Lovey Pale – Graphic & Web Designer

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“Cultivate an unquenchable thirst for learning” and “never be ashamed to say you don’t know something.” These are two instrumental and honest tips from our freelancer of the week Lovey Pale. Since he got inspired by a fellow designer over seven years ago and decided to become a freelancer himself, these guiding words have helped him through many challenging as well as successful times…

1) First off, can you tell us a bit about yourself?
I am Lovey Pale, born and raised in South Africa. I am a full-time freelancer, doing mostly corporate identity and branding projects for small to medium sized companies. I have been freelancing for +-7 years and despite it being a very challenging choice, it has many rewards that fit well with my character. 
 
2) If you would search for your profile on Google, which are the keywords you would type in the search bar?
UX/UI Design, Graphic Design, Web design. My web design/development skills include: Joomla, wordpress HTML5, CSS and javascript. I am more enthusiastic to work on visual communications projects, whether be it for online or print.
3) What was your inspiration and when did you actually decide to become a freelancer?
My inspiration was actually a freelance illustrator and photographer name Rob Dobi. His work inspired me so much that I decided that freelancing was going to be a full time occupation for me; hence I am a full-time freelancer. Before I started freelancing I was actually an electronics technician. 
4) What kind of services have your clients asked you to provide?
My projects are mainly corporate designs, corporate identity, website design/Development and sometimes some copy righting for online articles as a ghost writer. I also provide domain registration and hosting services. 
5) Do you use other freelancers or companies to provide skills that you don’t possess?
Yes definitely, you can’t be good at everything and I sometimes solicit the skills of other freelancers when a project exceeds my skill set and I have already taken it on. It’s not something that happens often but something that I see as normal. Most of the freelancers I use I search of social networks like facebook or local directories.
6) Now tell us, how do you find new clients that are interested in your services?
Most of my clients I find through referrals from clients that liked my work and some through advertising on local classifieds and word of mouth. I have just recently started using freelancing websites. 
7) What about freelancermap.com? Can you tell us a little bit about your experience with our IT-network?
Well freelancermap is a very interesting platform for me since it provides international exposure for people like me who were otherwise limited to very small and saturated local markets. What I would like to suggest is for the company to actively promote their services specifically in emerging economies like those in Africa and Asia. Talented individuals like me in African countries where freelancing is still frowned upon, face the challenge of turning their skills into a reliable source of income especially as freelancers. 
8) How do you set yourself apart from your competitors? What makes you special?
I would say what differentiates me is that I strive to build lasting relationships with my clients and offer support that goes beyond the services they purchased. 
9) What are the top three books, blogs or magazines you read to stay up to date in the IT-market?
I read business insider, use LinkedIn to follow companies that are in the same field as I am to stay in tune with the latest developments.
10) Freestyle! Is there anything you would like to tell our readers?
My tips to other freelancers: 
  • Don’t try to be someone you’re not. 
  • Cultivate an unquenchable thirst for learning.
  • Know your limits and don’t bite off more than you can chew.
  • NEVER make a promise to a client. Just do what you are required to do.
  • Always remember that this is your bread and butter, as passionate as you might be about your trade you need to make a living at the end of the day. So never neglect the business side of freelancing. 
  • Some clients are more trouble than they’re worth. Know when to cut ties with problematic clients.
  • Never be ashamed to say you don’t know something.

Where to find Lovey Pale?

The interview was conducted by Doreen Schollmeier – freelancermap.com team.   
 
Pic: © Lovey Pale
 
 
You would also like to be introduced as a freelancer in our “freelancer insides”?  
Send us an email to info@freelancermap.com with the subject “freelancer insides” and shortly describe your services, experiences, and status! 
Doreen Schollmeier

Doreen Schollmeier is dealing with the international freelancing and outsourcing market for more than 5 years and knows both sides of the coin. After working as a project manager for an India based company until 2012, supporting the company to find clients worldwide, she nowadays helps freelancers to find jobs and clients.

By Doreen Schollmeier

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