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Tag Archives: Graphic design
London calling
So I decided to head south for the winter...
As of November I became a Londoner. I have been in somewhat of a personal rut for a good few months now, and as my oldest and wisest friend declared, I was in need of a change. I therefore decided to pack up my laptop and relocate to the big smoke in seek of my fortune, a change of pace and to see if the streets are actually paved with gold... Luckily for me I was able to transfer to the London office of the IPPR with whom I am currently working, and with my contract ending in January I am all set to find a new design role or freelance design work - which is exciting and mildly terrifying all at the same time.So what is it I'm looking for?
Well, the ultimate job would be to work on the next 4 Fantastic Beast films with the folks at Mina Lima a fantastic exhibition of their graphic design work I was able to catch just this week. A definite must see for the Harry Potter fans amongst us... That aside, I would love to let my creative juices flow, be it with a graphic design or media agency, or working in house with a marketing or communications team. I definitely feel that my options have opened by ten thousand per cent now I am in London, and that the world is once again my oyster. Fingers crossed it turns out as awesome as I hope it does... I'll keep you posted ;)
Tags: Freelance designer, Graphic design, London
Overwhelmingly sad
I am saddened by the EU Referendum result. Overwhelmingly so.
And unfortunately, almost 50% of those who voted are, not to mention those who didn't get to vote who will have to live with the consequences much longer than we folk who got to put our cross in the box. In fact, of the 64 million living in the UK, only 17 million are definitely up for leaving, which leaves around 47 million having this situation thrust upon them... I am saddened for a number of reasons (read my previous blog!) as I fear that my nieces and those of their generation won't get to share the same freedoms that I have taken for granted - be it equality rights, working rights or travel. I am also afraid of how the nation is obviously divided on this subject, and some very real tensions have already bubbled to the surface fuelled by the media. Personally, as a freelance graphic designer, working rights don't necessarily affect me as I run my own schedule, work when I want, sleep when I want and holiday when I want. These are definite perks of being a freelancer. There are more and more of us about as permanent jobs become fewer. I graduated at the time of the recession a few years ago and (really) struggled to find a job. Of any kind. At all. I was registered with numerous recruitment agencies and didn't hear a thing as there were so many like me. Hundreds of applications sent on a weekly basis - to absolutely no avail. Luckily for me I managed to get my foot in the door eventually. Some of my fellow chums took even longer than me to find a position and around 75% of my friends have been made redundant at some point - some of them more than once. I only hope this situation isn't going to be repeated on todays graduates and further generations upon leaving the EU. It may turn out all well and good in which case I will graciously accept that I had been skeptical - but if that's not the case - will those who brought us here accept that they were wrong? One definite result of last weeks vote though is that the rich will indeed continue to be rich, and those on the lower end of the financial scale will struggle, possibly even more so, but will their stories be the ones that get told?Stronger Together: Animated infographic
With just over a week left before the In or Out EU Referendum, I think we're all getting a bit weary of the propaganda flying around...
Whatever the outcome come June 23rd, the UK nation has been split in half, one pro EU and one very much anti it. Personally, I believe we are #StrongerIn (as the social media channels declare) and here's why... My dad worked for a company with offices across the world, importing and exporting their goods, within Europe, the Far East and the USA. As part of his job he travelled widely, and each time he came home, he brought me a doll wearing the national dress of each country he had visited. It opened my eyes to the different cultures and traditions from around the world, and from these presents I knew that I too wanted to see the world for myself. Since then I have had the opportunity to meet, work and live with people from every continent, both whilst I worked overseas, as well as when I worked in the UK. We were selected for our skills not our nationality and we worked towards a common goal. Having had this experience I realise that we are all just people wanting to get along. Now as a freelance graphic designer I work with clients from around the world. I have (everyone has) the world literally at my finger tips at the touch of a button. We travel widely with the greatest of ease. The world becomes smaller every day and is something I find exciting, and something I feel that should be embraced.We can't build a wall around this island, both physically or metaphorically.
