Mary Beckert, graphic designer. 

1977

When I was 8 years old, I won a spelling bee. My prize was a paint-by-numbers kit. It  was a sign that my future career should be in the "logical arts” – an occupation that combined creativity with problem-solving.

1990

In college, I was an intern at California Magazine. My duties included doing paste-ups for printing (yes, before computers, using wax and solvent to make layouts!), keeping the Xerox book up-to-date, and FedEx-ing artwork back to contributors.  The magazine no longer exists, but the friendships are still intact.    

1995

As a wide-eyed youngster, I embarked upon first year in business at Mousetrap Design in Carlsbad, California. My plan was to offer my services to apparel and golf companies, since my specialty at the time was print design… catalogs, tags and ads.      

2005

Ten years into my business, and still loving my work. I moved my office to Cardiff-by-the-Sea, and enjoyed a lovely ocean view and the invigorating smell of VG Donuts every morning. Golf and apparel companies were still my main clients, but I also found many cool neighborhood businesses that could use my services.      

2017

Over twenty years in, after starting a family, I moved my office to my house so I could work and be a mom. By now I have been working with so many golf companies, it's a pity that I don't know how to play! I'm so lucky to have a wonderful job that is ever changing, and challenging.