By Bethany Good
Molly Benson is a freelance graphic designer who does a little bit of everything design-related, including branding, illustration, layout, and social media design. She is passionate about working with clients who contribute to a healthier, more vibrant world, such as park and land nonprofits, festivals, and arts organizations. “I’ve been an artist since I was a little kid. In fact, I used to refuse to leave the art station in preschool,” she said. A career in design ticked all of her boxes. She found it to be a fun combination of problem-solving, art, and making a living.
Extracurriculars
Molly loves volunteering at the Animal Welfare League of Frederick County. She also enjoys hiking, baking, doing yoga, reading, traveling and watching probably too much TV.
Why we love Molly
Molly is one of the sweetest, kindest people we know. It’s easy to see how considerate and genuine she is about others and the causes she’s passionate about. Pair that with creativity and authenticity … what’s not to love? It’s a powerful combination. Molly has been a wonderful addition to the Cowork Frederick family, and we hope to see her around for years to come.
Q&A with Molly Benson
What inspires you and keeps you going?
My desire to be good at what I do and help other businesses succeed drives me. I also love beautiful things and want to put more of them into the world.
Cowork Frederick members tend to be a little unconventional. How does that apply to you?
I started working for myself because I wanted to fit work into my life, not my life into work. It also gives me the freedom to do work I’m passionate about and help various groups and businesses succeed.
Which of the guiding values defined by Cowork Frederick members speaks to you?
Boldness guides me. I tend to leap before I look. I apply this to my business by being loud about what I do and going after clients that inspire me. Things usually work out; if they don’t, you can always figure out something else. For example, I moved to a new city where I only had 2 acquaintances and no job. Or when I quit a solid full-time job to start a business during a pandemic.
Any tips for being a graphic designer or starting a freelance business?
Graphic design is more than knowing what buttons to push in the Adobe Suite — make sure you learn theory! In college, I got advice from a professor to never go freelance right out of school, which was super accurate. Even though I always wanted to work for myself, I worked for a decade in-house while freelancing on the side before I made the jump to full-time. This allowed me to improve my skills, master working with various people, and build a network of freelance clients that are still my clients today.
Why Cowork Frederick?
I missed the camaraderie of an office setting. I also focus better when I’m around other people working. Coworking gives you a real community versus a more transient setting like a coffee shop. Plus, it’s just more fun than being at home. My cat is great, but he’s not a good conversationalist.
For those who want to learn more, how can you be reached?
To see more of my portfolio of work, check out my website www.mollybmadethese.com
About the author:
Bethany Good is a prolific poet, creative writer, author, and storyteller. In 2019 she finally found the role she was meant to play, when she became the Founder, CEO, and “Head Wordsmith” of Good Writing Co., which provides copywriting, brand voice consultation, digital marketing, creative storytelling, and other content writing services. Bethany is a dedicated wife and mother of two elementary-aged children. In her limited free time, she enjoys cuddling with her new Boston Terrier puppy, Scout, as well as gardening, hiking, and telling neighborhood kids to get off her lawn.