Meet Madeline Bechtel | Illustration Artist & Graphic Designer

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

Hi Madeline, why did you pursue a creative career?
Looking back now, pursuing an artistic career was less of a choice and more of an inevitability for me. As far back as I can recall the things that have resonated in my soul and caused me to feel a spark of excitement and purpose have been art-centered whether I was aware of it at the time or not. I’m sure many artists can relate – looking back on childhood as a professional artist is like recalling clues that I’ve scattered for myself to help solidify my choice to be a creative for life.

I have been outrageously lucky to have enough support to propel me forward on my path to getting a diverse education and a rich list of life experiences to draw upon. With all of those pieces under my belt (the education, the desire to practice, and the community) I’ve been able to put the work in and build a body of work worth looking at. Without community, it would be hard to find so much energy to create new work, try new things, and share my findings with the people who genuinely connect with my art and perspective.

Let’s talk shop? Tell us more about your career, what can you share with our community?
I’ve had quite the career so far and am excited to have so much time and open road ahead of me. I began taking art seriously at a fairly young age – around 18. I focused heavily on studying art and design at both CSU and Front Range Community College so that I could round myself out for the art and graphic design industry. I’ve always been a bit of a professional multitasker- holding one steady day job and squeezing in personal business and side jobs where applicable. I imagine that’s common for creatives like me – it takes time to get through the door, let alone enough doors to make a steady income. For me however, multitasking has allowed me to follow a path of my dreams. I have a well established personal business by 25, college teaching experience, and a full-time career on the creative team for The City of Fort Collins. It’s technically been very hard work- long hours, harsh critiques, crazy schedules; but it’s also been incredibly easy because I’m doing what resonated with my heart and soul.

The biggest lessons I’ve had to learn thus far is that I do have limits and need to respect them as best I can. My passion for my work is my super power, yes. However it can quickly become my greatest weakness. My desire to succeed in everything I do and say yes to every exciting opportunity that comes my way has not always served me well. I’ve found there’s a point where I’m spread too thin and have very little to offer to the many people asking for something. I’ve been there many times, I’ll probably be there again, and I don’t have any surefire ways to avoid this pitfall. It’s all part of the process, and having moments of overwhelm are really just intense lessons in how much you can handle. It’s okay to say no to new things. It’s okay to decide something isn’t serving you and let it go. You can’t do it all, however much you may want to. Trust me. I would not go back and say no to projects from my past that have ended up pushing me past a limit I have yet to understand. Instead, I learned every time how to better honor myself so that I can reset, recover, and come back stronger and smarter for the next project.

I will take a shameless moment to speak about my business MCCB Design and the story behind the brand. MCCB Design (my initials) was born around 2017 with some simple graphic design freelancing jobs. A logo here, a tattoo doodle there. Pretty much instantly, I knew this path lit me up and I began to grow MCCB whenever the opportunity arose. More logos here, a full brand, and never-ending inspiration for new illustrations. Over the past 5 years that trickle has turned into a bursting spring of opportunities for me to put myself out there and offer my art to more and more people. In 2021, MCCB went through a metamorphosis into a cleaner brand with a full story. To read more about MCCB’s brand visit https://www.mccb.design/brand. Today, MCCB has become a regular part of the Fort Collin’s art scene. I pop up at markets and First Friday events, accept ongoing illustration commissions, sell art in various galleries (shoutout to Momo Lolo’s Coffee shop), and work on a wide breadth of creative endeavors with local businesses.

Over the summer of 2022, I completed the patio mural at The No Waste Cafe – The Fox Den; a new sustainably-focused business that is well worth a visit. Another fun local project has been helping The Fort Collins Art Mart (creator and organizer Mag Beglarian) get itself established by creating the logo and brand as well as fostering ongoing design services. These types of projects, as well as many more fill my days with bright colors, fresh minds to collaborate with, and pathways to more and more creative projects that are out there waiting to be taken on. Upcoming projects, fresh illustrations, and event info can always be found on my Instagram page @mccb.design.

Any places to eat or things to do that you can share with our readers? If they have a friend visiting town, what are some spots they could take them to?
Fort Collins is so easy for entertaining. I could take them on a walk on the Spring Creek Trail and already feel proud of my city. That would definitely be one stop on the itinerary, but there’s far far more to do as well. Downtown Fort Collins is a favorite place of mine to land for meals, events, shopping, etc. With seasonal changes like the cold-season lights and tons of ongoing art installations, it’s a one stop destination for the classic “Fort Collins” experience. Another thing worth noting is that more often than not everyone is dog-friendly. Businesses frequently encourage dog’s to join, water bowls are offered at most businesses, and it’s quite hard to walk around without finding a furry friend to pet! Big win in my book!

For the outdoorsy soul a trip to Horsetooth Reservoir is a must. Hiking, biking, joyriding, anything! My favorite is to grab a coffee and take a long loop when the weather is changing. It’s incredible how the same view can look so different day to day. Whether it’s falling snow, hot beating sun, or a brewing thunderstorm that will likely never break- it’s always worth having a peek. Go one step beyond that and head into Lory State Park or Drake, CO for some quality foothill time.

Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
I could write a novel full with thanks for people that have helped me get here today. I always try to remind myself that as an artists, my success depends entirely on the number of people I’m able to connect with through my creations. Everyone I’ve interacted with over the years; whether they’re a #1 fan family supporter or someone I have a passing conversation with at a local market, deserves equal thanks from me and MCCB Design. Together, each of those individuals have become a part of my story. As I grow and change as an artist I want those people to know their importance lasts, and that every photo of a print hanging in a home, or story shared with me that connects to my piece, stays with me along the way.

There are some people and groups I’d like to specifically call out for being my ultimate supporters and inspiration. First, my family and partner. Being around me all the time, they know just how much weight art holds in my mind. They are constantly allowing me to be entirely myself and dive deeply into my passion. I’m so grateful to have them standing by me waiting to celebrate my next milestone with me. Next, my graphic design team at The City of Fort Collins also deserve a mention and some serious gratitude because collaborating with them has enlightened me to the power of learning and sharing knowledge as an artist. Ideas are really never entirely our own and having unique and curious minds to develop new ideas and better mindsets with has made all the difference. I’ve found that being an artist take a lot of stamina. Mental stamina, sometimes physical endurance battles with cramping hands, and resilience to change and uncertainty. It’s not always easy, but having such amazing people on my side gives me the energy I need to keep up (or at least try to). Last, but definitely not least, Sarah Gochnauer and Julia Stengel for being the most hardcore fans ever while also having full emergency rooms and patients to tend to. Putting the praise back on you my friends. Thank you for everything you do.

Website: www.mccb.design

Instagram: @mccb.design

Linkedin: www.linkedin.com/in/madeline-bechtel

Image Credits
All photos, branding and artwork by MCCB Design