Today we’d like to introduce you to Madison Barnes.
Hi Madison, we’d love for you to start by introducing yourself.
My journey into graphic design actually started in an unexpected way. Back in 2018, I opened a women’s clothing boutique called Embers in Salt Lake City—right at the base of the Wells Fargo building downtown. I didn’t have a background in retail or fashion, so I jumped in headfirst, like many first-time entrepreneurs do. It was a huge learning curve. The margins were tight, and I quickly realized that the local market didn’t quite align with the style of clothing I was carrying. So I shifted focus to growing my online presence.
Since I was a one-woman show, I handled everything—from photography and inventory to website management, copywriting, and of course, graphic design. I started to notice that what really made other brands stand out were their social graphics—not just posts of clothes, but actual design-forward, branded visuals that told a story along with their website, imagery, etc. Essentially, I was a sucker for good branding and pretty graphics.
That realization inspired me to really step up my game. I enrolled in a Photoshop class to get more comfortable with Adobe tools, and from there, I went all in—learning through YouTube, trial and error… Around that time, a friend reached out and asked if I could help her with some print materials. She had mentioned that she loved my email campaigns and social graphics for Embers and believed I could bring that same design energy to her brand. I remember thinking, I’m not a real designer, but I said yes anyway—and that one “yes” ended up opening the door to more freelance work, and eventually, a whole new career path.
Then in 2021, I found out I was pregnant—with twins! That was a pivotal moment. I realized I no longer had the desire to run a retail boutique, but graphic design gave me something I hadn’t expected: the opportunity to be both a mom and a businesswoman, all from home. It gave me the creative freedom I craved, while allowing the flexibility I needed—and that’s when I knew I had truly found my lane.
Since 2021, I’ve been taking on professional clients, and today I specialize in branding and web design—especially for startups and businesses going through a rebrand.
Alright, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
I’d say I’ve been fortunate to have a fairly smooth ride, with a steady flow of clients and consistent work. But like any business, it hasn’t been without its challenges.
One of the biggest hurdles has been learning how to scale—figuring out how to manage a growing workload when things get busy. Working from home has been both a blessing and a challenge. If I had an office to physically leave at the end of the day, it might be easier to shut the laptop and mentally clock out. But since my workspace is at home, it can feel like I’m always at work. Finding that balance is something I’m still learning.
And of course, there are those inevitable creative blocks—when nothing feels like it’s landing and you start doubting whether the project will come together. But over time, I’ve learned to trust the process. I always find my way through it, even if it takes a few extra drafts, a mental reset, or simply stepping away for a bit.
Thanks – so what else should our readers know about your work and what you’re currently focused on?
I specialize in branding and web design, mostly for startups or businesses going through a rebrand. What I love most is helping people bring their vision to life in a way that feels intentional and beautiful. I think I just have a natural eye for design—I’ve always been really tuned in to aesthetics and trends, and I genuinely care about the way things look and feel. I notice details that others might miss, and I think that comes through in my work.
I’m really connected to beauty, but I also want everything I design to have a purpose and make sense for the brand. It’s not just about being “pretty” or “cool”—it’s about creating something that feels true to the client and speaks to their audience.
What I’m most proud of is how this all came together kind of organically. I didn’t go to school for design—I built this career from scratch, through real-world experience, a lot of learning, and word of mouth. And I think that makes me super resourceful, down-to-earth, and easy to collaborate with. I meet people where they’re at, and I try to make the process feel fun and simple.
Any advice for finding a mentor or networking in general?
Networking has definitely played a big role in getting me to where I am today. A lot of my growth has come from building real, genuine relationships—especially with other creatives and small agencies. I’ve worked closely with a few teams where we’ve built that kind of “I’ve got you, you’ve got me” dynamic. Those partnerships have been so valuable, both professionally and creatively.
Past clients have also been a huge part of my network. Some of my best opportunities have come from referrals or from people just sharing their experience working with me. I think when you show up, do good work, and treat people well, it naturally creates a ripple effect.
As far as advice goes—just be a human first. Reach out to people whose work you admire, ask questions, offer value when you can, and don’t be afraid to let relationships evolve organically. You don’t always need a formal “mentor” to learn and grow—sometimes just being in conversation with the right people consistently can be even more powerful.
As far as advice goes—just be a human first. Ask questions, offer value when you can, and don’t be afraid to let relationships evolve organically. You don’t always need a formal “mentor” to learn and grow—sometimes just being in conversation with the right people consistently can be even more powerful.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.madhousebrands.com
- Instagram: @bymadhouse
- Other: https://pin.it/64Q73qLNo
