Margaret Carlson is a textile designer and a print design intern for Free People currently based in Philadelphia, PA. She graduated in the Class of 2018 with a B.F.A. in Fibers. We talked to her about how she draws inspiration from Georgia O’Keefe, career choices pre-covid and now, and touches on the importance of staying driven and having a passion for creating.
How did SCAD help establish your career, and/or what did you take from SCAD that helped in your job search (or career)?
SCAD Career Services and the Job Portal are very helpful. I tried to meet with my Career Advisor every few months for tips and to see if I was on the right track. Most Career Advisors have had years of experience in your field, so they are an excellent resource and can answer most questions. Other students and alumni are probably the most valuable tool. Try to attend as many alumni talks as possible because you never know if they may be helpful in the future. I also find it very helpful to connect with other SCAD grads via LinkedIn or Instagram. Creative careers tend to be a lot about who you know and who you can make connections with to work your way to your dream job.
What was your biggest break or turning point that allowed you to be where you are now?
My biggest break that allowed me to be where I am now was realizing my strengths in textile design and perfecting them. I did not always know I wanted to be a print designer, but after multiple jobs in the fashion industry, I realized that being a print designer was where I would flourish the most. I am skilled in painting and drawing more than other aspects of textile design. I spent my free time teaching myself new techniques and refreshing skills I learned in school.
Are there any artists that influenced or have inspired you and your work?
After graduation, I spent some time in New Mexico and frequently visited Georgia O’keefe’s ranch and the places she painted. It was an incredibly inspiring experience to sit where she had sat years before and paint the views you see in her work. I also continue to be inspired by my fellow artists/ co-workers at Free People. The other print designers are always showing me new techniques I may not have learned about in school. I am inspired by other types of designers at Free People as well. Many of us have come from different design or school backgrounds, which encourages new creative ideas and a creative atmosphere.
Do you find that your success has been linear, or has it taken you to places you’ve never thought you’d be working in?
I have always hoped to work in fashion. I started as a fashion major upon entering SCAD. I slowly found that my calling was more in the details, specifically fibers. Once I started taking courses in fibers, I explored so many different ways of expressing myself. My first internship in college was with a natural dye company in Austin, Texas. This opened up my eyes to the world of natural dye. My next job was working as a textile designer for Urban Outfitters Home. I worked with fashion and textile design in both positions, but I missed my love for drawing and detail. Print design gave me a way to connect my passion for fashion with my painting and drawing skills. This is what led me to my job with Free People as a print designer. I would not say my success has been linear. It has taken different jobs and experiences to realize my key strength and what I enjoy doing.
What is your favorite project you have worked on since leaving SCAD?
Some of the jobs I applied for before securing my current job asked for specific projects such as mood boards and trend research. I loved doing these projects because I spent a lot of free time working on them rather than focusing on other classes. I am continually working on projects I love at my job. The pace is fast at Free People, so there have been too many projects to pick out a favorite. I enjoy recreating and reworking vintage prints that designers have bought from places like vintage shops in Paris to New York showrooms. It is fun to see them become retouched and recolored to be more modern and more “Free People.” It is also incredibly satisfying to work on original artwork and see it become real on a garment! I do a lot of florals at Free People.
What are your favorite parts about living and working in Philadelphia?
I grew up in the Philadelphia area, so it is nice to be back in a place that feels familiar and comfortable after working and going to school in other places. Philadelphia has a small unique art scene filled with many different types of creatives that encourages collaboration. Unfortunately, I only got to experience a glimpse of it before we went into lockdown for COVID. I am excited to get back to everyday life and continue to connect with other creatives.
As current SCAD students, what should we be doing now to prepare for life in the creative industry?
Set up appointments with your Career Advisor! Like I said before, this is super helpful. Reach out to alumni working in positions you want and ask for advice on how they achieved those positions or if they have any useful connections for you. Don’t feel shy or awkward; everyone does it. Come up with a plan on where you want to live or work early on, so you don’t end up feeling lost and surprised when graduation comes around. Being in the location of the job you want is KEY. Some companies will not consider you for an entry-level job if you are not already local to the area. Moving to Philadelphia upped my chances of getting my job at Free People by a lot. Lastly, get comfortable on LinkedIn. It’s such a great tool!
Any words of advice for upcoming graduates about to enter the field?
Don’t get discouraged. I did not get a job in my field of study for almost three years after graduation. I was so nervous that I had gone into the wrong field because it took me a while to get a job, but my drive to have a job I loved pushed me to keep going. Things will work out. They always do if you have enough drive and know what you want.
Special Thanks to Margaret Carlson
Interview Conducted by Daniela Guevara
Graphic by Day Toscano