About Us
M A R Q U E is a multidisciplinary art space and visual design studio. My name is Kelley Padrick, and I am a freelance creative director, artist and graphic designer.
THE STORY
In Spring 2008, I purchased a fine crafts gallery in Laguna Beach that had been in existence since 1995, but had been suffering in the tough economy, and was in need of an update. In the first year, I rebranded the gallery and launched an initial ecommerce presence, revitalized the space, and introduced some exciting new work from around the world.
I also reinvented my freelance creative director/visual design practice, collaborating with the same talented agency professionals I’ve worked with over the years, along with a slew of new and amazing talent from every creative discipline imaginable via the social media explosion. Together we have welcomed many new clients to M A R Q U E’s portfolio.
Here at M A R Q U E, I’m part of the art, motivated by the light and texture and color. Every day, I learn something new about the artisans, their techniques, and materials. Leandra Drumm’s playful work inspired by fairytales and K.C. Willis with her audacious cowgirls have become my muses. And watching people mill about, reacting to the work, allows me to witness what moves others and makes them laugh. The gallery has kind of become an open focus group for me. Looking at art triggers things deeply within people; it’s amazing the kind of personal stories and memories they’ll share with me, the anonymous lady behind the counter.
The gallery has also sparked inspiration in me, helping me to rediscover that part of myself that was drawn to the charcoal in the first place. Somehow, the higher you move up in commercial creative, the less you actually get to design. But now, with my extended, virtual team of artisans, designers, writers and developers, I am able to cultivate the very best creative experience for my clients—whether consulting on an art installation, developing a brand experience, or creating an identity or a web site.
Please visit our design communications site here: Design Portfolio//Blog
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