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

Hi Megan, can you walk us through the thought-process of starting your business?
I’ve always had an entrepreneurial spirit, beginning with my first business at 19 when I sold my own baked cupcakes. I thrived on the autonomy and responsibility that came with being my own boss. After college, I thought it would be safer to work in a corporate job for stability and benefits. But over time, I grew unhappy with the monotony of a set schedule and eventually decided to leave when Covid hit in 2020. This experience motivated me to take my entrepreneurial aspirations seriously. I launched Crane Design Company in 2020, and it’s been incredibly fulfilling to set my own schedule, be present with my family and 3 year old daughter, choose my clients, and have unlimited earning potential. I’m passionate about entrepreneurship and dedicate myself to helping others pursue and achieve their own business dreams.

Let’s talk shop? Tell us more about your career, what can you share with our community?
I have always had a creative side, and I firmly believe that everyone possesses creativity. If you ask a class of kindergartners who among them is an artist, every child’s hand will shoot up. At some point, though, we stop believing we are artists. Perhaps we are critiqued or judged, losing the confidence to embrace our artistic selves. This happened to me right after high school, leading me to take a long break from art. It wasn’t until after college that I fell in love with the always changing and ever evolving world of Graphic Design. Despite my passion for art, I’m fundamentally a people person with a background in sales and marketing. Graphic design became the ideal medium, allowing me to combine my entrepreneurial spirit with the ability to connect with clients and understand their businesses.

Creativity is like a muscle—the more you exercise it, the stronger it becomes. Recently, I’ve rekindled my passion for illustrations and digital art. I enjoy creating unique illustrations and custom icons for my branding clients, helping their brands stand out. I’ve also expanded my digital art to include retail pieces, postcards, greeting cards, and more. The more I flex my creative muscle, the more confident I become in my artistry.

I am heavily inspired by the designs of the 1970s and 1980s. Many iconic logos from those eras have remained largely unchanged and have stood the test of time. Even though my inspiration comes from these genres, I consider myself to be well-rounded in the world of design, which helps me stand out to my clientele.

Any places to eat or things to do that you can share with our readers? If they have a friend visiting town, what are some spots they could take them to?
One of my favorite places in Georgia is Dahlonega, a charming college town nestled in the foothills of the Appalachian Mountains. Not only is this the place I call home, but it’s also where I take my best friend when she visits. An ideal day in Dahlonega includes grabbing a cup of coffee at Jethro’s Coffee House, antique shopping, visiting the vineyards for some delicious wine, having lunch at Picnic Café, heading back to my house to enjoy a good book in a rocking chair outside, and then dressing up for dinner at Montaluce Vineyards. There’s so much to do in Dahlonega, and I find endless inspiration in this little town.

The Shoutout series is all about recognizing that our success and where we are in life is at least somewhat thanks to the efforts, support, mentorship, love and encouragement of others. So is there someone that you want to dedicate your shoutout to?
I’m deeply grateful to my Lord and Savior, who has guided me and my business from the very beginning. I rely on Him as my mentor and for making the best decisions I can. I also want to acknowledge my Mom, Dad, sister, and husband for their unwavering support. They’ve seen me face setbacks but have always encouraged me to get back up and keep going. Their support has been invaluable, especially since entrepreneurship is full of challenges and tough lessons.

Website: https://Www.thecranedesignco.com

Instagram: @thecranedesignco

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/thecranedesignco

Image Credits
Alexis Caroline Photography
Kaley Miller

Nominate Someone: ShoutoutAtlanta is built on recommendations and shoutouts from the community; it’s how we uncover hidden gems, so if you or someone you know deserves recognition please let us know here.