Today we’d like to introduce you to Julia Thiel.
Julia, please share your story with us. How did you get to where you are today?
I started Yoolia Design in early 2010, after moving to Chicago from Germany in 2004 and working as a Designer and Art Director at various places for a few years. As my own business, I served a variety of clients, freelanced for agencies around the country, and worked on my own creative projects. One of them was being the photographer for a book about “Chicago’s Fabulous Fountains”, that was published this year in June, and the other big project was launching NeighborHäuser™, a home decor and gift product collection, featuring illustrated, screen-printed Chicago homes. The collection currently consists of pillows and greeting cards, available at various boutiques in Chicago, and online, at neighborhauser.com.
We’re always bombarded by how great it is to pursue your passion, etc – but we’ve spoken with enough people to know that it’s not always easy. Overall, would you say things have been easy for you?
The struggles of running your own design business are multi-faceted. A main concern is of course never knowing where the next paycheck will come from. So it is always a good idea to have a 6-month rainy day fund. Also, one thing many designers who go out on their own don’t realize beforehand is the amount of client management involved. You are no longer just a designer. You have to fill every role your client needs, unless you can afford to outsource certain tasks. Overall, I really enjoyed the flexibility and freedom that came with freelancing, and it has allowed me to grow in areas I’d have never anticipated.
We’d love to hear more about your business.
My specialty has always been a refusal to specialize. As a contractor, I was mostly hired by healthcare advertising agencies. As an agency, I created marketing campaigns for authors. As a designer, I launched my own product line. As a photographer, I was able to join Chicago author Greg Borzo in the massive undertaking of publishing a comprehensive book about Chicago’s fountains. Running my own business allowed me to be a Julia-of-all-trades in the creative industry.
What were you like growing up?
As a child, I wanted to be a children’s book illustrator. My parents, while always supportive of my artistic talents, convinced me that there is no money to be made in that trade. So then I wanted to be an interior designer. But I was terrible at math. So I landed on studying fashion and graphic design. Being an entrepreneur allowed me to go back to all those dreams, illustrate some, design some, develop a home decor line, become a photographer, and so much more.
Contact Info:
- Website: juliathiel.com
- Email: yooliadesign@gmail.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/yooliadesign/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/yooliadesign/
- Twitter: https://twitter.com/Yooliadesign
- Other: neighborhauser.com
Image Credit:
Thomas Chadwick – Main photo
©Julia Thiel
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