Six Questions for Madeline Austin

Get to know Madeline Austin, BatesMeron’s new Designer! With her sharp wit, serious creativity and lifelong love of design, Maddy is right at home as a member of our team.

I interviewed Maddy as part of our 6 Questions feature: a series of one-on-one interviews with people we work with who make us proud. Sometimes I like to turn the tables and put our own staffers in the hot seat so you not only get to meet them, but also see just how special our team really is.

1. We like to kick these interviews off with a little Spill the Bees. From a card drawn randomly: What’s your favorite movie quote?

“The only true currency in this bankrupt world is what you share with someone else when you’re uncool.” – Almost Famous

2. As one of our new designers, tell us the journey that led you to BatesMeron.

Honestly, it all started when my older sister (who is also a designer) taught me about the arrow in the FedEx logo. I became obsessed. I spent some time working in traditional advertising and marketing, but I’ve always believed building brands and nurturing the communities around them is what really makes a difference. When we went into lockdown, I took on branding projects for fun in addition to my 9-5 gig. BatesMeron became one of my freelance clients, and I was thrilled when space was made for me to join the team.

PSA for those of you looking for work out there—don’t give up! Also, get LinkedIn Premium and optimize your resume for ATS software. Thank me later.

3. You’re a Chicago-native who’s currently in the process of moving back to the city. What have you enjoyed most about your time in Denver?

There’s always something to do outside here. I learned to snowboard, camped in bear country and cliff-jumped into a reservoir (after a shot of bourbon). Even concerts are outside year-round. How many people can say they saw Gorillaz perform on the side of a mountain?

4. On the flipside, what are you most excited for when you get back to Chicago?

Three things: the lake, ethnic food and the train. I cannot wait to hear the words “This is a Brown line train to…”

Bonus Question: Which Chicago staple will be your first food stop?

The beauty of Chicago food is that everyone has their own spot for everything, and I want to go to all of them! I’m most excited to eat at restaurants I’ve never heard of. But first, I have a 15 hour drive to decide between Lou Malnati’s, Art of Pizza, Sultan’s Market and Taqueria Traspasada.

5. Since we’re a branding agency, we have to ask: Which brands are you loving at the moment?

Glossier recently filled a bunch of marquees around the country with positive messages, which was a genius idea (that I also had! But it got passed on). I loved that they used ad spending to support local venues that are struggling while also giving the community a morale boost. I’ve always loved Ben & Jerry’s, too. Using design for good is what it’s all about.

6. Lastly, if the pandemic were to end tomorrow, what’s the first thing you would do?

Find the nearest place with live music and go dancing with all my friends!