Hello! My name is Monique Freemon (she/her/hers) and I am from Tennessee. I have a passion for graphic design, journalism, liberation, research, and travel.
I earned my Ph.D. from the School of Journalism and Electronic Media at The University of Tennessee, Knoxville in August 2020. Prior to attending UT Knoxville, I earned my M.S. in journalism from UT Knoxville and a B.S. in communications from Austin Peay State University.
For my dissertation, I explored how racially marginalized journalism students in predominantly White institutional journalism classrooms and student newsrooms make-meaning of their experiences. My ultimate goal is to achieve liberation in these areas, help marginalized folk use their voice, and to apply this research to other racial groups.In addition to my research, I completed my qualitative certification in May 2020. The certification covers action research, ethnography, autoethnography, phenomenology, narrative inquiry, general qualitative methods, and qualitative communication research.
For teaching experience, I have taught courses and sessions on inequities in the media landscape, graphic design, media writing, photography, racial ideologies, social media monitoring, and social listening. I strive to create a student-centered, team orientated environment for students to have a hands-on learning experience. My students are taught to be detailed-oriented in whatever they create. In addition to learning how to be collaborative and create rapports in a semi-structured newsroom environment.
For graphic design, I open up a new document in InDesign (and other programs) and see a blank canvas instead of a blank page. If I am designing with copy, I prefer to read the story first because designing is a form of comm and a balance. I am adamant design and text need to be harmonious.
As for my graphic design and professional experience, I was a designer and writer for The Amplifier, Knoxville’s social justice and homeless newspaper from 2017-2018. During my time at The Amp, we covered systemic issues on the homeless population as well as providing a platform for those who are homeless. From 2012-2013, I was a designer and books/culture journalist for INSPIRER Magazine. Lastly, I create a women’s multicultural magazine called MOXY with original copy and design, in addition to a business plan. Each feature article (many long-form) focused on areas in science, books, culture, health, film, and politics. This included an exhaustive business plan as well. As a graphic designer, I developed and executed marketing, promotional, advertising, and presentation materials for various organizations such as Agency865, Wilbur N. Daniel African American Cultural Center, Sumner County Court Appointed Special Advocates, UT Knoxville, Tennessee Suicide Prevention Network, BOBCATSSS Conference, and Deliverance Outreach Temple Church, Inc.
I see myself as a storyteller because I enjoy the humanistic element of creating stories. This has helped me during my academic, research, and professional experience. I love creating in any form. I am always ready and willing to learn new skills, travel, experience different cultures, adventures, and eat food (It is one of the best ways to understand a culture!). Speaking of travel, the image on the right is me spending New Year's at 5,000 feet on Mount Fuji.
I am a lifelong learner and will continue to grow with each chapter of my life.
Why MOXY Creations?
The name was inspired by my master’s project titled, “Project MOXY.” It was a general interest, multiracial, women’s magazine with original content from various writers in the U.S. I wanted to center women in politics, STEM, nonprofit work, fashion, etc. The project received much praise from my master’s committee–as well as when I show it to people. The name first came about in 2013 when I was planning my project with my former graduate advisor and we just stuck with it. The word fit the theme of my project and my life.
The word is spelled two ways: 1) “moxie,” which is defined as “force of character, determination, or nerve”; and 2) “moxy,” which is also considered slang to mean “courage, nerve, or vigor.” The purpose of the word and this website is to provide a snapshot into my life and my life’s work. Whether one is a photographer, writer, designer, or researcher, it takes courage to try new things and share them to the world.
The Logo Design
The symbol replacing the “O” in “MOXY” is actually a kaleidoscope. Many (but not all) of us have peeked through a kaleidoscope–a small children’s toy. When peeking through, one sees many shapes, angles, vibrant colors, and patterns. Personally, many underestimate the power of the kaleidoscope and how entertaining it can be based on its outside appearance. That describes me and my “creations” (i.e., my work). Many people are usually surprised by what I can create, my thought process, and my personality.