Technology, social media and trade means that the world has been brought to us, so what's the point in closing the door to our neighbours? I feel that it would be a step backwards to cut ourselves off from our allies, when our nation and it's people have worked and fought to move forwards. The EU affects our women's rights, workers rights, LGBT rights, maternity pay, holiday pay, environmental issues, animal welfare, provides investment (Manchester metro link for one!), health and safety at work, economy, trade, defence and jobs to name but a few. To focus on immigration and freedom of movement is only a small fragment of what the EU is about. So too, I would rather a body oversee how the UK is managed on some issues, rather than putting all my eggs very much in the basket of our Prime Minister. There will be people who totally disagree with all of the above (someone has already got in touch over twitter with a bizarre incoherent rant!) and if that's the way you feel, so be it. My opinion is my own. I think it is better to be part of something bigger and reform from the inside, than start again as an outsider looking in. There are negatives (there always are) but for me, the pros outweigh the cons. For all of you still on the fence, I'm not trying to sway you either way, but I would suggest you have a look at this website: www.fullfact.org, it provides independent analysis of all these facts and statistics, we've been hit with over the past 3 months. Give it a read and make your own decision, and not one forced upon you by me, the media, newspapers with their own agenda, the twitter lynch mob, your peers or political stunts. Decide for yourself :)Swings and round-a-bouts
This time last week I thought I would never work again...
One week on and that's all a thing of the past - if there's something I've learned over the past couple of years, a lot can happen in a week in the world of freelancing. Having a conversation with my mum recently about the relative quietness on the work front she asked "what are you going to do?" to which I responded, "well firstly, I'm not going to panic." Mum's response was, "well, that's not really in your nature is it?" And no, I guess it's not. I have never really been a panicker (if that is a word) or a worrier (that is a word) and as a relatively care free soul I am able to glide through these dry patches with relative calm. The reason behind my recent dry spell is mainly because due to budget cuts I have lost my biggest client. For me, this has obviously had a knock on effect, but luckily, not all my eggs were in one basket, most were, but not all. Picking myself up again and cracking on is part of the learning curve I go through every day as a freelancer and expect to continue with for the foreseeable. Over the past few years I have worked on numerous projects for numerous people, and my network of clients, ex colleagues and associates is larger than I can even think, and growing month on month. I have learned over the course of the past few years that something will come up. Something that I least expect. And something more challenging than I have done in the past. And with these learnings I get the chance grow as a graphic designer and as a person. Pick myself up, dust myself down, and start all over again ;)
Tags: clients, Freelance designer, Graphic design
Sorry for the inconvenience this may cause you…
Whilst travelling home on Saturday night from Manchester I was thrown off a train. Not in the sense that you may think. I was neither drunk nor fair dodging - I was merely trying to get home.
Upon the start of my journey everything was running smoothly. My train arrived on time (a rare occurrence in itself) and we, the passengers, boarded. We set off. Minutes later we arrived at a second station only to be told we were now awaiting a replacement driver. He was delayed. We sat and we waited... 20 minutes later he arrived. We were on our way. Delayed, but once again, on our way. A few more minutes later we got to the next station, only to be now told that the service was to become an "express" service to make up the missed time and that all the stations between Bolton and Preston were to be missed out, and those passengers affected had to arrange alternatives. I was one of those passengers. I made my way to Bolton and made a call. I eventually got home, and made a complaint. Is it acceptable that because one man couldn't get to work on time that around 50 to 100 people were inconvenienced?In what other business would this behaviour be accepted?
Personally, I would never treat my paying clients in such a way. I can only assume that these stations were cut in order to meet targets for time keeping somewhere along the line. What it does prove though, is that the data doesn't show all the facts. In the world of freelance design, clients are everything. I do everything in my power to make sure that they are happy, and what they are expecting is delivered. I read the other day that in 2015, 34% of designers have admitted to missing a deadline. I was not one of those creatives, and so my clients weren't disappointed. If I feel something is unachievable (this is usually based on experience) I will inform a client up front before making a start as I feel that honesty is very much the best policy. Think about this train scenario as a tender document for example: I would not enter into a contract, deliver a fraction of it, and then cut out several chapters in order to deliver it on time. The end result is not what has been contracted or agreed - my client would, quite rightly so, refuse to pay me and never request my services again. They would tell their team members never to contact me again and would pass on this negative feedback to whoever should ask...So where am I going with this?
I can tell you that I am a trust worthy graphic designer, but what proves that point is the fact that I have recurring work from a range of clients. Would they come back for more or kindly send me testimonials if I had not delivered what they requested? I'm not so sure. I aim to be the best at what I do (I can't guarantee I am the best as there are some FANTASTIC designers out there...) and always aim to delivery beyond expectations. What I can guarantee though is that I will deliver all documents in their entirety by the deadline requested, and I don't cut corners to get there, as because in my industry it's just not acceptable to do anything else.Why choose me?
