graphic design, freelancing, illustration, advertising, web design

Some of you may know I was a bit reluctant to take part in this meme, but I have now been tagged twice, thanks (I think?) David and Randa so here goes. To be honest I couldn’t find many photos of me, probably because I always have a firm hold on the camera and so am usually behind rather than in front of it.

I live in a village in Northamptonshire UK with my boyfriend (I hate that word it sounds like I am 14). We have lived together for about 12 years now and its just the two of us (by choice) although we would quite like a dog if we had a bit more garden (we just have a gravel drive).

The pic above left is of Kevin and I just before we went out for a meal a couple of years ago for my Mum and Dad’s Ruby Wedding Anniversary. The one on the right is where I had had a few drinks on holiday (hence the red face), a couple of years ago in France.

This is me in a funny hat in an arcade of chocolate shops and bookshops in Brussels in December last year. We went for a short break just before Christmas which was great apart from it poured most the time we were there. The lights in the main square looked amazing though. We also went to see Nerina Pallot in concert - at la Botanique while we were there. If you like acoustic music I would thoroughly recommend seeing her, she just sings and plays on her own, on a piano or guitar. The room in La Botanique was fantastic too, completely round with wooden steps that you sat on, it only held about 100 people and was like a concert in your living room.

And finally a picture of my office, which is our converted garage. Kevin and his step dad put some worktops up for me so I have loads of desk space (though as you can see I am pretty messy). My office also doubles up as my guitar room, I have found collecting guitars a little addictive and have got to stop!

I would like to tag Kevin from Blogging Tips (When you are back from your travels) and Aaron at www.milienzo.com

I think one of the most frightening and exciting times of my career was when I decided to go freelance, it was one of the thing had wanted to do for several years but never quite had the guts to.

About five years ago I used to work for a company in Cambridgeshire, I got on well with one of the business partners who wasn’t happy there and we talked about setting up on our own. We were both a little scared and ended up taking an easy option whereby a backer, who had a repro and print company, set us up with us both having a minority share. This was the worst decision we could have made and after 2 years when my friend decided he wanted to move abroad. Whereas I should have got a hefty bonus as we had made a very good profit, I got practically nothing. I could have stayed there working under the Managing directors terms but this was the kick I needed to finally go it alone.

I was scared to death I wouldn’t get any work, but luckily my boyfriend who’s amazingly supportive said not too worry and we would manage on his wage for a while if we needed too. Fortunately we didn’t have to. I contacted a company I had produced designs for, while employed several years ago, I knew they were not using that company any more. The company produce electrical sockets, cable reels and switches etc, and they had told me previously they liked my work, they agreed to see me and gave me their catalogue and some packaging to design.

I contacted a couple of other design agencies I had worked for in the past and they gave me work too. I remember going in to see one of them for a chat (one of the best places I have worked) but it was quite weird seeing them after several years. We had a bit of a chat but one of the partners was too busy to talk for long and they said I don’t suppose you could help us out with these exhibition panels while your here, so I had some impromptu freelance work on the spot so to speak. In fact the first page of my job book is nearly entirely filled up with companies I had worked for in the past.

If you want to go freelance, stop thinking about it and do it, you won’t find many people that say they regret it and remember to look up your old contacts as well as search for new ones.

If you are a freelancer, do you remember your first time?

I had read a lot of articles showing one logo that looked like another and so a few weeks ago thought it might be fun to try an experiment to see of Designers Think Alike. I am not saying they do, but I do think design trends, fashion and even sometimes the letters in a logo and how they could fit together can sometimes result in similarities. I know there have been times in the past when I have designed a logo and then thought it reminded me of something but I couldn’t put my finger on it.

So the idea of the experiment was to sketch (or digitally create if you wish) ideas for two fictitious logos - names kindly suggested by two fellow bloggers

• caffeine rush - espresso machine & accessory supplies
  suggested by Steve
• Cheap’n’cheerful - budget fancy dress shop
  suggested by David Airey

If you have taken part (thank you) and want me to link to a page where you have created uploaded your sketches please email me at mail@graphicdesignblog.co.uk

My logo scribbles certainly aren’t going to win any awards (no laughing), but I have put them on a separate page in case you still want to scribble your ideas before you take a look at mine. My logos can be viewed on my logo page

See:

Paul’s logos at www.paulenderson.com (thanks Paul)
Tess’s logos from www.a-zestful-quest.co.uk (thanks Tess)
Siong’s logos at www.siongchin.com (thanks Siong)
Joe ’s logo at www.wildheartworks.blogspot.com (thanks Joe)
Rob’s logo at www./robcubbon.com