Meet Mad Dworschak | Graphic Designer & Victory Gardener

We had the good fortune of connecting with Mad Dworschak and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Mad, what do you think makes you most happy? Why?
Plants make me happy! And talking to my neighbors about plants makes me happy. In these socially-distanced times, the shared connection provided by plants and the seasons can make us all feel a little closer. Victory Gardening shows that we can all support ourselves by growing some of our own food, and my Victory Garden project shows that we can all support each other by sharing seeds, plants, and knowledge.

Let’s talk shop? Tell us more about your career, what can you share with our community?
I’ve been a graphic designer since I took my first class at North Springs High School, and I’ve continued learning though earning my BFA in Graphic Design from UGA, and beyond as I’ve navigated working as a freelancer and now a civil servant at the Department of City Planning. I sell my artwork on Etsy and promote it on my instagram, @madness.design.atl. Most of my art is text-based, like my typographic map of Atlanta’s 240+ neighborhoods, or my quasi-political yard sign and button campaign to “Make It Stop”. Most of my successes have been modest, but when added together, form a solid foundation for my brand. Some of my most loyal customers are friends who’ve been buying my art and crafts since high school! I’ve had very limited “success” with Instagram, but it has been a great way to interact with my neighbors who come upon my Victory Garden stand. If I can attribute my gains to any one thing, I’d say it’s been my relationships with other artists and makers. I’m a naturally friendly person (even if I’m forgetful of names and faces!), and the relationships I’ve forged over the years with others has helped me find inspiration, create partnerships, and accomplish bigger goals than I could have alone.

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
I just got into cycling within the last year, so I’d have to suggest a bike ride through Oakland Cemetery, up the BeltLine, across Piedmont Park along 10th Street, and then back west to get a large margarita at Mi Barrio or Six Feet Under. I live in the best neighborhood in Atlanta, the Old Fourth Ward, so even a walk through the neighborhood and into Sweet Auburn is dripping with culture and history.

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
I have to start with my mom, who has been a lifelong gardener, crafter, and do-gooder. She ran my Girl Scout troop for 12 years and has been so helpful with getting me into gardening and giving away plants. My victory garden project is just one in a constellation of great resources for growing your own food, herbs, and flowers. @freeplantsatl is run by a Black woman who goes by @eargardn on Instagram, and her next big giveaway event is this Sunday, August 30. @trulylivingwell is a Black-run community gardening organization in Atlanta who hosts tours and seed-swapping events on the west side.

Website: www.madness.design
Instagram: madness.design.atl
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/maddworschakdesign
Other: Etsy: etsy.com/shop/maddworschak

Image Credits
all photos by Mad Dworschak