Meet Merril Cledera

We caught up with the brilliant and insightful Merril Cledera a few weeks ago and have shared our conversation below.

Merril, appreciate you making time for us and sharing your wisdom with the community. So many of us go through similar pain points throughout our journeys and so hearing about how others overcame obstacles can be helpful. One of those struggles is keeping creativity alive despite all the stresses, challenges and problems we might be dealing with. How do you keep your creativity alive?

To keep creativity alive, I believe in three pillars: Structure, Archiving, and Openness.

Structure serves as the backbone for creativity. It’s not about restricting creativity; it’s about providing the space and clarity needed to nurture ideas and bring them to life. Whether it’s organizing a project timeline or simply having a well-structured to-do list, structure helps me stay focused and intentional. It allows me to approach each challenge with purpose, and ensures that the creative process flows smoothly from concept to execution.

Archiving is where I gather inspiration and store the things that fuel my creative thinking. It’s easy to get lost in the digital world, so I make it a point to collect physical artifacts that speak to me — from restaurant/bar matchbooks and museum postcards to unique packaging and design materials from around the world. I have a habit of preserving items that capture interesting design principles or evoke emotion in unexpected ways. This archive serves as a tactile reminder of the world’s limitless creative potential, a break from the screen that reignites my inspiration when I need it most.

Finally, Openness is essential. It’s about embracing new ideas, staying open to collaboration, and being receptive to the diverse voices around me. I’ve learned that some of the most impactful ideas come from unexpected places — a chance encounter, a conversation with a stranger, or a collaboration with someone whose perspective challenges my own. By staying open, I constantly push myself beyond my comfort zone, ensuring that my creative practice is always evolving.

Thanks for sharing that. So, before we get any further into our conversation, can you tell our readers a bit about yourself and what you’re working on?

Hello! I’m Merril, a creative director and graphic designer, and the founder of Oden Studio, a forward-looking branding and creative office based in New York City. At Oden, we focus on building thoughtful, strategic branding and visual identities that truly reflect a brand’s story. We also design digital experiences that are both engaging and meaningful, helping businesses connect with people in a way that lasts.

Over the past decade, I’ve had the privilege of working in various corners of the design industry, from independent graphic design to creative direction. My journey began with collaborations with non-profits and experience in the consumer goods industry, which inspired my fascination with the combination of creativity and purpose. This fascination evolved into an interest in art direction, where I focused on creating brand identities that are not only visually striking but also thought-provoking. For me, it’s not enough to create something beautiful — the work must also stir curiosity, spark conversation, and invite deeper thinking.

When I founded Oden Studio, I wanted to build more than just a creative office. I wanted to create a space where bold, boundary-pushing ideas could thrive, where collaboration with emerging talents and visionary professionals would constantly encourage new thinking. At the heart of our practice is the belief that great design can transform the world — and I aim to nurture this belief through every project we take on.

There is so much advice out there about all the different skills and qualities folks need to develop in order to succeed in today’s highly competitive environment and often it can feel overwhelming. So, if we had to break it down to just the three that matter most, which three skills or qualities would you focus on?

Looking back, I’d say the three most impactful qualities in my journey have been Structure, Archiving, and Openness—principles that also help me keep creativity alive.

Structure provides the organization and clarity I need to turn ideas into reality, without feeling overwhelmed. Archivingallows me to gather inspiration from the world around me, ensuring my creativity stays fresh and easily accessible when I need it. Finally, Openness has encouraged me to embrace new ideas and collaborate with diverse voices, constantly pushing me to grow and evolve. These qualities have been crucial in shaping my journey and driving me forward.

For those early in their creative journey, I would say: don’t underestimate the importance of organization. It might seem counterintuitive to structure creativity, but it lays the foundation for the best ideas to emerge. Also, take time to step outside the digital environment—sometimes the most inspiring concepts come from physical, tangible experiences. And above all, don’t let self-doubt hold you back. Everyone faces challenges, but with clarity and confidence, we can overcome them. Stay patient and trust that your community will eventually find you. There’s no need to rush—let your work speak for itself.

How can folks who want to work with you connect?

Absolutely. Collaboration is key to keeping creativity alive, and we’re always looking for people to partner with. We are eager to connect with both emerging and experienced talents in graphic design, typography, illustration, photography, and other creative fields. But we also value partnerships beyond design — marketing agencies, production studios, and PR firms are crucial collaborators for our projects.

We’re always open to working with independent brands and visionary individuals who are ready to think outside the box and take risks. At Oden Studio, we’re always looking to grow our network of like-minded collaborators to bring new ideas to life. If you’re interested in teaming up, we’d love to connect!

Please visit our website at odenstudio.co and our creative playground space os-lab.co. Email us at hello@odenstudio.co and follow us @odenstudio.co.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://odenstudio.co
• Instagram: odenstudio.co
• Linkedin: https://linkedin.com/company/odenstudio
• Other: https://os-lab.co

Image Credits

Headshot Photography by Rahil Ashruff