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Tag Archives: graphic designer
You just gotta ride it
Sometimes things can fall into place with the greatest of ease, and sometimes things can fall apart just as easily.
The world of a freelancer and contractor is a rollercoaster. There are peaks and troughs, highs and lows, exhilarating parts and frightening parts. Personally I am cruising the exhilarating rushes, whilst on the flip side of the coin I know others up and down the country experiencing the troughs I too have gone through. It's a tough place that trough. It can bring you to tears and to a place where you feel entirely insignificant, a shadow of who you really are and who you can be. It's hard to see the end of the tunnel, it's hard to believe that something entirely unexplored and potentially exciting is around the corner. But there is an end to the tunnel. For me, I was experiencing a trough of sorts early last year. I knew it was a minor blip, and believe me, I've been through worse. I decided to cast my fate to the wind and head to London. I've been here around 9 months now and somehow it's very much fallen into place. I'm not entirely sure how - but it has and it's exciting. I came to London for several reasons, to see if the streets are paved with gold (they're not), potentially seek an eligible bachelor (erm...) and to do something in an industry that I wouldn't be able to do in Manchester. This last one has very much been fulfilled. I now freelance for a company that organise music festivals. This year alone I have worked on Download festival, London based Community and Wireless festivals, and Reading and Leeds festivals to name but a few. I've worked on print ads for the tube, for Time Out and major newspapers, I've designed web banners and social media banners, and onsite signage almost a kilometre long. It's crazy. I've also recently been able to explore the animation side of things too for BBK and V Festival, and although rusty in that area have enjoyed experimenting immensely. All this has been rewarded by my being handed the Isle of Wight festival, Community festival and Reading and Leeds festivals for 2018. I'm literally blown away by this. It's mental, it's crazy and I'm psyched. On the other hand, I know others for whom it's fallen out of place. I've tried my best to be a listening ear and I know it's hard, and I know you probably find me a little bit annoying with my suggestions, but if I can help my friends achieve what they're looking for in the same way I help my clients achieve they're goals, that would make me happy :) For now I am cruising the rollercoaster, but as with all things it will come to an end of that I am sure, but for now I've my arms in the air, screaming into the wind.Good things come to those who wait
Something will always come up, and this week it really has.
In May of last year I applied for a graphic design role. I applied not because I needed a job, but because I thought it would be the coolest job I could ever possibly imagine getting in the design world. I didn't expect to hear anything back - I just wanted to make the application and throw my hat into the ring as it were. I did in fact hear back. I was asked to design something. I designed something and sent it off... Alongside this application process, I had also been contacted by a recruiter with another design role. He seemed pretty sure that I was the right candidate. He was right. I got the job and signed on the dotted line... And then I was invited for an interview at the first place - which I had to politely decline. I emphasised my regret and explained I had got a role elsewhere, but assumed on my part that it was game over. I was disappointed at missing my chance, however, I am a firm believer in what will be, will be, que sera sera and all that.That was last summer. Last week I got the call - can I start on Monday? And this time I could :)
Something will always come up. I'm glad that I took a plunge into the unknown at the end of January. Someone is always on the hunt for a designer, and it's good to know that I was in this case "the hunted." It has given me new hope to the words "we'll keep you on file," it seems that you really are. In an emergency situation, all those CVs really are locked away and scrutinised and calls do happen. Not only that, but a number of the applications I made since the end of January and last week have started to get in touch too. I have had to decline their offers of interviews, but I explained the situation and fingers crossed when my current contract ends, another door will open. It seems good things do come to those who wait.Take a chance on me
Every now and then I take a chance. I take a gamble and plunge in.
