Gillian Mauldin was drawn to graphic design as a creative outlet for problem solving and communication. The opportunity to develop a public image for a company, to create an emotional connection between brands and their constituents, or to learn about new industries keeps Gillian excited about projects. She’s worked for design firms, freelanced and, most recently, has joined Coca-Cola’s Global Design Group in Atlanta. A lover of adventure, Gillian jumps at every chance she gets to see the world and experience new cultures. Her recent around-the-world journey with her husband is chronicled on wayoutsidetheperimeter.com.
06.30.09
Defend Your Work
If you have a degree in what field is it? I did graduate studies in graphic design at Portfolio Center in Atlanta and Universidad ORT in Montevideo, Uruguay (I have undergraduate degrees in journalism and Spanish from the University of Georgia).
What’s the best site you've seen lately? What's so great about it? Patagonia—The Tin Shed. Patagonia believes in storytelling and goes to great lengths to create a brand that’s more than clothes and product. In this interactive, compelling and information-rich microsite, experiences take the lead by highlighting real people’s adventures in an honest and inviting manner.
If you were to change professions, what would you choose to do? Travel writing and/or photojournalism. When I’m in new places, I see moments in pictures and mentally compose narratives about my experiences.
Design or technology? Which is more important? Why? Design and technology work hand-in-hand: Design makes complex technology accessible and engaging and technology pushes design into new realms and stretches conventions.
From where do your best ideas originate? A combination of personal experience, research and collaboration with others.
How do you overcome a creative block? When I’m stuck on a project, I walk away from my workspace, get a change of scenery and focus on something else for a while. The distance allows other solutions to come to the forefront without pressure.
In one word describe how you feel when beginning a new project? Curious.
What well-known site is most desperately in need of a redesign? Overstock.com.
Do you have creative outlets other than Web design? I’m also a print designer and love the tactile result of a printed project. A great couple I know rents out their letterpress so I’ve spent many an hour cranking projects through there. I also love capturing moments with a camera. My dad gave me an old Pentax with a set of lenses when I was fifteen and I’ve been hooked ever since. There’s also a pile of calligraphy samples that I’ve collected over the years for inspiration as I attempt to be anywhere near decent with that type of hand lettering.
What music are you listening to right now? Alison Krauss. I love her twang.
What product/gadget can you not live without? That would have to be my computer. My e-mail is the first thing I check in the morning and the last thing I check at night.
What’s the strangest thing you've bought online? Sticks of bronze-colored wax and a glue gun. It was the final step (sealing) in designing my own wedding invitations.
What’s your favorite quote? As of late, it’s a prayer by Julian of Norwich: “Lord, let not our souls be busy inns that have no room for you, but be quiet homes of prayer and praise, where you may find fit company. Where the needful cares of life are wisely ordered and put away, and wide, sweet spaces kept for you where holy thoughts pass up and down and fervent longings watch and wait for your coming.”
Do you have any advice for people just entering the profession? Be confident but humble. Ask lots of questions. Absorb everything. Have a boss you can learn from. Defend your work. Learn the business side of design. And be involved in your design community.
What’s one thing you wish you knew when you started your career? A career is not a straight line but one with lots of twists and turns that ultimately make it interesting.