Let's face it, the world of graphic design and graphic designers is saturated...
Did you know that the creative industry is worth £10 million an hour to the UK economy? No, I didn't either until I came across this article on the UK government website. It shows just how much value design can add to you and your business (the economy and the world...), but it also shows how the industry is increasing in size twice as fast as any other industry. For me this is awesome as it means that work is plentiful and I can reap it's rewards, but for me this boom also has it's down sides...As stated above the world of graphic design is a saturated market. There are literally millions of us out there, so how do you - a potential client - go about picking the right person for the job in hand?
Over the past decade (wow, I've been in the creative industry more than a decade, that's a bit scary) I have worked with a variety of clients and bosses, all with varying needs, and plenty of designers. One was on a power trip as he had never been a senior designer before and delegated everything (and that's everything) to me. He used to say things to me like "I'm the boss so *insert any situation here*," I aim never to be a boss (or a person!) like that - ever. He then went on to use some of the work I had produced to get onto a recruitment agencies books. In contrast to that, I have worked with some fantastic, highly experienced designers, who have helped develop my confidence in the field and to hone my skills. One such designer said to me that the industry is saturated. Everybody can now have a flashy website (it's true), everybody has access to Photoshop (it's true) and with a few carefully chosen photos of projects they've worked on can say they are a designer (that's true too) but such people can also devalue the industry, which is true as well. Yes, I showcase my portfolio (which incidentally is NOT done in Photoshop!) but I also try to get testimonials and recommendations from clients proving my capabilities and what it's like to work with me. I want you as a potential client to get an impression of me. I want vibes of me to be sent through your screen and I want you to make an executive decision. I am a professional in my chosen industry, and that is a major selling point for me and hopefully for you too. I will treat your task, whatever it may be, with the professionalism it (and you) deserve. That said, as I am a one woman band I don't have major overheads and so can offer a cost effective solution to your design needs. A bonus too of working with a freelancer is that I sort out my own pension and taxes, and you use me when you need me - it's as simple as that! An added perk for you is because you can deal with me directly I can usually turn around your project a lot quicker than if you were working through an agency. I'm by no means calling agencies (they're fantastic for big scary projects!), but sometimes it's nice to have something turned around in 2 weeks as opposed to 4-6 weeks. I have saved several of my clients in their hours of need due to this!So in short, why choose me?
- I'm a cost effective solution for small or tightened budgets - I deal with turn around times on a project by project basis - Last and by no means least, I'm a professional and if I say I'm going to do something - I will :) So, if you've been wowed by this then drop me a line and we can discuss your design needs today.Accessible and engaging
A recent project that I have been working on was commissioned by the Equality and Human Rights Commission.
I designed an 88 page follow-up report to their 2015 inquiry into non-natural deaths of adults with mental health conditions who were detained in prisons, police custody or psychiatric hospitals between 2010-13. The full report is available to download at www.equalityhumanrights.com.
Here's what Amy Grant the Publications and Editorial Officer had to say:
Elizabeth did some fantastic design work on a key inquiry report for us - managing to make it look accessible and engaging, even though the subject-matter was sensitive. She was also very patient and 'can do'. I would definitely work with Elizabeth again!
Since this recommendation was written, I have gone on to work with Amy on a number of other design projects. Thank you for the opportunity, and really pleased you are happy with the results!
I have a product, now the hard bit
New year, new product and all that...
Yes, 2016 saw me launch into the world of jute reusable bags. A project I had always wanted to get into, but due to costs and huge minimum orders - it was something I never plunged into.
Roll on about 5 years to October 2015... Dear Mr Osbourne introduces a 5p plastic bag charge to all bags plastic bags sold at the checkout in most retail stores. I was kicked into action...
Personally, I wholly agree in doing anything for the environment. Always have and always will, but what I don't like is yet another stealth tax introduced and branded as a positive thing. Did you know that 1p VAT is charged on the bag for example? So what was initially sold to the public as a charitable donation, 20% goes straight to the tax man. I recently held a poll on twitter on this very subject, and surprisingly 78% of those polled did not realise the whole sum was not going to charity. I'm on my high horse again it would seem.
