastland Career Center’s Graphic Design program during my final two years of high school. While there, I earned second place in a SkillsUSA pin design competition and first place in both local and regional SkillsUSA photography competitions.

BUILDING MY FOUNDATION

From 2018 to 2020, I attended The Modern College of Design, where I received a $10,000 portfolio scholarship and graduated with an Associate of Applied Business degree in Design.

MY PROFESSIONAL JOURNEY

Since graduating, I’ve continued to grow as a designer through a variety of professional roles. I began as the sole Graphic Designer for Center for Christian Virtue before joining 500 Degrees Design Studio as a Production Artist, where I later advanced into my current role as a Graphic Designer.

Hi, NICE TO MEET YOU!

My name is Maddie Laffey, and I’m a graphic designer and illustrator with more than six years of professional design experience, over ten years of experience in illustration, and a lifelong passion for both.

DESIGN WITH PURPOSE

At the heart of my work is a desire to create visually compelling, thoughtful designs that make a positive impact. I see every project as an opportunity to combine creativity, purpose, and attention to detail to transform ideas into meaningful visual experiences.

WHEN IM NOT DESIGNING

Outside of design, I love homemaking, caring for my houseplants and pets, and finding creative ways to unwind. My little zoo includes two cats, Ivy and Rain; a crested gecko, Peaches; two ball pythons, Rip and Render; a bearded dragon, Tony; and a currently unnamed gray tree frog.

I also enjoy cross-stitch, embroidery, illustration, and photography—basically anything that gives me an excuse to make something.

DESIGN & PROFESSIONAL RECOGNITION

  • American Graphic Design Award — Boston Stoker Website Design

  • Hermes Award — Silver ADDY, 2021 — Boston Stoker Website Design

  • Hermes Award — Bronze ADDY, 2021 — Mosaic MSC Portfolio Project

  • President’s List — The Modern College of Design, May 2020

  • President’s List — The Modern College of Design, February 2019

EARLY CREATIVE RECOGNITION

  • Finalist, Illustrators of the Future Contest — L. Ron Hubbard Illustrators of the Future

  • Certificate Award, 26th Wes Blizzard Visual Art Invitational — Pastel Illustration

  • 1st Place, SkillsUSA Regional Photography Competition

  • 1st Place, SkillsUSA Local Photography Competition

  • 2nd Place, SkillsUSA Pin Design Competition