Today we’d like to introduce you to Mollie Spray.
Hi Mollie, we’re thrilled to have a chance to learn your story today. So, before we get into specifics, maybe you can briefly walk us through how you got to where you are today?
I graduated from UCF and spent the beginning of my career in tech Product Design where I designed apps and websites. I absolutely loved getting to make a living in a creative role – something I previously thought was not possible. I found that I had a huge passion for making design accessible to everyone. Then, I was laid off in early 2025 after 3 years in the industry due to AI-driven budget cuts.
I spent the rest of 2025 applying and applying, only to find that the industry was not the same as what I started in. There has always been a focus on optimization in tech in general, but it’s reached a point where there is no regard for humans, whether it’s the users or designers. Even having connections didn’t really get me anywhere. I was watching dream companies lay my connections off, and I think that’s when everything really hit me all at once.
I didn’t want to play the beat-the-AI game anymore. I want to talk to people, design for people, and make valuable work for people. I want to make websites, graphics and art that make people feel something. I want companies to hire their employees and keep and cherish the good workers. I have no desire to jump back into what I once loved, as I would just spend my time being fearful that I am just going to be replaced again.
That’s why I started Paper Fang Studio. My studio’s slogan is “Design that bites”. The focus is on creating unforgettable products for businesses without the use of AI. A studio for businesses who are also tired of seeing AI flyers. A studio who’s ready to set apart your business from the rest of them. Paper Fang Studio specializes in Web Design, Graphic Design & Design Audits.
Not even at the beginning of my career did I anticipate becoming a business owner, but here we are, taking off faster than imagined.
Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
I’m a multi-hyphenate. I love working on a variety of projects at once, often without completing some… It has been a challenge to reign in my focus on what I really wanted Paper Fang Studio to be. Once I figured out the direction, everything else has been falling into place. That isn’t to say that there are not challenges, but I try to focus my energy into trusting myself to handle whatever comes my way, rather than worrying. Worrying twice never helped anyone!
As you know, we’re big fans of you and your work. For our readers who might not be as familiar what can you tell them about what you do?
I’m formally known for being a User Experience Designer and Accessibility Specialist. I love designing digital products for all users in mind, and thinking from the user’s point of view first. I believe the best designs are made this way. Since starting Paper Fang Studio (www.paperfang.studio), I’ve also branched out into other areas of design, depending on what my customers need. I’m very big on “if I don’t already know how to do this, I will learn” mentality. I taught myself to code in HTML/CSS a bit just so my conversations with developers would be a little bit easier. I love a good challenge and I’m always ready for the next one.
What sets me apart from the others is the human connection. First, I love building a connection with my clients! I start every project with a video call and I have quite a few retainer clients. Second, I keep AI out of all work. It stays designed by a human, for humans. AI has developed its own art style to where everything all looks same soulless business. If you’re going to spend time on your business, you should also take time on making sure that business stands out.
Overall, I am most proud of the look I get to see on my client’s faces when they see their hard work captured exactly as they’d imagined.
Are there any books, apps, podcasts or blogs that help you do your best?
The productivity thing that helped me most wasn’t a book or an app. The biggest tip I could give anyone who’s like me – often feeling like I have no value if I’m not productive – is to keep a success log. I kept telling myself I didn’t do enough for the day and my business won’t land because of it. Us creatives all have this voice in our heads telling us we need to do more. So instead of keeping a to do list, I started a success log. Each day for months, I would write down everything I did for that day. Even if it was just “kept dog alive” or “ate dinner”. Over time, that voice’s credibility faded, and I realized I do the same thing every day – the best I can. We don’t give ourselves enough credit for what we’re already doing.
Pricing:
- Reach out to hello@paperfang.studio for pricing.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.paperfang.studio
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ctrl.mollie
- LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/uxmollie
