Molly Sutherland is a designer at Teach For America – Charlotte and owner of Molly Sutherland Studio. When she isn’t immersed in Illustrator and thinking of how to visually tell stories, there is a good chance you will find her eating tacos or practicing yoga.
Molly has been an AIGA Member Since 2014. To see more of Molly’s work, visit her website.
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Where are you from?
I was born in Oregon, grew up in Omaha, Nebraska, and now call North Carolina home since moving here nearly 9 years ago.
What attracted you to the design profession?
In high school, I was newspaper design editor and remember telling my advisor that this was great and all but I just was not going to pursue journalism in college – I thought chemistry or math was calling my name. Fast forward to my second year in college and I kept finding myself in the world of design through organizations I joined and, of course, the journalism school. For me, design was the sweet spot between my love for problem solving and creativity.
![](https://charlotte.aiga.org/wp-content/uploads/2018/05/Summer.jpg)
What’s one goal you have for the future?
Personal goal: read more. Professional: get back to pen and paper more.
What are you currently working on?
I’m finishing up a web design project, which has been a recent favorite because I’ve been working with both of my brothers to bring it to life. I’m also branding a fundraising breakfast so I’m working on print program layouts and some interactive experiences. And lastly, I designed a pop-up museum exhibit last year around the history of education in Charlotte and now I’m working on reimagining that experience for a new space.
![](https://charlotte.aiga.org/wp-content/uploads/2018/04/CoverPhoto_Together.jpg)
What’s the best advice you’ve ever received?
“You are allowed to be both a masterpiece and a work in progress, simultaneously.” I like to think of this as personal advice from Sophia Bush. In life, but also design, it’s a great reminder to own what you are rocking out on while knowing there is more to learn and that sometimes done is better than perfect.
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