Q & A | Savannah Wallace of MAIEDAE

Savannah Wallace is an Atlanta graphic designer, entrepreneur and inspiration maven. She co-runs MAIEDAE, a graphic design business, with her best friend Jenny and maintains a lifestyle blog by the same name that is, in a word, excellent. It’s jam-packed with photographic goodness, wellness advice and goal-checks. Savannah lets her readers into her experiences as an Atlanta creative, cat owner, wife and designer of niftiness. In short, it’s certainly worth a read for locals looking for inspiration and encouragement — her blog is all about being positive.

CommonCreativATL sat down with Savannah to learn more about MAIEDAE, her design inspirations and creative aspirations.

CommonCreativ: Tell me about MAIEDAE.
Savannah Wallace: Maiedae was started in 2010 as a way for me to explore my creative side and possibly start a small business. It’s beginnings started with a handmade shop and resource blog, but then quickly grew to focus on my love for graphic design and lifestyle blogging.

CC: When did you team up with your business partner?
SW: In 2011, Maiedae became a partnership with my best friend from college, Jenny, and is now completely focused on graphic design. Our passion is working with small-business owners, bloggers and anyone looking for fabulous design and strong branding. Blogging has been a surprise passion for me—I’ve learned so much and love every minute I spend blogging. Jenny and I plan to continue growing our design business and have some very exciting plans up our sleeves for the near future.

CC: You have such a wide array of posts! Where do you get ideas?
SW: I love posting about what I connect to, know or am passionate about. My favorite types of posts I write are either developmental, like my balance series and my 5 things series, or following a journey like project condo or wellness! I spent a lot of time developing these series and brainstorming what type of content I want to share. I often ask myself, what do I really love writing about? That helps me make good decisions for my blog and feel like I’m offering authentic content.

CC: Describe your creative process.
SW: While I’m very creative, I’m also very organized. My process requires two things: inspiring and/or quiet surroundings, and brainstorming. I keep a notebook with me at all times to record ideas, plan projects, list goals and come up with new design concepts.

CC: Do you have any tips for artists who aspire to be small-business owners? 
SW: My biggest advice is to become knowledgeable about what you want to do. There are so many amazing resources out there—dig in and learn about running a small business, finances, branding, marketing, social media etc. Also, if you know someone who is an “expert” in any of those fields, take them out to coffee and have them mentor you.

CC: How has growing up (mostly) in the South influenced your design? 
SW: Good question. I think all of the wonderful antique shops and history definitely influence my draw towards vintage inspired designs. However, I feel most influenced by photography, design magazines, fashion and other graphic designers.

CC: What else inspires you?
SW: I find myself most inspired by reading design magazines, attending conferences and reading blogs. I love seeing what’s on trend, finding out new things and keeping in the loop constantly.

CC: Your design style is very clean yet comforting. What drew you toward these characteristics? 
SW: It’s easy to get caught up in the latest and greatest and tend to go a little overboard. I like designing things that will last and that have interesting elements. Content is king, so having a design for a blog or a website that makes that shine is the goal.

CC: Are you a huge fan of any Atlanta creative projects?
SW: Yes! I love attending Indie Craft Experience. This was actually the first craft show I sold at while I was selling handmades. It’s a fabulous show and a great way to network. I’m also really interested in Creative Mornings ATL — I have yet to attend one of them but I hear it’s pretty neat! Different creative speakers come together and share their insights in a lecture breakfast setting. It’s a great way to learn from others.

CC: How would you describe the Atlanta creative scene? 
SW: The Atlanta creative scene is definitely growing. I think there are heaps of potential in Atlanta and it’s going to take some pioneers to make it into something Atlanta’s known for.