Meet The Artists
Learn more about the amazingly talented women who created the designs for sale & why they wanted to work with The Menstrual Mission.
Maddie Schwimmer
Watercolors
Name: Maddie Schwimmer
Pronouns: She/Her
Age: 20
College: Bryn Mawr College
Major: Philosophy Major
Hometown: Princeton New Jersey
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How long have you been painting?
I started painting and experimenting with watercolors in the summer of 2017, and I have been practicing every since. My mom actually bought me my first watercolor kit to keep me occupied over the summer, and I immediately loved how I was able to creatively express myself with the medium. What I love about creating art is painting pieces for other people. I really love getting requests and painting a favorite animal, an ocean scene, or even a tampon—anything that will make the person smile.
Why did you want to create art for this fundraiser?
I have watched Taylor explore her passion for feminism and menstrual equality for years, so I immediately wanted to create something special for The Menstrual Mission. I am lucky enough to help women in need receive the sanitary projects that everyone should have access to. I am so grateful that I get to be a part of the culmination of this long-awaited project, and can contribute in my own way to remedy this world-wide issue.
How does it make you feel to know people will be purchasing your art?
It makes me feel amazing! I love that the message of menstrual equality is being spread through my art. I hope that all different types of people feel comfortable showing their support for this cause with these designs.
Why you decide on these designs?
I wanted to create a design that conveyed The Menstrual Mission’s message in a universal sense. I also wanted to showcase the period products, and not shy away from the depiction because of the social stigma surrounding pads and tampons. I also love the short and sweet phrases on the designs that truly embody the theme of The Menstrual Mission.
Lauren Mitchell
Digital Imaging
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Name: Lauren Mitchell
Pronouns: She/Her
Age: 19
College: American University— School of Communications
Major: Film and Media Arts
Hometown: Lyme, Connecticut
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How long have you been working with digital imaging?
I’ve been playing with digital design since I took a class sophomore year in high school on digital art and how to use photoshop/illustrator/3D modeling. Since then I’ve been using it for my own enjoyment and to spruce up class projects, etc. I think why I like digital art so much is because I don’t have to be a painter or sculpture or any kind of literal artist in order to make cool images; I can change and edit something with a click and I can always undo if I don’t like it. Digital art is just a really cool way for me to experiment with ideas and designs for myself and others!
Why did you want to create art for this fundraiser?
I wanted to create art for the Menstrual Mission because I think it is a really great way to combine two things that I think are important. I was excited to make art, specifically, because it’d be a great way to lend my services and ideas to a great cause. However, beyond just art, I think the Menstrual Mission does a lot of amazing things for the community that deserves to be emphasized! Menstrual equality is something that is often times not recognized as a legitimate issue, and as a result, many women in tough places don’t have access to clean and usable feminine products. This fundraiser is important because it supports a cause that directly helps these women and makes sure they can experience their period with dignity.
How does it make you feel to know people will be purchasing your art?
It’s a super cool feeling! This is the first time anything I have created will be printed or on buttons and stickers so it’s definitely something new for me. It may be a little surprising at first, but I can definitely see myself getting really excited!
Why you decide on these designs and what is your favorite part?
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My favorite part was probably creating the donate dignity circle because it is something that literally reflects the Menstrual Mission and I think it is really special that I could create that for the cause! Overall, I tried to keep a more pastel and light look to the designs so they maintain a cohesive-esque look, however I did make a few designs that stray a little in order to have some variety as well. All the designs have something to do with the Menstrual Mission’s mission and what it stands for, and I think this fundraiser will be a great way to support the work it does and the support the community receives as a result.
Megan Long
Calligraphy
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Name: Megan Long
Pronouns: She/Her
Age: 19
College: American University— School of Communications
Major: Film and Media Arts with a minor in Business Entertainment and Music
Hometown: Chelmsford, Massachusetts
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How long have you been working with calligraphy?
I have been doing fun fonts and doodling for my whole life. I started calligraphy a few years ago when my friend started to do it, then I bought my own pens! I love how clean and neat calligraphy is, and how there are so many different types.
Why did you want to create art for this fundraiser?
I am so passionate about what the Menstrual Mission is doing so I wanted to help as much as I can. It is such a great cause that gets overlooked because of the stigma around periods and period products. Periods are a natural thing that so many people get, and so many people don’t have the resources to make their cycle a clean and healthy thing. This fundraiser gives those people who don’t have any resources what they need to get through a cycle without worry.
How does it make you feel to know people will be purchasing your art?
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It’s crazy! I’ve always seen people be artistic and their work being displayed but I’ve never considered myself an artist just because I doodle. This is a really cool thing and I’m so glad it’s for a good cause.
Why you decide on these designs and what is your favorite part?
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I tried to work with different fonts and different colors for the Menstrual Mission so it catches people’s attention. It is a new organization so it doesn’t have a brand yet, and I want to help with that.
