Today we’d like to introduce you to Kate Russell.
Kate, please share your story with us. How did you get to where you are today?
As a teenager, my after school job was working at a professional photography studio when digital photography was starting to take off. Which opened a door to a new realm of graphic design for me. As the years passed, I continued working at other professional photography studios and really loved working with photographs and designing products to enhance them. I was able to take my love of art and design to a whole new level. With the growth of the digital world, it opened up a new element to a studio setting. You needed someone not only behind the camera, but someone behind the computer getting the photographs ready. So, in 2010, I took the leap, bought a computer and a few of the programs I needed. I hoped my big idea of working from home and for myself would come to fruition. 8 years later, I work with more than 6 professional photographers and run 2 e-commerce sites all from the comfort of my home. I get the best of both worlds, a job that I love and the freedom to be creative with a flexible schedule.
Has it been a smooth road?
Going into the freelance design was a bit scary just because of the unknown. The road hasn’t always been smooth. I often questioned, is there a market for the services I want to offer? How do I get my name out there? It was a slow start. It took many hours of work up front building product, figuring out prices, researching the business end of things. I am a creative, so figuring out licensing, accounting, insurance, where all things that didn’t come easily but are a very necessary part of launching a new business. As my business has grown, my biggest struggle now is work/life balance. Having your workspace in your home often lends itself to more hours of work just because it is convenient. I would advise any young women starting out to know your worth and value your time. Surround yourself with a strong support system that can help build you up and encourage your success. Social media has opened up so many more avenues to communicate and collaborate with other creatives, use that to your advantage. Share, learn and grow with the help of those sources.
We’d love to hear more about KatieAnn Designs.
I am a free-lance graphic designer, specializing in services and products for professional photographers. I love to be behind the scenes. I have a strong approach to personalization and strive to provide consistent, reliable services, whether that is retouching, color correcting or designing. I want to free them up to do what they do best, capture those important moments that are so fleeting. I pride myself on my ability to adapt to the photographer’s style. It is very important for me to mimic their approach to their artwork and modify as their tastes and trends change. In addition, I also create and sell templates for photographers. Again, with the idea in mind of making their life easier, my templates offer quick and creative ways to help speed up workflow. I enjoy creating wedding album, greeting card and sports templates, which I offer on two different e-commerce sites. My approach is to help others make their businesses successful, which I believe is what sets me apart. I take the time to make their vision come to life. Photographs are all we have once the moment has left. I love being part of making memories that will last for generations to come.
What’s the most important piece of advice you could give to a young woman just starting her career?
Dream big! Find what you love and run after it. The reach of the Internet is vast and has opened tons of doors for very unconventional career paths. You can now take a hobby or passion, put all your drive and determination into it and put it out there for the world to enjoy. I would never have thought that I could make a career from home and have my artwork in the hands of people all over the world, but it’s so possible! Surround yourself with people that build you up and can offer sage advice. You don’t have to re-invent the wheel. Look to those paving the way and learn from their struggles. Believe in yourself and others will too!
Contact Info:
- Website: katieanndesigns.com
- Email: k.katieanndesigns@gmail.com
- Instagram: www.instagram.com/katieanndesigns
- Facebook: www.facebook.com/katieanndesignsKAD
Image Credit:
www.dearstacey.com, www.karakamienskiphotography.com, www.kendrapence.com, www.mikeheinigerphotography.com, www.pixelsbyemily.com, www.vgallery.net
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