I've done this on several occasions in my life to date. I took a gamble and ran away to sea, that worked out to be one of the best things I have ever done. It continues to define me, and I hate that it might be the best thing that ever happened to me. I took a gamble and went into the world of freelance graphic design - again that paid off, allowed me to travel some more, work with some great folks and develop my clientele and professional style. Another gamble took me to the other side of the world. That one didn't work out so well. Some you win, some you lose. After retreating to the relative safety of home for a few years, I have once again taken the plunge. I have moved to London without a safety net. The city is my oyster, and I'm excited. I came because I want to learn from creatives, I came because I want to develop as a designer and I came because I want to be challenged. I want you to take the gamble on me... I know that I have done a whole load of corporate literature and B2B material, and a limited amount of truly creative projects. I know that and it's why I made the move. I also know that I don't have the best interview technique known to man, but it's something I am working on to improve. But what I do have is a strong work ethic, and a belief in getting the job done to the best of my abilities. I have a creative mind and always have, I am flexible and approachable, with a whole range of skills to offer - and I will help out anyone who asks :) Now I just want the chance to prove it. Ultimately I want to work with graphic design agencies, I want them to take a gamble on me and I want them to feel that it was worth it.2016, a reflection
It has to be said, 2016 has been a turbulent year.
On a personal level, I feel that my life as I would have liked to have lived it has been altered forever by 17 million Brexiteers, I feel that my dreams and hopes have been dashed by Trump supporters, and more personally I feel like my compass point has been lost. It is this last point that I struggle to deal with the most - I am no longer wanted or required, I have been replaced, but as with all of the above, it is something I have to accept however bitter the pill. On a professional level, this year has also been a journey. I have finished in a very different place than I started both in terms of work style and location. All my previous freelance work had been carried out in my home office, working directly with clients of their projects, however, having noted a slow down of work coming through, I decided to take a full time contract with the Institute for Public Policy Research (IPPR). This proved a fun experience, I gained some colleagues, office banter and socialising events - plus I got the chance to work on projects that could really shape the UK. However, the plan was always to move to London at some point in 2016 in order to pursue a more creative direction of work for my design portfolio, to work with experienced designers and to learn and develop as a graphic designer. Luckily for me the transition has been made a lot easier and smoother due to my contract with the IPPR who have offices both in Manchester where I started, and London where I am now based. I will be working with the IPPR until the end of January 2017, but after that, the world (well London) will be my oyster! I have started on the job/freelance hunt - so wish me luck!I feel privileged to have worked with my clients
As I am sure many a freelancer feels, I feel a sense of pride in the fact that out of all the graphic designers in the world, people have chosen to work with me. Just as I reflect on 2016, I am proud to have had the opportunity to work with the likes of the IPPR, Equality and Human Rights Commission, JustLife, Leica Geosystems and the Cordant group to name but a few. I genuinely enjoy bringing projects to life and presenting something beyond the expectations of my clients, and although I have relocated this is something I aim to continue and build on.To all my clients, friends and colleagues, I hope you have had a peaceful Christmas and wish you all the best for 2017 whatever it may bring.
Tags: 2016, Brexit, creative, freelance graphic design, graphic designer, IPPR, London
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!
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
flexible, responsive and intuitive
Having browsed a number of LinkedIn profiles of Manchester based Graphic Designers, Ruth Nicholas, Marketing Manager at Quest Nutrition, recently contacted me through LinkedIn as she felt that my personality shone through my profile and I came across as somebody she would like to work with.
After a few e-mails we met up for a meeting whereby I learned a bit more about Ruth and Quest Nutrition; a multi million dollar LA based company that is soon to launch across Europe. I was excited to be on board with this new venture!
Given a few taster projects Ruth and myself were working well together, however, unfortunately for me it was decided to maintain all design projects over in the Los Angeles office. Although I'm obviously disappointed at this decision, it was exciting to work with such a well known global brand, and that of all the designers that Ruth could have contacted she e-mailed me, and for that I feel proud :)
Without any suggestion from me, Ruth sent me this recommendation:
I worked with Elizabeth on two social media artwork jobs (and would have continued working with her if circumstances had allowed it!). I found her very flexible, responsive, intuitive and the designs I received were on brief and ready to use with minimal amends. Personally Elizabeth was so easy to get on with; warm, friendly and great at listening. I'd highly recommend her for anyone looking for a freelance designer/artworker.