PEYTON MASILUN.
(pay-ton maz-a-lin)
You’ve landed on my little corner of the internet. I’m Peyton—museum buff, design thinker, writer and arts educator. Think of this site as a peek behind the curtain: part portfolio, part passion project, all about the story I’m telling (and rewriting) as I go.
Who is Peyton Masilun?
Hi there—I’m Peyton, currently diving into museum life as a Cole Fellow at the Thomas Cole National Historic Site. By day, I’m exploring art, history and storytelling; by night, probably working on an editorial piece or planning my next adventure.
Check out my Cole Fellowship Blog to learn more about my experiences in NY!
At 19, I couldn’t pick just one major, so instead of switching, I added another, and then topped it off with a business minor. Now I know basic accounting, the history of world puppetry, and plenty about human-centered design, all thanks to the best place in the world: NC State.
Design Studies
[B.A.] college of design
An interdisciplinary major exploring how design shapes culture, values, and everyday life. I studied design history and criticism, took human-centered design courses, and did hands-on projects that brought design thinking to life. This degree blended research, writing, and making to tackle problems across business, education, and the arts.
Art Studies
[B.A.] college of humanities and social sciences
An interdisciplinary program rooted in art history, theory, and critical analysis. I took countless art history courses that sharpened my eye and strengthened my writing, exploring how art both shapes and mirrors the world. This major blends scholarly research with hands-on material exploration.
Business Administration
[minor] poole college of management
A practical, interdisciplinary complement to my majors that gave me a foundation in management, marketing, and basic accounting. Further broadening how I approach problem-solving and creative work through a business lens.
A tad bit more about me…
A little extra about me: I’m a true North Carolinian with a cowgirl boot collection that keeps growing, and one of my absolute favorite things is putting together an outfit—especially picking out the perfect bag to go with it. I love getting my hands into creative projects, whether it’s weaving my own scarf or diving into an InDesign layout just for fun. Now that I’m living in a small mountain town in upstate New York, I’m hoping to spend even more time exploring new crafts and chasing whatever creative idea pops into my head next.
Curious about the logo? It’s a poppy flower—my favorite bloom and also the inspiration behind the spontaneous tattoo I got while studying abroad in Prague.
On the topic of being abroad—I’m absolutely obsessed with travel. So far I’ve checked off eight countries (and counting!). Highlights? Spending six dreamy weeks in Prague in the summer of 2023 and wandering 112 soul-stirring miles along the Camino de Santiago in Spain, an experience as magical as it was meaningful.
Speaking of things that make me light up, I just really love people. (Like, 99% extravert on the Myers-Briggs love people.) Maybe that’s what happens when you’re the oldest of three siblings and spent most of college living with six other amazing women. My life’s been happily crowded with deep chats, constant laughter and the kind of memories that only happen when your house is never quiet. I have a soft spot for meeting new people (and a weird knack for remembering names) and I wouldn’t have it any other way.
