DESIGNER PROFILE – Mavis Kuo-Crary
Mavis was born and raised in Taipei, Taiwan. She moved to Los Angeles in 96′, where she graduated from FIDM before starting her career in the Graphic Design & Illustration industry. Since relocating to Chicago in 2008, she has continued as a senior-level professional working both independently and with clients on a wide range of projects. She is passionate about the creative process and constantly seeking interesting collaborations.
What is your employment status?
MKC: I’m a self-employed/freelance graphic designer & illustrator based in Chicago, Illinois.
Please summarize your professional career in 1 to 3 sentences; what should everyone know about you?
MKC: I started my career as an apparel graphic designer in the Los Angeles fashion industry over 20 years ago. I transitioned into freelance after relocating to the Midwest. Since then I’ve continued working in fashion but have also worked with a variety of clients and companies beyond apparel and fashion.
Describe what you do?
MKC: I create graphics and illustrations for many different categories. From apparel graphics (women’s, junior’s and kid’s) & textile prints, to home decor/accessory designs, to print illustrations (greeting cards & flyers). And recently I’ve started building my own creative studio – Dot To Dot Creative – where I focus on work and projects with diverse communities and other small businesses.
Why Why did you choose to be a designer?
MKC: I attended art class from a very young age, but it’s my parents I’d like to thank for supporting my journey to the United States to seriously pursue graphic design in college. My education and experiences living here have constantly provided me with a growing perspective and ability to be an independent thinker, which always leads my path in graphic design & Illustration.
What steps did you take to become a designer?
MKC: I studied graphic design at Fashion Institute of Design & Merchandising (FIDM). Right after graduation I started working in the fashion industry.
What is the best/most challenging part of your job?
MKC: I’d say the best and most challenging part of my job is the design process itself. There is always an evolution from where an idea starts to the finished product. And it is also very exciting to see my work in the stores or to see someone wearing my design.
If you weren’t a designer what would you be?
MKC: I’ve thought about going to beauty school and becoming a hairstylist.
What do you like about what you do?
MKC: I love solving the challenges with creativity. There are always new skills or programs to learn about in design. And they can provide even more ability to express my voice/ideas through a wide variety of platforms and mediums.
Where do you see yourself in 10 years?
MKC: I look forward to collaborating more and more with other designers and female-owned small businesses. I hope what I do will help us make a huge impact in our community.
What sparked your interest in design?
MKC: My mom has a great sense of style, and I’ve always look up to her.
Are there any types of clothing/footwear/accessories that you avoid wearing?
MKC: Unfortunately, I can’t wear high heels any more, they give me back pain 😩
What is the biggest lesson that you have learned since you started your career?
MKC: There is always room for improvement and don’t let your ego get in the way of success.
What advice would you give to young designers?
MKC:
• Be who you are and always follow your passion.
• Try new things and take risks; don’t be afraid of failure.
• Design is a lifestyle but it’s not your life, don’t let your career consume you.
• Be kind to others and yourself.
What would you like to achieve before the end of the year?
MKC: I’d like to launch a website for Dot To Dot Creative and working on projects with other designers/businesses.
What’s your motto?
MKC: Creativity is intelligence having fun – Albert Einstein.
Other (feel free to tell the readers anything about you that we didn’t ask)
MKC: I care about diversity and human connection in the world. As a big believer in fostering community, I’m also interested in collaboration and volunteering my time and design work for a good cause. Please feel free to contact me with your inquiries.
Mavis was born and raised in Taipei, Taiwan. She moved to Los Angeles in 96′, where she graduated from FIDM before starting her career in the Graphic Design & Illustration industry. Since relocating to Chicago in 2008, she has continued as a senior-level professional working both independently and with clients on a wide range of projects. She is passionate about the creative process and constantly seeking interesting collaborations.
Instagram – Dot To Dot Creative Studio