Meet Michaela Galvin | Graphic Designer & Founder

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

Hi Michaela, alright, let’s jump in with a deep one – what’s you’re definition for success?
Success has many faces. To some, it might mean making x amount of money or buying that thing you’ve been saving up for. To others, perhaps success means doing something you love or having the freedom to take that road trip you’ve always wanted to take. To me, I believe you are successful if you are happy. This doesn’t mean that you have to be happy all day every day – that of course is not entirely realistic – but if your choices, career and otherwise, are leading you to happiness, I believe you are successful. For example, my career allows me the freedom to work where and when I want and allows me to spend my time exactly how I choose, which makes me very happy. I view the lifestyle I lead and the freedom my career affords me as part of the currency I earn and thus, I consider myself successful.

Let’s talk shop? Tell us more about your career, what can you share with our community?
As a Graphic Designer, I believe my thorough and intentional approach to design sets me apart from other designers. Unlike many, I do not believe design is purely decorative – I believe that good design achieves a specific goal and speaks to a particular audience. In order to achieve this, I take the time to sit down with my clients and dive deep into who they are as a business, who they are speaking to, what their goals are, and what defines them. This approach has allowed me to create designs that I am very proud of and that have allowed my clients to set themselves apart. Not surprisingly, it has not always been easy. It took me a long time to develop my approach and to ask the right questions. There were plenty of mistakes and hardships along the way, all of which led me to where I am today. To overcome these, I had to remain patient, analyze what wasn’t working, and fine-tune my process each time. I have learned countless lessons about working with others to create the best possible version of their vision while achieving their overall goals. If there is one thing I want the world to know about me, my brand, and my story, it is that it has taken me a lot of time and hard work to get where I am today. There is a lot more that goes into design than just the time spent on the actual design itself. Good design is an amalgamation of experience, skill, time, creativity, strategy, and hard work.

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
I love this question! There are too many good places to count in Denver. To me, a good vacation includes a mixture of activity and indulgence, so I would definitely try to incorporate some hiking, camping, skiing and adventuring alongside good food and good drinks. Here are some different ideas for things to do in and around Denver: – Hiking in Golden, Morrison, Evergreen, or Golden Gate Canyon State Park – Head up to the mountains for a few nights of camping or skiing depending on the season – A concert at Red Rocks is a must! – Drinks at Death & Co. followed by dinner at Work & Class – Brewery hopping in RiNo – Dinner and drinks with a view at El Five – Tacos and margs at Tacos, Tequila, Whiskey – A night out in on the town in RiNo – Float the Colorado river – Take the doggos on a hike or to the Westminster or Cherry Creek dog park – Spend a day in the park with friends and games

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
I would like to shout out my mother, who has always been a huge part of my journey. She has always encouraged me to go after my dreams, take risks, and follow my gut. She is a constant source of wisdom, advice and encouragement for me. When I first started my business, she encouraged me to put myself out into the world, talked me through harder days and celebrated each and every one of my wins, big or small. Without her, I would not be where I am today.

Website: www.joieworks.com
Instagram: @joieworks
Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/michaelajoiegalvin/

Image Credits
Yellow Feather Photography