Today we’d like to introduce you to Molly O’Neill.
Hi Molly, can you start by introducing yourself? We’d love to learn more about how you got to where you are today?
While studying design at Northeastern University in Boston, I was on the traditional design studio trajectory of starting as a junior designer after school and eventually working my way up the ladder to being a design director.
Midway through my degree program, a recent graduate and friend started her own design studio and I had the opportunity to get involved. At just 22 years old, I was presenting my work directly to clients and freelancing for her on brand and print projects.
While this studio was in the process of being acquired, it gave me the confidence to take the lead and start Fred&Co. Four and a half years later, I’ve been able to create the boutique studio of my dreams working one branding, print, and packaging design!
Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
Starting your own business at twenty-two is definitely a little unhinged. At the start of Fred&Co, I experienced intense imposter syndrome. I was worried having no training outside of design would set me up for failure and I struggled deeply with owning my role as a founder. But as more clients started to reach out and I signed a lease on my first office space, I felt my confidence increasing. At the beginning, I was offering a full-service approach – websites, Facebook ads, strategy work – I was happy to have the early clients! After four years, I’ve niched down into what I love to do – branding, print, and package design. I reframed my initial foray into entrepreneurship into a constant cycle of improvement and “teaching moments”. I am now better positioned to tackle whatever is around the corner for me and my business.
Thanks – so what else should our readers know about your work and what you’re currently focused on?
Fred&Co. is the creative practice of Molly O’Neill. I’m a graphic and brand designer who can execute anything from a huge coffee table book design to a mural install. Today, I work with a small team to ensure Fred&Co. can maximize the creative possibilities for each and every project that knocks on our door.
I love to work with brands that are open to bold and playful design and see branding work as a strategic component of their overall business. A recent project, with ties to the Minneapolis area, that tied together all of my favorite work was the national campaign I did with Target and Noted by PostIt. Through this project, I was able to exercise all of my favorite skills – branding, graphic design, merchandising, print design, pattern design – and see my work nationwide in Target stores.
Something that sets me apart from other design studios is that I like to bring design down and take it off of the pedestal. I do this by infusing fun into all of my work. I try not to take myself too seriously or work in a bubble. I’m realistic and know I’m not going to save the world over here, but I do take the work seriously – just with a certain spark of fun (and a big ol Great Dane by my side).
Are there any important lessons you’ve learned that you can share with us?
I’ve really learned the importance of community, especially when you are a one-woman studio. And the Twin Cities have been the perfect grounds to learn this lesson. I have found the art community to be very diverse and accepting, and way more supportive than I could have imagined. The same is true for the greater community. Folks really turn out for the arts and support their local makers.
Also, being in my art studio has been a game changer because I now see friendly faces who are working on such different artistic projects, but are all exciting to talk to and bounce ideas around with because we are all in our own little world. Especially after working from home before and during quarantine, the new community makes my work collaborative and sociable.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.fredandco.studio/
- Instagram: @fredandco.studio
- Tiktok: @_Moneill_
