Sue Slagle is a video designer at Meow Wolf, an immersive art and entertainment company. Her role is to translate the creative intent to video screens and devices for a new 50,000-square-foot permanent exhibit opening in LA in 2026. Much of her time is spent collaborating with colleagues in their specialties. As a video designer, she guides the project’s artistry from video aesthetics to production. “It’s a huge win for me and my favorite job ever,” she says.
Sue has a background in video art and has been an adjunct professor and co-owner of a construction company. She graduated from Boston University with a degree in environmental analysis and policy. She then earned a graduate degree in Structural Engineering at UC Berkeley. After college, she immersed herself in the San Francisco art scene. Over time, she started programming lights and visuals for the band’s live shows, eventually touring with them as a video artist.
Extracurriculars
In her spare time, Sue tours as a visual artist with various musicians and bands. She also makes live, hand-animated films using a camera, a light pad, and software that she wrote.
She also organized a “Women Who Cowork” breakfast for members at Cowork Frederick. For a short stint during the pandemic, she grew (and sold) lettuce and other greens and delivered them to people’s houses – often with her kids in tow.
Why we love Sue
Sue is a pretty impressive person. She brings a wealth of experience to any design conversation. She was super helpful when Cowork Frederick was kicking around ideas for our expansion. Never one to sit idle, she is always finding ways to contribute and fill a need she perceives. She’s also very authentic – you always get her honest, open self. There’s no pretense. We admire her clarity about who she is and what she wants to achieve. She’s good at saying “no” (with kindness) when she doesn’t have time, or something isn’t aligned with her values or goals.
Q&A with Sue
How did you get into video design?
I love to work at the intersection of art and technology. I found my current role at Meow Wolf through a sound technologist colleague working in the same bespoke interactive media software (Max/MSP). My previous skill sets in construction are instrumental in my current role because I need to understand construction in order to read plans and place screens and projectors on walls, ceilings, floors, etc.
Any tips for others who want to do similar work?
I think developing your artistic practice and aesthetic is crucial to stand out from other people in designer roles. All of the video, audio, and lighting designers at Meow Wolf are artists as well as engineers, and their technical background is also important.
Which of the guiding values defined by Cowork Frederick members speaks to you?
Curiosity, tenacity, and resilience.
How do you define success?
Having a positive impact on the people around me without sacrificing my own well-being.
Who/What inspires you and keeps you going?
My family, nature, the hidden beautiful things,
Why Cowork Frederick?
Working at home with the whole family home became untenable and uninspiring. It is very confusing for mom to be home but unavailable, and my work hours are on Mountain Time, so I often work past when kids are hungry.
For those who want to learn more, how can you be reached?
About the author:
Bethany Good is the founder of Good Writing Co., which provides professional writing, developmental book editing, book coaching, and ghostwriting services. Her writing has appeared in Innovation and Tech Today, Columbia Inspired Magazine, and Frederick Lifestyle Magazine (among others). Bethany works with authors to help guide them through the book-writing process so that they can finally finish their memoirs or nonfiction books. Specializing in eldercare, dementia, and Alzheimer’s, she also works with home health businesses to provide content and resources for their patients and families. Bethany is also a dedicated wife and mother to two active kids. In her limited time, she enjoys gardening, long nature walks, reading, cooking, and snuggling with her Boston Terrier, Scout.