Molly Benson is a freelance graphic designer and illustrator who specializes in branding for events, marketing campaigns, and organizations. She’s worked with all types of clients, from record-breaking festivals and national non-profits to friends’ side hustles.
Molly’s design philosophy is that nothing about the process needs to be mysterious or pretentious. She’ll solve your problem (design-wise, not life-wise) and inject some personality into your project. Warning: the process may even end up being fun.
One thing you won’t see on Molly’s website or social media profiles is that she’s learned how to ride a bike three times in her life (which means she’s forgotten twice). So don’t walk up to her and say, “It’s just like riding a bike.”
Extracurriculars
A few of Molly’s interests are cats, walking through the woods, and, luckily for those of us here at Cowork Frederick, baking! Her baked goods can often be found on the island in the Clubhouse kitchen, where she generously shares them with hungry co-workers.
Why we love Molly
Molly is friendly, approachable, and engaging. Often seen in the open coworking section of Cowork Frederick, she possesses the admirable quality of being appropriately talkative in a workspace (meaning she also knows when to be quiet and let people work!). Professionally, her drive to make design feel less mysterious and more fun is refreshing and contributes to her overall vibe of not taking life or work too seriously.
Q&A with Molly
How did you get into freelancing?
I don’t think I’m unique in not loving full-time in-person work, but I don’t love full-time in-person work! As soon as I started my first 9-5, I started plotting how to get out of it. I want to fit work around my life, not my life around work.
I’ve always loved art, and this seemed like a way to make a living from it (and I was right!). My favorite kinds of clients are events (like festivals, galas, and conferences) and environmental non-profits.
What inspires you and keeps you going?
I’m driven by my desire to do good work and be good to work with. I want to contribute to people’s businesses, and I want working with me to be the least annoying part of their day!
Which of the guiding values defined by Cowork Frederick members speaks to you?
This year I’m going for BALANCE. Much as I love to fit work around my life, I’ve realized that occasionally I do need to prioritize work! Finding an even balance for me means coming to Cowork on a regular schedule, whether I have a deadline or not. Coming here regularly makes it easier for my brain to switch into work mode, and I’m more likely to work on less pressing things like business development if I’m already here.
Any tips for freelancers?
Getting specific about my ideal kind of client has helped me a ton with business development. I’m always glad to work with all kinds of clients, but knowing who you’re looking for can really narrow down the search when you’re looking for places to reach out to.
I’ve also gotten more plugged into the local Frederick business community this summer. It’s a great way to find potential clients, but it’s also just a nice way to feel more involved in the community.
Why Cowork Frederick?
I started coming to Cowork to meet people in town and get out of the house. Now I come because it’s such a strong community – some of my best friends are here (and I made them here!). And as an added bonus, I get a lot more work done.
For those who want to learn more, how can you be reached?