Madison Buckwalter Helps Small Businesses Find Their Voice

My name is Madison Buckwalter, and I’m a graphic designer with several years of experience creating and matching brand personality. I have skills in web design, brand and logo design, and illustration that I use together in order to create a coherent voice for the brands that I work with. I enjoy creating apparel designs and digital art in my free time, and I run an Etsy store selling my designs on things like t-shirts and stickers.

1. What motivated and inspired you to start your own business?

I have always loved creating digital art. From when I was a kid, I created imaginary businesses with my friends and designed websites and logos based on the brand I wanted to portray. Little did I know, I was preparing for my career! Graphic design and brand identity have always been passions of mine, and I feel so lucky that I am able to do it for a living.

2. Tell us about your business.

My business is a bit of a mishmosh. Primarily, I design apparel like t-shirts, sweatshirts, and stickers with fun and blocky graphics, but I also offer my graphic design resources on a freelance basis. Whether you’re looking for a cute t-shirt or an entire brand redesign for your small business, I’ve got you covered!

3. Where is your business based?

My business is based mostly out of my house in Frederick, Maryland. I do everything from my laptop on my antique desk (that I just refinished to upgrade my workspace)! You can imagine a room with lots of vintage, wooden furniture and plants everywhere you look.

4. What were the first few steps you took to get your business up and running?

I started by building myself a brand and website, then opened an Etsy store. When you are freelancing, it can be hard to get started when nobody knows your name. I figured I could build a name for myself through my products and original designs and use my own brand to showcase my brand-building skills.

5. What has been the most effective way of raising awareness of your business and getting new customers?

So far, I have found to be most effective just posting what I enjoy. I of course post my products and my services on my social media accounts, but what gets the most attention are the things that I am most passionate about. For me, those things are website designs and funny (often punny) digitally-drawn graphics.

6. What have been your biggest challenges so far?

Consistency. Apart from my own small business, I also work a full-time job and often times life can get too overwhelming to stay consistent on my posting schedules or update my website and Etsy store. Consistency on social media is a huge factor in the algorithm, so it’s very important in order to get seen.

7. How did you overcome these challenges?

I am still working on my consistency, but what I have found to be effective is to make sure I give myself lots of breaks. I take breathers and walks throughout my day, and my little breaks allow me the time and space to take care of myself both physically and mentally. Being in a good space mentally allows me to more effectively create content and stay consistent, plus it makes it a lot more enjoyable!

8. What is the best advice you have received recently?

Intentionally try things that you think you may be bad at. It’s easy to do one of two things: One, to get comfortable with what you are good at to the point where you feel overconfident, or two, to never try something outside of your comfort zone and feel like you are only “talented” in the areas you know. There are always new things to learn, and you can always be improving, so keep stepping outside of your comfort zone!

9. What advice would you give to other entrepreneurs?

Be genuine. It is so easy to put on a mask of perfection and become numb to the content that you are putting out. As a social media consumer, I appreciate genuineness far more than a perfect influencer personality any day. Challenge yourself by showing your personality in all of its facets; what you consider a flaw may be valuable to others.

10. What are you currently learning about for your business or looking for help with?

I am currently learning about social media growth and all of the nuances of each algorithm. I am learning what kind of content resonates with my target audience, and what helps my business grow! I am looking into partnerships to grow publicity for both parties.

11. What are your goals for the next few months and how are you striving to achieve them?

My goals are to remain consistent and stay positive. It is easy to feel bogged down by slow growth or little results, but building a brand identity takes time, patience, and hard work. My goal is to stay on top of growing my audience, even when it feels hard.

12. What is your favorite business tool or resource?

My favorite business resource is Pinterest. I love looking at inspiration from other brands and collecting mood boards for my personal projects. It is a great resource and motivator for almost any discipline, and sparks new ideas for me every time I use it!