Today we’d like to introduce you to Marie Bourgeois.
Marie, please share your story with us. How did you get to where you are today?
I received my undergraduate degree from Loyola University New Orleans in graphic design. After graduation, I began working as a designer and later advanced to associate art director at Peter Mayer Advertising in New Orleans. This was roughly one year after Hurricane Katrina devastated the city, so working at a local advertising agency allowed me to immediately put my design skills to good use. I had the opportunity to work on many projects aiding the rebuilding efforts throughout New Orleans. My team had clients ranging from local government and schools to small businesses and festivals. All the work had a great deal of meaning because there was a palpable sense that we were working to help our city survive and thrive in the wake of tragedy.
After three years in advertising, I decided to go to graduate school in graphic design with the goal of teaching at the college level. I went to the University of Notre Dame because I was attracted to their approach to graphic design, which is modeled on the idea of design for social good. After receiving my MFA, I stayed at Notre Dame and continue teaching design. I also worked for three years at Notre Dame’s internal branding agency, handling all of the University’s branding and communication materials alongside two other designers. My time at Notre Dame brought many great opportunities: I taught entry-level and advanced graphic design classes as well as web design and typography; I traveled to Nepal to work with a fair trade handicraft organization; I brought students to South Africa to help start a women’s sewing collective; I participated in quite a few public speaking events—sitting on design and creativity panels as well as giving a TEDx talk.
Last spring my husband was accepted into the Otolaryngology residency program at Emory and we moved to Atlanta this past June. We are loving the vibrant culture of this city—all the incredible street art and out-of-this-world food! After learning about the booming film industry here in Atlanta, I decided to do a bit of a career pivot and try working toward a job in graphic design for film. I am currently working on my second project since we moved and was recently given the opportunity to do primarily graphic design work on a small film.
Has it been a smooth road?
The road is rarely smooth. Anytime a person stretches and grows, things can be uncomfortable or even downright painful. I tend to be drawn to jumping head-first into new adventures, which can often lead to a wealth of stretching and growing!
How do you think the industry will change over the next decade?
I think the field of graphic design is working to move to a place of greater responsibility within organizations. Many graphic designers have a keen ability to understand the history, motivations, and emotions behind a wide range of topics, making them adept at “big thinking.” Most graphic designers I know can connect dots through complex, large-scale systems and are deeply empathetic. Progressive industries are beginning to recognize the value in these more nuanced skills and are allowing graphic designers “a seat at the table.” I see graphic designers being pulled into meetings to brainstorm solutions to bigger problems than page layouts. I think we’ll see more of this happening throughout many more industries in the next 5-10 years. I see the field of graphic design stretching to encompass much more than the craft itself.
What would you say has been the biggest challenge for you over the course of your career?
I’ve had anomaly challenges: like the infuriating experience of working in an environment with deep-rooted gender bias and sexism at the highest levels of leadership; and the heartbreak experience of losing a mentor to a progressive degenerative disease. However, the most consistent challenge for me overall is to find and harness my creativity during those times when it feels as if the creative spirit has gone forever. I go through real slumps in inspiration and motivation, which can cause terrifying moments of self-doubt and questioning. The only way I break out of these times is to gruelingly force myself to put pen to paper or start designing something. But the blank page and I wrestle often and it can get ugly!
What would you tell someone who is just starting out?
Trust your instincts. You know in your gut what your strengths and weaknesses are and ultimately what your path should be. Do not listen to the naysayers, only you know what your own capabilities. Also, try everything, especially if it frightens you. In my life, I have rarely regretted the experience and knowledge gained from trying something new, but nearly all of my regrets originate from the feeling of: “If only I had tried that…” Demand to be paid fairly for your work. This is so important. Too many of us sorely undervalue ourselves and this hurts everyone in the industry. There are great resources for learning how to price your work as a freelancer (Jessica Hische has a great blog post about this and don’t be afraid to ask people what salaries are standard in your particular area of the field. If you find yourself at an organization that discourages employee conversations about salaries, RUN! Practice your craft. Graphic design, like any other path in life, requires constant practice and cultivation. Create things regularly and you will be amazed at the results. Find the niche within the field that makes you feel obsessive and draws you to create. This will not only fulfill you but will make you infinitely better at what you do.
Contact Info:
- Website: http://mariebourgeois.com
- Email: mybourge@gmail.com
