UP TO THE CHALLENGE - McCullough Creative

Amy Bedtka has always had both a creative eye and a knack for detail. As a Creative Services Specialist at McCullough Creative, she’s putting that balance to work—providing support for our team, keeping projects on track, and ensuring top quality each step of the way. Content Strategist Jeff Montgomery sat down with Amy to talk about her journey, her drive, and what led her to MC.

JEFF: First off, congratulations on joining the team, Amy! You’re stepping into a role that spans a few different areas here—design, proofreading, even project coordination. Can you give us a quick overview of what you’ll be doing?

AMY: Sure! My title is Creative Services Specialist, and it covers a few areas. I’ll be working on layout and revisions for catalogs, brochures, and other print and digital projects. I’ll also be doing proofreading and content support, making sure everything’s accurate and consistent, and then some project coordination—tracking details, managing files, communicating with vendors, that kind of thing.

JEFF: Sounds like you’ll have your hands in a little bit of everything. Is that something you enjoy?

AMY: Definitely. I’ve always been both creative and analytical. I like seeing how things fit together, but I also want to be part of a creative field where I can use my design background. This role really blends both sides.

JEFF: At MC, we like to say that everyone is an artist—and it sounds like that certainly applies to you as well. Tell me about your creative journey and how that led you here.

AMY: I was lucky enough to have a lot of creative people around me from a young age. As a little kid, I’d help my mother with these amazing snow sculptures she made. I remember being fascinated by what she created. My creative interests evolved from there. In high school, I got into drawing and photography. I eventually decided to study graphic design in college, and since then I’ve worked in design, photography, and catalog design—a lot of different roles before joining McCullough Creative.

A lifetime of art.

JEFF: That’s a great foundation. So what made you want to join McCullough Creative?

AMY: I was drawn to McCullough because it seemed so dynamic—a company that's accomplishing so many things and tackling such a wide range of projects. I’d seen some of your marketing campaigns, and I also learned about McCullough’s exhibits and museum work. It struck me as a company that is up to any challenge. I knew this would be a job that excites me every day.

JEFF: So you scoped us out a bit before applying?

AMY: Oh, yeah. I read through some of the blog posts and looked at past projects and awards. It was clear that there was a ton of creativity here and a high bar for quality. And the types of work aligned with my interests. I’ve done mostly print design, but I’ve always been interested in 3D environments too. In high school, I did theater and set design, so this kind of creative mix really appealed to me.

JEFF: Let’s back up a bit—where did you grow up?

AMY: I was born in Freeport, Illinois, and grew up in Orangeville—tiny town! Later I moved to Monroe, Wisconsin, where I lived for nearly 20 years. After a big life transition, I met my husband Tim, who’s from Dubuque. We decided to combine families, so I moved here about a year ago. We just got married on October 18!

JEFF: Well, congratulations on that too, Amy. That’s a lot of change all at once—new marriage, new city, new job. How’s that adjustment been?

AMY: Thank you! Yeah, it’s been a whirlwind for sure—but in the best way. It’s about finding the right fit, and I feel like I’ve found that here.

JEFF: I love that. And six kids between you two, right?

AMY: Yep—five kids under one roof. It’s busy, but we’ve found our rhythm. There’s always something going on—cheer practice, concerts—but it keeps life interesting.

JEFF: Sounds like there’s never a dull moment. What about outside of work—any creative outlets or hobbies?

AMY: Music has always been a big part of my life. I played oboe all through school and percussion in pep and marching band. I still love going to concerts and supporting my stepdaughters, who perform in plays in school and at the Bell Tower Theater. We also have two small dogs who keep us on our toes—one’s a rescue with a lot of personality.

JEFF: What were your first impressions of McCullough after starting here?

AMY: The people and the energy. Everyone’s been so positive and welcoming. My first day, I went home thinking, Yes, I made the right choice. It’s so nice to be part of a team that really values creativity and collaboration.

JEFF: What do you think you bring to the table for clients and projects?

AMY: Since I’m wearing a few different hats here, I think I can contribute in a lot of ways. I’m self motivated and detail oriented, and I tend to catch the little things others might miss. I want clients to feel confident that everything’s handled accurately and on time. Whatever the project calls for, we can adapt and get it done—we’re always up to the challenge.