How did you get into the industry?
When I was 18, I was lucky enough to meet someone working in the industry while on vacation in Portugal. We were driving around town and he pointed to a poster he had designed, and I was drawn to the idea of creating something that could be seen and shown.
So, when it was time to choose a major at University, I decided on Communication Design and Photography and have been working in the industry ever since.
Where are you based now and who do you work for?
I am a bit of digital nomad but based in Hamburg whenever the weather is warm. My clients vary from big production companies and agencies to small start-ups and local businesses. I have a lot of long-term clients that I’ve been working with for years.
If you weren’t in your current industry, what would you be doing?
I’d be scuba diving. I’ve been diving for a couple of years and I am absolutely in love with the underwater world. So if I could do anything I would spend my time scuba diving, taking pictures of sea creatures (not sure that qualifies as a real job).
Can you explain your creative process? What makes it unique?
I get to know the client, research the product and try to ask as many questions as possible to find out how the client ticks and what the project needs … Understanding the aim of the project helps me find a starting point so from there, I come up with a few concepts and then start creating drafts.
There is always a lot of trial and error involved before I come up with something that I am truly happy with. It usually helps to let things rest for a while, focus on something else and come back to it with fresh eyes.
How would you describe your style?
Clean and modern with bold highlights
Which individuals do you gain inspiration from? Do you have any heroes in the industry?
There are a few people in the industry I am inspired by like Jessica Walsh but mainly I am inspired by people that I will probably never know or meet as I find inspiration in almost everything, the packaging design of products at the supermarket, architecture, Magazines and everyday things.
What tips would you give to aspiring creatives looking for work?
Build a strong portfolio that shows your personal style and what you have to offer and go out and network, attend events, join online groups, and don’t be afraid to reach out to companies and individuals you can see yourself working for.
What tips would you give to other professionals to get more clients?
Focus on your strengths, you don’t have to know everything it’s always better to do one job very well instead of trying to do everything. It helps to have a network of other creatives with different “specialties” that you can collaborate with.
Staying in touch with the clients you liked and the people you enjoyed working with is also an advantage. People move around a lot in this business so you never know what opportunities could come up.
What kind of tools/kit/software could you not do without?
I never go anywhere without my macbook, it’s always by my side as you never know when inspiration finds you.
The software I use the most are probably InDesign and Photoshop and as of late After Effects (even though I still spend a considerable amount of time watching tutorials)
What’s your secret to staying inspired and motivated?
Living a curious life, travelling and nature. Exploring different places and cultures offers so much new inspiration and alternative takes on things. It also requires adapting to new situations.
Nature, on the other hand offers a sense of calm and allows me to escape the everyday life and provides so, so much inspiration such as shapes, colours, gradients, textures and patterns that I often use in my designs. I am also incredibly thankful for my friends and fellow freelancers who offer support and feedback when I need it.
What’s the work achievement you’re most proud of?
I’ve been able to make a living of doing something I really love.
What is the one thing that you would change about the industry?
I’d really like to see more focus on sustainability, collaboration and inclusion.
Any websites, books or resources you would recommend?
Websites I find incredibly helpful:
Typewolf.com helps designers choose the perfect font combination for their next design project. It shows examples of fonts in use and includes font recommendation lists
Fontsquirrel.com Provides free, quality fonts that can be used for commercial projects.
Behance, dribble and pinterest as a source of inspiration and platform to showcase your own work.
A book that really helped me when I started my own business was “Starting a revolution” by Lisa Jaspers and Naomi Ryland it offers new role models and a new perspective on what it takes and what really matters when you decide to start your own business.
