For those of you who have been waiting in anticipation, the day is finally here. Greetings from MKE is excited to announce our first featured artist and designer, Madyson Brady!
Tell us a little bit about yourself!
I grew up in Naperville, Illinois as one of a set of triplets (no, we aren’t identical, and yes I’m the only artsy one!) I realized from a young age that I am always the happiest when I’m creating and sketching. Since then, I haven't stopped exploring the wonderful world of art. I am finishing up my degree at the Milwaukee Institute of Art & Design to study Communication Design, Illustration, and Art History.
When I’m not working on projects, you can find me sailing, reading, walking around an art museum, window shopping, spending time with my two dogs that are named after Star Wars characters, and exploring Milwaukee.
What or who is the inspiration behind your work?
When I was younger I was obsessed with old photographs; I used to spend hours at a time photoshopping and restoring or making collages all of these old family pictures. I was and am still interested in all of the ways of life, fashion styles , and even signage that I would see in these old pictures. As a result, my style is very much vintage inspired as I continue to let the past inspire my future projects.
I’ve always been amazed by hand-lettering artists and how through typography there can be so much variation in style. Artists like Lauren Hom, Mary Kate McDevitt, Jessica Hische, and Whitney Anderson (a local Milwaukee designer) have all been great inspirations to me.
What are your favorite places and restaurants around Milwaukee?
I’ve only been here for two years and have loved getting to know Milwaukee, but I know there is so much to explore in this city. I am always wandering around the Third Ward, whether I’m in the Public Market, grabbing a cup of coffee, or just people watching, it’s one of my favorite areas. I also really like the Lower East Side, The Waxwing, an artist consignment shop is one of my favorite places to go. It’s so eclectic, and I love that they are trying to introduce local artists to the public too.
There is so much good food in Milwaukee! Some of my favorite restaurants are:
What advice would you give to others just starting out in the art/design field?
Now that I’m finishing college I have two pieces of advice:
Never limit yourself. You may find your niche, style, or area within the field that you want to go into, but don’t be afraid to push yourself outside of those limits. Try a little bit of everything, a new method, medium, anything! By pushing yourself to try new things and new processes you are not only able to appreciate the way others work but perhaps incorporate a new method of creating into your process.
Never be afraid to ask questions and don’t assume that you know everything. If you don’t know how to do something, find someone who does! If you don’t know who to ask, make other connections, and maybe they know someone who can help you out. In Milwaukee, there are such strong networks of creative individuals who are all willing to pass on a little wisdom to the next person.
What, to you, makes Milwaukee/Wisconsin feel like home?
I think what makes this city feel like home is how much Milwaukeeans embrace their community. Whether it’s visiting gallery nights, supporting small businesses, or visiting all of the festivals that happen throughout the year, people just love this city. There is a lot of pride here, and it’s been an incredible experience seeing how Milwaukeeans embraces the arts and their unique cultures. It’s something that I haven’t experienced before.
What is your favorite part about Broadway Paper?
It’s impossible to choose! I really enjoy the variety of styles and products in the store. It’s endless inspiration. If I had to pick one thing, I love all the different printed papers. It makes great wrapping paper or posters to decorate my apartment. Thanks, Madyson!
For more of Madyson's awesome work, check out her webpage at: www.madysonbrady.com
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