Hello

My name is Makayla McDonald and I am a graphic designer completing my BFA in Graphic Design at Harding University. I grew up in Pennsylvania spending time outdoors and making things by hand, which shaped my attention to detail and sense of depth. That foundation shapes my work across design, illustration, photography, and fine art. I am drawn to subtle moments and how different elements are arranged.

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Design is where I solve problems. I focus on hierarchy, balance, and concept so each decision strengthens the message. As a graphic designer for HU Student Publications, I created weekly illustrations based on written stories. In 2025, I received a Gold Addy Award from the American Advertising Awards for a group branding project. Studying art and architecture across Greece, Italy, Spain, and France deepened my understanding of culture and perspective. Seeing both the differences and shared patterns across communities strengthened my awareness of how people connect and how visual language can communicate across those boundaries.

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My process is intuitive and deliberate. I sketch, experiment, revise, and refine until the work feels cohesive and purposeful. I aim to create work that communicates clearly, invites people to pause, and leaves a lasting impression.