Meet Maggie Morton

We had the good fortune of connecting with Maggie Morton and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Maggie, what is the most important factor behind your success?
To be honest, it’s putting human-centered needs at the forefront of my practice. My first degree was in Psychology, where I began to understand what it is to be human. For instance, personality psychology dives into what makes us unique. Introverted versus extroverted, thinking versus feeling and so on. When I’m working on branding, understanding the person behind the brand, or the reason for the brand’s creation is where I start. Bringing life into the brand that truly encompasses who it is, aside from current aesthetics or what’s presently trending. Design only has longevity if thought and intention are the main proponents.

Can you open up a bit about your work and career? We’re big fans and we’d love for our community to learn more about your work.
My work is centered around packaging and branding, and how a brand identity can then transfer/adapt to all alternative channels. I focus in on function, bold typographic choices, unique color stories and illustrative elements to create design systems. I do believe that graphic designers should possess a chamelion-like work flow. This is what makes design challenging. It isn’t always my personal aesthetic or “favorite” design that will speak to someone. I just had a client choose my least favorite logo, but it doesn’t mean that the logo they chose doesn’t have merit. I did design it, and once I stepped outside of my own likes/dislikes, I completely agreed it was the right choice at the time. Designing becomes about understanding and adapting to what a client wants for their brand.

I’m still learning and at the beginning stages of my career. I work in three separate spaces currently, one that is a production agency where I focus in on event spaces; one is a creative studio where I get to a bit of everything like print, socials, packaging, website design and so on. I’m also working alongside a youtuber now to create a lasting brand identity and makes his system more cohesive. Graphic Design has so many outlets and channels, so I’m currently in a space where I’m absorbing everything like a sponge and owe all my current learning to those above and beside me in these spaces. I would not be the designer I am today without designers around me. Getting through school was challenging, as well as starting out a rookie in the space, but I wouldn’t want to be anywhere else.

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
Los Angeles is lovely in the way it is so spread out, it also makes it somewhat of a hassle to get to spaces. But I’ll give you my perfect day.

1. Ube Latte from my favorite coffee shop in San Gabriel, Clover Leaf.
2. Bagels from Courage Bagels in Silverlake. (Crazy line, crazy prices, BEST bagels).
3. A stop at Lost Books in Montrose. (They have a fun atmosphere with a maze of books).
4. Grab a sandwich at La Sorted and head to the beach.
5. El Matador is my favorite beach spot. (Beautiful, clean, less crowded (DON’T go to Santa Monica)
6. After a swim and some book reading on a towel, I’d leave El Matador and stop at In n Out on the way back
7. If it’s that time of year/week, go see a movie with Cinespia at the Hollywood Forever Cemetery (preferably something spooky). I love 90’s slashers, so Scream would be great.
8. Pajamas and Ice Cream from Afters (they are open really late and have a vegan option) back at home.

I don’t think you could realistically accomplish all of these in one day, but this would be a pretty perfect/fun day in my book.

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
To my parents for believing in my dreams and supporting me throughout my struggle to get there.

Website: https://maggiemorton.me/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/maggiemorton.me/

Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/maggie-morton-5b5033112/