Leese is a Graphic Designer and Illustrator from Kent in the UK. Right now Leese is working part-time while raising her daughter but hopes to gradually increase her hours as her daughter grows older. Coming from a PR and communications background she mainly focuses on branding, print materials and web graphics for small businesses and start-ups…
1) Firstly, thank you Leese for the possibility of an interview. It’s a pleasure for us to have you in our inside series. Could you tell us a bit about yourself and what are you up to these days?
I am a Graphic Designer who, these days, freelances part-time while raising my daughter. I was born in Canada but moved to the UK when I was a child. I now live in a lovely house in Kent with my husband, daughter, and cat. When I’m not designing I watch horror / sci-fi films, read, play videogames, and find any excuse possible to play with LEGO.
2) What was your inspiration and when did you actually decide to become a freelancer?
My background is in PR and communications, but in 2011 I went back to university part-time (using my annual leave from my job to attend classes once a week!) to retrain. I’m a freelance Graphic Designer & Illustrator, which I did part-time while working in-house as a Graphic Designer. I’ve gradually increased my hours and I am now fully freelance with lovely regular clients. I work mostly with small businesses and start-ups on branding, print materials, web graphics and more.
3) Was it difficult for you to start freelancing? Did you face many problems?
Because I built the business up gradually it wasn’t difficult, but problems came later on when trying to balance a workload with not enough part-time hours. The more you put into the business, the more you get! And at the start I didn’t have much variety in my portfolio – I recommend doing a lot of practice briefs to broaden your skillset.
4) But it is not all bad! In your opinion, which are the main advantages of working as a freelancer?
Oh, so many! You’re your own boss, you only answer to the client, you can (mostly) set your own hours, and depending on how many meetings you have that day, you can usually work at home in your pajamas. (I kid.) What’s not to love?
5) How do you find new clients that are interested in your services? Do you have a killer marketing tip for fellow freelancers?
I get a lot of my work through word of mouth, social media or my website. I also send out (targeted!) emails to small local businesses asking if they need any design help, which can help create interesting new partnerships.
6) Do you use other freelancers or companies to provide skills that you don’t possess or to delegate tasks that are not directly related to designing?
Yes, copywriters, printers, signwriters, all sorts! Obviously there’s a limit to the things I can do myself, but I also know that working with people who are experts in their field makes the end result even better. I usually find other freelancers through web or social media searches.
7) What advice would you give to someone who is thinking about starting a freelance career? And what does it takes to be successful as a freelancer?
Be open to learning from everyone. Don’t be cocky and think you know everything!
8) 2017 has just started, what are your plans with regard to your career? Could you share some of your goals for this year with us and how do you go about achieving them?
I hope to increase my working hours as my daughter grows and go full-time freelance. That’s a few years away though!
9) How do you manage the pressure of meeting deadlines? Do you use any specific apps or software tools for self-organization, invoicing and something else?
I love Wave Apps for invoicing and quoting. I use GMail for Business for my emails and lots of lists and reminders!
10) Apart from your obsession with typography and design, what are your interests? How do you manage to balance work and life?
It’s tricky, especially with a young child. In my downtime I’m pretty tired. My husband helps me stay motivated to do fun things like pilates, Wii golf, or just watching a film together. I’ve recently gotten into mindfulness colouring too, which is surprisingly relaxing.
Where to find Leese:
Freelancermap.com Profile: www.freelancermap.com/profil/LeeseJohnstone
Link to website: www.lajohnstone.co.uk
Skype: lajohnstone
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!
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Pic: © Leese Johnstone
