Ebb and Sew: Q&A with marine canvas pro Madison Trotman
Madison Trotman, 26, has been making her mark on the Chesapeake marine industry with her flawless marine canvas and upholstery work, adorning several local vessels with her creations. Originally from Florence, AL, Trotman came to Maryland to attend the Maryland Institute and College of Art where she majored in photography. Trotman’s natural creativity and innate sewing skills have guided her along a diverse path that has led to her current position as lead technician for the canvas team at Diversified Marine Services (DMS) in Annapolis, MD.
What is your current role in the marine industry?
I make custom marine canvas and upholstery for boats, such as dodgers, biminis, enclosures, sail covers, interior and exterior upholstery, and cushions. I have been working at DMS for two years. I jumped completely into the deep end when I started, and now I’m the team lead on a team of three.
What was the path that brought you to your current position?
Back in college, I was already sewing things and would practice alternative processes in photography so that I could print on fabric. I started sewing for a company that made hiking gear for dogs, but I was interested in continuing with sewing, just on something that was more interesting than small bags and products that are made over and over again. I came into the marine industry during Covid because I was working at a restaurant and making the canine hiking gear on the side, but Covid shut everything down. Working in canvas presented bigger challenges, as it was working on a much larger scale; I wanted to have a career where I made things, but not necessarily as a fine artist.
What do you love about your job?
I like how it changes every day. Each day is something different. I love being out on boats and working outside, at least half the time. It doesn’t feel like a nine-to-five job and we are a great, small team. Matt Jones, my manager, is hilarious, and he’s always there to help me if I need it. I also think it’s fun getting to see what types of technical or mechanical projects other departments have, most of which I know nothing about, and I can ask them questions. My fiancé and his whole family live here in Maryland. In fact, I work with my mother-in-law and brother-in-law at DMS.
What are the most challenging parts of your job?
There are always going to be things that happen that you don’t expect. One day you’ll be templating when it’s windy, so the finished product won’t fit quite right. Learning that although it may look like it, there are no boats that are perfectly symmetrical. When I have to start from scratch, it can be hard to design an entirely new piece for someone instead of using their old frame; it really makes you think!
What is your relationship with sailing and boating?
I’ve lived on a lake or river my entire life, and we had boats growing up. I occasionally get out on the water here when my friends invite me on their boats. Recently, I went out on my friend’s boat, and he let me be the skipper. Driving the boat for a while, I got to learn how the sails react. I don’t have a lot of experience sailing so that was a great experience. I would like to take sailing lessons so that I know how to sail. I’ll figure out the next steps from there.
What’s something you hope to see in the future of the marine industry?
More women working in the industry, so I can have more friends! Women can do pretty much all this work, but I think in general we’re not taught to do trade skills. I think you’re more likely to see women working in canvas in the marine industry, because women are more likely to have been taught how to sew than to work on engines or do electrical work. Even though it is where you’ll see women in the marine industry, most of the time, it’s men who are running the canvas shops. So, it would be great to see more diversity. It’s great being on a team that has three women working together.
Any last words of wisdom you’d like to share?
If you think you need repairs or a replacement on your canvas, you probably do. Start budgeting for a brand new one because if you’ve started thinking you need a new one, then you definitely need a new one. And lastly, Makrolon always looks better than flexible glass!
Interview by Chelsea Co
About the interviewer: Journalist Chelsea Co thrives in, on, and under the water. She is working toward her goal of sailing around the world to raise awareness and support for underrepresented communitites in marine industries. Follow her on Instagram @deepbluechelsea.
