Mollie Craver, in my own personal opinion, is one of the absolute best Graphic Designers in the Raleigh-Durham area of North Carolina. Not to mention one of the nicest people I’ve ever met. I had the chance to grab a cup of coffee with her and ask her a bunch of questions.
(Christopher): Let’s get the interview started off with you telling us a little bit about yourself, Mollie.
(Mollie): Look up the definition for ‘Aquarius’. Add a tablespoon of weird, a dash of sarcasm, shake well and serve over ice.
(Christopher): How long have you been doing design work?
(Mollie): My Grandfather owned a printing company, so I started making my own business cards when I was old enough to write, but I got my first paid job 10 years ago.
(Christopher): Who has been the biggest inspiration in your life? Did that person have anything to do with your choice of profession?
(Mollie): Definitely my grandfather. I’m the 5th generation in my family to carry on the family trade. That was definitely my inspiration. I design mostly because it’s what I was born to do. Design is a lot bigger than most people realize; We do a lot of important things.
(Christopher): Where do you find inspiration outside of your family and the internet?
(Mollie): I find inspiration in everything. Mostly music..or just walking through my neighborhood. Sometimes I’ll just get smacked in the head with a frizbee, and the ideas just start to flow. The key is using your 2 ears and 2 eyes…and using 1 mouth sparingly.
(Christopher): Favorite band/DJ/group at the moment?
(Mollie): I cannot possibly fit this into one interview. Currently in my CD changer: Kennedy (DNB), Tcl Logistics, random Hip-Hop mix, random Indie mix, Queen – Greatest Hits, and Imogen heap.
(Christopher): Favorite Content Management System? And why has this one been deemed your favorite?
(Mollie): Drupal, it’s got so many modules, and it’s easy to install. It can be tricky, but it’s great once you get the hang of it. You can do some amazing things.
(Christopher): What above all else frustrates you about freelancing?
(Mollie): The economy, actually. It’s tough when you don’t have consistency in your income. Really, design is the best investment you can make in your company…Image is everything.
(Christopher): What are your top 3 favorite websites at the moment?
(Mollie): sciencedaily.com, smashingmagazine.com, and pandorz.com.
(Christopher): Do you find it hard to get clients to pay on time or sometimes pay at all?
(Mollie): Absolutely, it’s like pulling teeth with some clients, but that’s why a contract is ESSENTIAL, with an integrated payment schedule.
(Christopher): What other artistic tendrils do you harness that we might not be aware of?
(Mollie): I adore music… I’ve played guitar for 10 years, I sing, I write, I sculpt with food, anything creative I’m willing to give a shot at.
(Christopher): Tell us about your website, sunsigngraphicdesign.com.
(Mollie): What can I say… sunsigngraphicdesign.com, check it out — you will be shocked and awed.
Thanks Mollie for giving us a little bit of your time and allowing us to sequester ourselves for a moment or two in a designated portion of your mind.
Editor’s Note: Mollie neglected to say what a fantastic painter she is.
