Today we’d like to introduce you to Mal Kilby.
Thanks for sharing your story with us Mal. So, let’s start at the beginning and we can move on from there.
There isn’t a time that I can remember where I wasn’t creating. Growing up in my small town in New Hampshire, my mother always instilled in me that I could be whatever I wanted. I really took that to heart and threw myself into anything and everything where I could express myself. Whether it be acting, singing, painting, photography all I wanted to do was create.
It wasn’t until 2010 when I attended my first year at Johnson & Wales University in Rhode Island that I fell in love with graphic design. I knew my whole life that I wanted to take the gifts that I was given and turn it into a career. My college experience opened up a whole new world of creation for me. I realized I can spend my life creating not just logos and ads. But create someone’s brand, someone’s vision. Create something visual from nothing. There is something so powerful in that for me. The design world is so vast it excites me to know how many avenues I have to express and create. Whether it be digital artwork, apparel design, photography, videography. The opportunities are endless.
I graduated with my bachelor’s degree in Graphic Design & Digital Media in 2014 and since then have been exploring and creating for a multitude of clients and businesses. From people just starting a new business venture to large corporations looking to expand their creative direction. I spent a few years living in New York working for one of the largest wholesale apparel companies in the country. It was there that I knew I wanted to spend more time in the apparel and fashion industry.
In 2016 I decided to make the move to Los Angeles to pursue bigger creative ventures. Four years into this journey and I know that I made a great decision. Los Angeles is filled with so many amazing creative people and it has truly inspired and influenced my creative work. The people I have met and the companies I have worked for have shaped my work into something that I truly love.
Overall, has it been relatively smooth? If not, what were some of the struggles along the way?
It has not always been an easy journey. I have moved around a few times now and being so far away from my family and friends has been difficult. Making the choice to be across the country is not an easy one and I do not know if it will be a permanent one but their love and support has made it easier while I am pursuing my goals.
Also, Los Angeles has A TON of competition out here. It’s filled with some of the most amazing creative minds. It was not easy finding jobs out here when you’re new and do not know many people. I worked extremely hard to make it out here on my own and I am so blessed to have been given the opportunities that I have been. But that does not mean I didn’t hear “NO” a lot. It can be hard on the ego out here but I am a stronger designer because of that.
Mal Creates – what should we know? What do you do best? What sets you apart from the competition?
I have been doing my own freelance design work since 2010. I specialize in any form of graphic design and content creation. I am mostly known for creating brand identities. I get a lot of clients that are just starting out their journey and need a logo for their new business. Which then turns into me creating their brand and providing them with a bunch of assets to start their venture. (ie. business cards, advertisements, social media visuals, apparel designs, photography, you name it) I think what sets my business apart from others is just my passion for what I do. I truly love to create and my favorite clients are the brand new ones because I love bringing someone’s dream to a reality into something they can visually see. And I love to watch them take off with it.
What is “success” or “successful” for you?
I think success is defined by your happiness. If you have found something that you truly enjoy that truly brings you the joy and wholeness that we are meant to feel in this life, then you have already found success. You’ll also never work a day in your life.
Contact Info:
- Website: malcreates.myportfolio.com
- Phone: 6036314864
- Email: malkilby@gmail.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/malkill_/
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