Maddie Abuyuan - Landesberg Design

Maddie’s design practice is rooted deeply in research, conversation, and play! She believes in the phrase “nothing about us without us,” her goal being to center people in the solution. Maddie is a proud alumna of Maryland Institute College of Art, where she took full advantage of the interdisciplinary structure. She developed a strong practice between design and sculpture, exploring how storytelling was affected by form and viewer interaction.

Maddie cut her teeth in the editorial world at BuzzFeed News and Huffpost where she enjoyed telling important (and silly) stories through illustration and design, making an impact with award-winning reporting. Maddie then transitioned to freelance design, working primarily in the nonprofits, arts and culture, and political worlds.

A favorite piece of design is …

Right now, my favorite piece of design is PIG 05049 (2006) by Christien Meindertsma and Julie Joliat. These artists tracked every product made from a single pig from the Netherlands over the course of three years — 185 products, including non-food products. They even used glue for the binding from Pig 05049. The meticulous research pays off in a beautifully designed book that opens the readers eyes to the afterlife of these animals.

My collections

I collect tchotchkes! Whenever I see a strange little thing in a thrift store, I can’t help but take it home. I love to have a home to rewards people for looking a little closer.