We recently connected with Madison Beans and have shared our conversation below.
Madison , first a big thank you for taking the time to share your thoughts and insights with us today. I’m sure many of our readers will benefit from your wisdom, and one of the areas where we think your insight might be most helpful is related to imposter syndrome. Imposter syndrome is holding so many people back from reaching their true and highest potential and so we’d love to hear about your journey and how you overcame imposter syndrome.
I didn’t. I deal with it on and off but as a creative you can’t let that stop you. We all feel like we aren’t good enough or like we are imposters from time to time but the power we regain for ourselves in the face of imposter syndrome happens when we push through the fear and show up anyway. Show up ready to learn, to jump in both feet, stop comparing, and regain your confidence as you go. I remind myself all the time that even when it’s overwhelming, the feeling that I am an imposter is not rooted in fact. I know what I am doing and I know I am good at it. Feeling like an imposter does not mean I am one.
Let’s take a small detour – maybe you can share a bit about yourself before we dive back into some of the other questions we had for you?
I like to say that The Design Bean specializes in the visually creative side of marketing; meaning all things graphic design, branding, photography, and social media content. Where my clients hit creative walls, I step in and help them jump right over. I have been in the marketing realm for over 7 years and I have gotten to experience and learn from some of the best teams. Now I get the unique opportunity to help other businesses thrive creatively; whether that be with video content they weren’t sure how to tackle or a full rebrand that better represents them to their community. My passion is for people and my strengths lie in understanding them and my creativity. The Design Bean uses that creativity and understanding to help leaders and businesses create genuine and unique connections with their clientele.
If you had to pick three qualities that are most important to develop, which three would you say matter most?
The best quality I have gained is creative problem solving. Finding work arounds or coming up with more creative and efficient ways to handle a task is sometimes a God given talent but other times you have to coach yourself how to think in that manor. When you hit wall, you can’t just quit. Stop and think of other paths take. Bring in the team and help each other figure out a new way forward.
For creatives in all of the adobe software, I have learned that quick keys can become your absolute best friend! I have gotten so many compliments on how fast I can move thanks to my obsession with quick keys. People stare in what looks like it is almost disbelief at my hands moving as I work.
That leads me to the last and maybe most important lesson I have learned. Just because you move quickly does not mean it is worth less. I have spent years perfecting my skill sets and the ability to work fast, if anything, is worth more. Working hourly as a creative can hinder you in a big way. Do your research and consider that before you set your costs.
Who has been most helpful in helping you overcome challenges or build and develop the essential skills, qualities or knowledge you needed to be successful?
Madison Newman, owner of Found and Forged Design is my best friend, biggest supporter, and creative stress outlet. She jumped into this business ownership world and basically paved the way for me to dive in too. I always had the knowledge, the creativity, and the ability to do it but she reminded me over and over of my capabilities and was a courageous example for me. She’s also one of the main people who have helped me develop my creative problem solving. She is one of those with the God given talent to think outside of the box.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.thedesignbean.com/
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/the.designbean/
- Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/madison-beans-5baa57131/
Image Credits
All of these are taken by me. Either to document my design projects or for a clients headshots or product photography
