About Designing Indie
|
Hi, I’m Andie Mae 👋
Some people “find” their thing later in life. I’ve been doing mine for as long as I can remember. Designing Indie is built around three things I was always meant to do: Photography, Illustration, and Project Management. They may sound different on paper, but at their core, they’re all about the same thing — seeing clearly, organizing thoughtfully, and telling a story that makes sense. |
|
Illustration: Where It All Started
I’m the daughter of an artist, which means art wasn’t a hobby — it was just part of daily life. I had my first art exhibit around age eight, and by high school, it was clear this wasn’t something I was going to outgrow. I spent my senior year of high school at an art school in Italy, immersing myself in visual storytelling, observation, and creative discipline. That experience shaped how I approach illustration today: expressive, intentional, and grounded in craft. Now, I create custom illustrations for:
|
|
|
Photography: A Love That Became a Calling
I started taking photos in high school, mostly of friends, for fun — the kind of shoots where you’re experimenting, learning, and chasing light just because you love it. I did that for over ten years before turning photography into a business. Hundreds of shoots later, it turns out that old saying is true: do what you love and you never really feel like you’re working. Today, I specialize in story-driven, colorful, relaxed photography, including:
|
|
Project Management: The Thread That Ties It All Together
Project management is the thing I didn’t realize I’d been doing my entire life. As a kid, I created my own summer coursework when I was bored. At nine years old, I organized a full neighborhood Summer Olympics — schedules, teams, events and all. Later, I was building production schedules for short films and web series without knowing there was a name for it. Eventually, that instinct became official: I've spent five+ years as a Project Manager for an SEO agency, managing timelines, deliverables, communication, and creative workflows. Now, I’m actively working toward my PMP Certification and expanding this side of my business — helping creatives and teams bring structure, clarity, and momentum to their work. If you need someone who can:
|
|
|
A Few Personal Notes
I was born in Wisconsin and currently live in Springfield, Missouri with my wife Xena, our daughter Matilda, and our dog Roxie. Family is everything to me. I love animals, travel, reading, being in nature, and the quiet satisfaction of a well-organized plan. In July 2026, my family and I will be moving to The Netherlands — continuing a life shaped by curiosity, creativity, and intentional living. Why Designing Indie Exists Designing Indie exists because creativity works best when it’s supported by clarity. Whether I’m illustrating, photographing, or managing a project, my goal is the same: thoughtful work, done well, with care for both the process and the people involved. If you’re looking for someone who brings creativity and structure — who takes your work seriously without taking themselves too seriously — I’d love to collaborate. |