Raquel Mayer is a Seattle-based award-winning designer in print, digital, creative branding, and information graphics. She has worked for a variety of companies, from small start-ups to Microsoft and Jabra. I first learned of Raquel’s work when I returned to Shelby and saw the gorgeous designs she created for the Shelby centennial celebration. She took a few minutes out of her busy schedule to answer questions on her influences and inspiration.

How did growing up in Shelby inspire you as an artist?
The spirit of growing up in a small town like Shelby helped shape my honest, strong work ethic that is responsible for a lot of my success. I also think growing up in Shelby forced me to find creative outlets and to be curious about pushing boundaries, which instilled an eagerness in me to learn more about the world.
 
What kind of formal training have you had? Which is more important in your own experience, your own explorations or specific training?
The foundation of my traditional art skills was built during my senior year in high school, when I talked my art teacher Ms. Hanson into letting me hang out in her art classroom for three periods a day. After graduation, I enrolled in the graphic design program at the Art Institute of Seattle.
 
Personally and as a hiring manager, I’ve learned that having the natural talent (or the “creative eye”) is very difficult to be taught–it’s truly a gift. While that natural talent can take you places, having formal training brings you to a professional and competitive level that every career-driven artist should commit to.
 
What took you to Seattle?
I wanted to move to a big city, and Seattle happened to be one of the closest to home…just in case I needed to come running back!  My grandparents took a gamble on me and, with the support of my amazing family, gave me the courage and means to make my dreams of becoming a working artist a reality. I’ll forever be grateful for that!
 
What keeps you there?
During my graduating semester at the Art Institute, I accepted a three-month internship with one of the top design firms in Seattle and ended up staying on with them for almost 2 years. From there, I was able to find several great opportunities within the greater Seattle area—it really has a wonderful design community. I also met my husband, who is a Washington native, so together we’ve made a home of Seattle.
 
What are some of your favorite creations? What inspires you?
I am especially proud of the Shelby poster and collateral work I did for the 100th celebration. To design an image that depicts the anniversary of such a tight community was intimidating! Shelby means so much to so many people; it was amazing to have the opportunity to take a blank page and create a single image that people would want to wear or purchase.
 
I love the opportunities I’ve gotten with some of the largest technology giants, Microsoft being one of my top favorites. The challenge to come up with something new while keeping the large corporate brand intact is daunting yet rewarding. A couple of years ago, I worked with a small group inside Microsoft called the IdeAgency on visualizing an interactive, educational and safe site for children ages 4-12. This was special to me because of the challenging requirements of designing a website for 4 year olds who can’t read but, without undermining the computer savy 12 year old, all within an extremely tight deadline (4 weeks including development).  The project was very successful and in turn gained the trust of the team and cultivated a long term client engagement, I work with the former General Manger to this day!
 
I’m inspired most by designers who set trends and are innovative within the challenges clients bring to them. One my sources for daily inspiration is BRAND NEW <www.underconsideration.com/brandnew/> , I love honest and educated critique by experts and players within the global design community.
 
What is the best advice you have received?
The best advice from design/artist mentors is to “Keep current and relevant—be willing to learn new tricks.”
 
However, the advice I find myself turning to is from my dad, who always told me, “If you believe what you are doing is right, then how can you be wrong?”

What advice would you give to struggling artists?
Don’t give up! The design and art community is competitive and fast moving, but that should motivate you to try harder, learn faster and hone your skills.

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