How did you get into the industry?
Since I remember I have always been creative and good at art. When I was 11 I found photoshop on the computer and got really good at photo manipulation. However, after completing my university degree in Business and Management which is not creative, I realized that the traditional career path didn't align with my aspirations.
I felt constrained by the limitations and rules that came with it, and deep down knew I wanted to work for myself and explore various creative endeavors. Then when I got made redundant from an office job in 2015, I remembered my photoshop success took the opportunity to forge my own path.
I went on a grind to learn everything I could about graphic design and the Adobe softwares and took on any project for little money to gain experience until I got where I am today.
Where are you based now and who do you work for?
I am based in London but travel full-time as a digital nomad and work for my own business.
If you weren’t in your current industry, what would you be doing?
I would still be doing something creative, perhaps producing music and music videos which is one of my future goals that ties in perfectly as a continuation with what I currently do. I also really love animals and want to have an animal sanctuary somewhere in the world.
Can you explain your creative process? What makes it unique?
I believe that each project has a story to tell and emotions to evoke. My process lies in my personal mission to empower individuals to achieve freedom and success through their own businesses, just as I did through mine.
I use my photography skills to empower people visually, and through my design studio, have the opportunity to craft amazing brands that help founders and teams to achieve this. When working with clients, I go beyond surface-level discussions and delve deep into their motivations, purpose, and vision to to create designs that authentically reflect their essence.
A lot of times, we end up having a heart-to-heart and it’s an amazing thing to have your clients become friends after a succcessful project.
How would you describe your style?
My style is sleek, elegant, and dramatic.
Which individuals do you gain inspiration from? Do you have any heroes in the industry?
When it comes to finding inspiration, it's a tough question because I draw inspiration from everyone in the creative community. I love scrolling through social media and seeing the progress and amazing work that people are putting out there. It's the underdogs, the ones who are hustling and pushing their limits, that really light a fire in me.
Seeing their passion and dedication reminds me that anything is possible and encourages me to think outside the box. It's the collective energy and talent of the creative community that keeps me inspired and motivated to keep pushing forward and exploring new possibilities.
What tips would you give to aspiring creatives looking for work?
No matter what we do, there will always be people telling us that we can’t do it and persuading you not to. Embrace the fact that those who strive to make a difference often face opposition.
Don't let discouragement deter you from pursuing your dreams. Instead, channel that energy into dedicated effort and hard work. If you continue to put the work in with passion you will be guaranteed success.
What tips would you give to other professionals to get more clients?
When it comes to attracting more clients, I have a couple of valuable tips to share. Firstly, don't be afraid to aim high. Set ambitious goals and target clients who align with your vision and expertise. You may be pleasantly surprised by the opportunities that arise when you challenge yourself to reach for the top.
Secondly, ensure that your portfolio and website accurately reflect the type of clients you want to attract. Invest time and effort into aligning your branding, messaging, and visual presentation with your target audience. You will establish a strong foundation for attracting the right clients who resonate with your work.
What kind of tools/kit/software could you not do without?
Adobe really is amazing and their applications are involved in every design project. I’ve been an Adobe nerd since I was 11. Webflow is also something I love and use for every website development project.
What’s your secret to staying inspired and motivated?
Travelling a lot, meeting new people, and experiencing new things. You get so much design inspiration from so man different cultures and seeing how they do things. Also looking at other people’s work daily gets me pumped to create.
What’s the work achievement you’re most proud of?
I take immense pride in accomplishing a significant milestone in my career—getting my first $10k project. What made this achievement even more extraordinary was that it happened the week after I had redesigned my website.
This particular project held special significance as it not only marked my first foray into such a substantial endeavor, but it also represented my ideal client—the very audience I had strategically redesigned my website to attract. To further validate the project's success, it was shortlisted for the prestigious CreativePool Branding awards.
This accomplishment stands as a testament to my growth, determination, and ability to deliver exceptional results to clients while aligning with my desired target market.
What is the one thing that you would change about the industry?
There are a few things that come to mind, but mostly the respect as a professional. As creatives, we pour our hearts and souls into our work, and it's only fair that we receive the recognition and compensation we deserve. It can be frustrating when our time and effort aren't given the same respect with being paid as other professionals in different industries.
Timely payment is also something that needs improvement. It's not uncommon for us to face delays or struggles in getting paid for our hard work. And especially as freelancers, not getting a pay check can be as detrimental as someone not receiving their monthly salary.
Any websites, books or resources you would recommend?
10 x Mentor by Grant Cardone for the highly ambitious people reading.
