matches by memory
happy memories are important
How NYC’s Madison Connolly brings your favorite places to life through custom matchbook art.
future nostalgia
Madison’s mother affectionately called her ‘Remi’ growing up, because she was notorious for saying, “remember when?”
Her visceral memory of favorite places and special travels is a product of her artistic talent. As a graphic designer, she’s visually oriented and takes notice of the colors, vibe and surrounding that make a place special and memorable. Whether it be the restaurant with the yellow walls or the trailer park with the charming welcome sign.
So when her younger sister came to her with an interesting predicament (she wanted to gift her boyfriend a framed matchbook of their favorite place) Madison suggested that she create one digitally.
The unique art piece was a hit among her sister’s inner circle, thus generating more business for Madison. Through word of mouth she expanded organically, growing in popularity among unexpected communities, from the New York Orthodox Jewish community to CNN employees to young adults in Boulder, CO. But when a popular social media influencer shared a Tik Tok of her apartment decor that featured Madison’s matchbook creations in the fall of 2020, her business went viral overnight.
custom order 101
The process typically takes 6-8 weeks
Tiered pricing depending on number of matchbooks (select 1-7 matchbooks)
Provide as much detail as possible around your places/memories
Service includes a check in on progress before final delivery
Price includes high quality printing and framing (if desired)
another crucial part of the process? printing!
Originally Madison used a local printing business in Soho- she was extremely impressed by the quality after trialing multiple printers that couldn’t execute the color or specifications of her artwork just right. Unfortunately, the print shop closed due to the pandemic but Madison continued using their parent company, based in Germany. Be assured that your digital proof and the final product will look identical- and delivered at the highest quality.
the gift that keeps on giving
Although the matchbooks are digitally produced, Madison still has a collection of 100+ matchbooks for inspiration and to construct her photographs. She frequently buys matchbooks from Ebay and Etsy, and it’s become one of her favorite elements of Matches by Memory. To her, matchbooks hold a special significance because they tell a story, and the retro, vintage feel is conducive to her style.
Madison also gravitates to pops of color, but always considers the sensibility of the room and decorative style before designing. She actually lays out physical matchbooks and photographs her art, before using a photoshop tool to design and color correct the matches, balancing the identity of each individual place and matchbook with the bigger picture and aesthetic of the entire piece.
Her matchbook art is often gifted, so she also takes into account who is receiving the art, their personality and their preferences. One time she even recreated someone’s proposal as an anniversary gift. He wrote “will you marry me?” on a matchbook, and Madison replicated the moment with her art.
“I’ve always been someone who enjoys giving gifts, so it’s so meaningful that so many people gift my artwork to their loved one’s”.
“Giving gifts is my way of expressing love. If you love someone, tell them!”
until we meet again
Getting the opportunity to connect with her customers on a deep level, even at the height of a global pandemic, is another highlight of Madison’s journey with Matches by Memory. “At one point, going out and going to special places and precious memories were part of our everyday life,” Madison reflects. Building relationships with her customers allows the artwork to feel more authentic and serve as a reminder that one day we will have the freedom again to make new memories through our travels and with our loved ones and friends.
Often times she’s creating matchbooks for favorite restaurants or landmarks, but sometimes she’s creating matchbooks for places that don’t exist (e.g. Grandma’s Kitchen). In these cases, Madison relies on her customers to relay the details of these personal memories that she can’t just type into Google. This is what makes her custom work authentic, truly personal and unique.
For those who frequent cities like NYC, New Orleans, or San Francisco for example, pre-made matchbooks are available for purchase to celebrate these popular destinations. Custom orders reopen June 1, 2021 via the Matches by Memory website. Bring your memories to life through this one of a kind keepsake.