ABOUT MAGGIE ADAMS

Teaching designers to think like designers.

I believe great designers aren't defined by the software they know. They're defined by how they think.

I teach designers to think like designers.

Because the way you think shapes the way you design, communicate, and lead.

For more than 25 years, I've helped designers, creative teams, and organizations build stronger thinking, clearer communication, and more meaningful creative work through education, consulting, coaching, and creative leadership.


Real-world experience. Practical guidance.

My career has taken me through agency, in-house, higher education, and consulting, giving me a unique perspective on the creative challenges designers and organizations face every day.

I've partnered with businesses, nonprofits, government agencies, and educational institutions to strengthen brands, improve communication, build more effective creative teams, and develop systems that support better work.

At the same time, I've spent years teaching graphic design at the college level, mentoring hundreds of students as they developed the technical, creative, and professional skills needed to succeed in the industry.

Those two experiences complement one another.

Working with organizations keeps me connected to the realities of the profession. Teaching keeps me focused on helping people grow.

Together, those experiences shaped the philosophy behind My Design Coach and continue to influence the way I teach, coach, and consult today.


How I help

Whether I'm working with an individual designer or an entire creative team, my focus is always the same: strengthening the thinking behind the work.

I do that through:

  • Creative consulting
  • Design team development
  • Communication and workflow improvement
  • Creative leadership coaching
  • Graphic design education
  • Portfolio and career development
  • Workshops and professional training

I believe most designers and organizations are closer to great than they think. Sometimes the missing piece isn't more talent. It's stronger thinking, clearer communication, and the right guidance to get there.


Credentials

DEGREES
Master of Fine Arts Degree
Graphic Design
Colorado State University

Bachelor of Arts Degree
Graphic Design, Minor in Studio Art
California State University, San Bernardino,


PROFESSIONAL CERTIFICATIONS
Adobe Certifies Professional—Illustrator
Adobe Certifies Professional—InDesign


LEADERSHIP & PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT
Adobe MAX Conference
Disney Management Training
Crucial Conversations
Grant Writing Certificate


Awards & Recognition

ADDY Award Winner, 3 Gold & 3 Silver
Master Teacher Award (2019-2023)
Creator, AVANTART Magazine (2022-2024)
Haihatus Art Residency, Finland
Top Scholar Award, Colorado State University
Charlie and Gwen Hatchette Creativity Scholarship



Featured Exhibitions

Haihatus Art Residency, Finland
Coping Mechanisms, Towson University
Convergence, Adams State University
Moira, Colorado State University & CSU Pueblo



Trusted By

Colorado State University
US Air Force
MGM MIRAGE
Front Range Community College
City of Rawlins, Wyoming
City of Green River, Wyoming
Augason Farms
Bank of Commerce
Mindful Works Nonprofit
Aging and Disability Resource Center
Bed & Breakfast Inkeepers of Colorado
Community Investment Group
Green River Historic Preservation
Spoons
Relay for Life
SW-Wrap Nonprofit
Sweetwater County, Wyoming
Sweetwater Economic Development Association
Western Wyoming Community College
Carbon County

View CV

What students are saying...

These aren't performance reviews. They're from real students who came in as beginners and left as working designers.
5.00

“ I learned so much throughout the course and appreciated the room to experiment and run with my own ideas while still learning dozens of new Illustrator skills. Thank you for all you do, your suggestions are always on point.”

Brian V.
Student
5.00

“ I really appreciate your solid feedback on assignments and your advice about the industry. That is one of the main reasons I went to school. Your projects are great, my portfolio thanks you.”

Jack G.
Student
5.00

“I learned so much and I appreciate all the extra time you spent with me. You really took me under your wing, and I feel l have clear direction as to where I am going. You have a real gift for mentorship.”

Karena A.
Student
5.00

“I learned so much and I appreciate all the extra time you spent with me. You really took me under your wing, and I feel l have clear direction as to where I am going. You have a real gift for mentorship.”

Karena A.
Student
Straightforward, honest feedback makes all the difference…

From feedback to results

Real improvement happens when designers receive clear direction, honest critique, and practical guidance they can immediately apply. Project: Advanced Design Brand Book, Logo Feedback: Push concept, less empty black space, bolder for more presence, typography
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Project: Advanced Design Brand Book, Logo Feedback: More presence for small use, balance, spacing, typography, simplify
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Project: Advanced Design Brand Book, Logo Feedback: Concept simplification and typography
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Project: ROOSTER Magazine Cover Feedback: Texture, shadows, depth and super hero power for each character to push concept
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Project: Advanced Design Brand Book, Ads Feedback: Use Brand and logo correctly, hierarchy, typography, formatting
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Project: Book Jacket Feedback: Introduced additional elements and detail to strengthen the concept and elevate the final design
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Project: Book Jacket Feedback: Pushed concept with more pops of color, contrast, formatting hierarchy and added elements
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Project: Bookmark Series Feedback: Added a story to each bookmark, added elements, continuity across series
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Project: Bookmark Series Feedback: Continuity with typography, placement of elements and color tone
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