Life & Work with Will Mackey

Today we’d like to introduce you to Will Mackey.

Hi Will, it’s an honor to have you on the platform. Thanks for taking the time to share your story with us – to start maybe you can share some of your backstory with our readers?
Well, like any creative type, it started when I was a kid and the discovery of having a little extra talent at drawing than others. As this became an obsession throughout the years, it leads to a lot of things creative, such as graphic design, illustration, some animation, video and photography. Well, basically a good eye for such things.

After graduating from the Kansas City Art Institute with a major in design & illustration, I eventually found myself in the world of advertising as a creative working on a handful of both national and international brands that included dog food, sports drinks, health care and entertainment. I’ve done everything from designing printed annuals, animating digital ads, illustrated storyboards, designed logos, icons, web design, art direction, video and photography.

After about 15 years or so experience at some notable ad agencies in Kansas City, I struck out on my own near the end of 2019. And this time, to focus more on illustration, graphic design and branding projects.

Can you talk to us a bit about the challenges and lessons you’ve learned along the way. Looking back would you say it’s been easy or smooth in retrospect?
Oh…not a smooth road! Very bumpy. Well…it is in anything you’re in pursuit of and haven’t done before. But over time, it gets easier as you figure yourself out and figure out the better ways to work more efficiently or stronger in areas. For instance, contracts and making them clear and understood for both parties of the project. And of course, finding good clients and projects. Then there’s the balancing the day between work and life and family. And then, just as I started my own path just at the end of 2019 and then comes 2020, the year of covid!? That was tough. But, fortunately, there was family support. I feel very grateful for that!

I have years of the experience and can do the creative part of it. But the business part of it!? I didn’t learn that in school or really in the 15 years at other agencies. Might have had an idea from the agency experience I received, but now I have to play a multitude of roles outside of doing the creative work.

Alright, so let’s switch gears a bit and talk business. What should we know about your work?
I specialize in illustration, graphic design and visual branding for both print and digital. So, really anything that might involve the entire look of a brand or visual aspects of a brand, the customer touch-points of brand, all with the goal in making the brand unique in its industry. I have an illustrative approach to design work or maybe it’s a design approach to illustration work. But both disciplines are interwoven within projects to some degree.

However, I also act as a collaborator involved in also bringing ideas, concepts and strategies to the projects. I’m not just a “order taker” but a creative contributor. I’m very much about how things communicate and connect to the audience by making sure it tells and visually amplifies the brand’s story.

The bottom line is, I strive to craft brands that not only engage but emotionally connect with consumers. From websites and apps, identity design and visual branding, to animation and illustration, with approach that is authentic, creative and strategic.

The crisis has affected us all in different ways. How has it affected you and any important lessons or epiphanies you can share with us?
“Pivot.” That’s the word of the times. Oh! And mindset. Thats a big one. You can’t just sit by and watch things happen and be afraid to step out. It is going to be tough and don’t be afraid of failure. Those will be lessons that make you better and stronger to get through it. On your terms.

Contact Info:

• Email: w.mackey@whmcreativearium.com
• Website: www.WMCreativArium.com
• Instagram: @wmcreativarium
• Facebook: @wmcreativarium

Image Credits
Headshots: By Ben McBee of Ben McBee Photography