Anyway, that is a bit of background as to how I decided to take the plunge into the reusable bag world. I now have a product, and now for the really tricky part, telling the world I have a product and actually selling some....
Having been in the freelance graphic design world going on two years now, I have never had to actively promote myself. This for me has been a positive thing as word of mouth and the quality of the work that I produce has helped the ball keep rolling, and for that I am truly thankful. The reusable bag project is proving to be a different kettle of fish entirely.
But here goes a shameless plug... Buy a limited edition, large jute reusable shopping bag for just £8.95 through my ETSY online shop :)
Or, if you live in or around Horwich, Greater Manchester they are also available in store at Flowersmiths the Florist.
I am currently in the process of locating other independent businesses to work with, so watch this space! Past applications
My inbox had got to that point where I needed a good clear out...
And so I boldly clicked on the reverse date button and came across some old job application responses that I had received earlier in my graphic design career. Most were a case of "this position has been filled" others were a "no positions right now, but we'll keep you on file," that kind of thing. I have to admit even if the response is negative, at least somebody has taken the time to reply which has to be applauded. The amount of e-mails to nowhere I sent in my job search (and no doubt many others' job searches) is beyond belief. Other applications were deleted without even being opened (yes, I asked for a receipt when opened), which personally I find rather rude. This one I found a little bit unconstructive. Not only that, but I received the feedback in February, when I had had the interview in the November the previous year: - A little bit inexperienced - Didn’t really sell herself - Did not demonstrate understanding of our audience groups well enough. I found this rather cutting at the time, and I find it cutting 3 years on. Granted, I was inexperienced, that I don't deny, however, this would've been apparent on my application form (the job in question was a really long hand written form). I didn't sell myself well - how could I improve on that? To this day I am hopeless at addressing a room, I need constructive and objective comments, not to learn that I'm rubbish at it. I know that already, I'm shy and I have to live with that in every public scenario, but to see it in black and white is quite hurtful, especially with no attempt at advice on how to improve. It's also quite difficult to accept that some people can't see past the fact that addressing others in not my strong point. I might not talk a good game, but the work I produce hits the spot for my clients, and that is good enough for me. Understanding audience groups. I did understand the audience group, it's just that my portfolio did not reflect the work they were looking for. This is another tricky one. With often days to prepare for an interview and working and commuting full time, there is little time to hone a portfolio for every job interview, especially if you're looking to branch into another field.And so, I come to a few tips to current design job seekers:
Yes, there will be times when you are firing off 1000 applications a day with no response and it feels like you're surrounded in a blizzard of unhappiness, and nobody understands you. Yes, you will be advised to look in other fields. Yes, you will be told you are inexperienced, and yet there is nowhere to gain experience. All of which you have probably already experienced.And then, one person will believe in you.
They will believe in you so strongly that they will give you the chance to start on the design journey you always wanted. Until then, check out websites like www.designcrowd.co.uk and get some briefs under you belt, enter competitions, and read magazines. Got an interview? That's great! Tailor your portfolio for them. Somebody will believe in you. Let 2016 be the year of opportunity! On that note I shall sign off! I hope I have inspired at least one person out there. We've all been through it, so I wanted to share that you are not alone :)Forever grateful
Always nice to hear that I've hit the spot! I have worked with Dean Williams of Unicorn Solutions on a number of projects including, corporate literature, presentations and exhibition stands. This came through from Dean, so I simply had to share it...
I felt I had to put my appreciation and thanks into words with regards to the recent package of work you recently did for me on my presentation slides.
When I started out in business on my own I had a wealth of training presentations and I knew I needed some help with my slides and their design. I had previously kept all my PowerPoint presentations very uniformed (using one of the templates within the software) with great content but all showed very little creativity. After having our 1-2-1 a few weeks ago in which you demonstrated your previous work, I knew I had to give you a try. To date, this has been one of my best decisions in the 12 months as Unicorn Solutions Ltd.
You have delivered a quality package of work to a standard that surpassed my expectations. I have been guilty of embarrassing you before in front of others by saying how talented you are but you do genuinely have an ability to deliver quality, value for money and attention to detail to a level that makes me proud to stand by my presentations.
I would encourage anyone in doubt as who to use to produce graphic design to look no further.
Please keep doing what you’re doing as you are creative and it’s not just off the wall, it’s out of the park.
Forever grateful, Dean Williams