In the ever-evolving world of graphic design, the journey from employee to freelancer can be both exhilarating and daunting. For Rachel Boyle, a seasoned graphic designer with 19 years of experience, this journey began not with a plan but as a response to personal loss.
Prior to going freelance Rachel worked with Comfy Quilts Ltd, some of the Superbrands like Silentnight and Sealy and with the big retailers like, Tesco, Asda, Morrisons, Next, Dunelm, B&Q, BnM and Matalan to name a few.
Since going freelance she’s worked with large companies like BPP, Christy, Designers Guild, AMS, NHS and some really successful small local businesses like Num6er, Yellow Twigg, Northern Landscapes and Altrincham HQ.
Through her experiences, Rachel offers valuable insights into the freelance landscape, highlighting the importance of community, creativity, and effective communication.
This interview took place at Smiley Happy People networking in Altrincham, South Manchester
A Foundation of Influence: The Role of Parents
Rachel’s creative journey has deep roots in her upbringing. Growing up in a family that valued creativity, she was influenced by her parents, both of whom played pivotal roles in shaping her artistic sensibilities. “My parents always encouraged me to explore my creative side,” Rachel shares. Her mother, an TA, had a significant impact on her early interest in art. “I always remember my mum encouraging me to ‘Just do what you love,” Rachel recalls, emphasizing the encouragement that sparked her passion.
Her father also played a crucial role in her development. “He always pushed me to pursue what I loved, even when it felt uncertain,” she notes. This early support laid the groundwork for her future career in graphic design, instilling in her a strong appreciation for creativity and self-expression. “They really helped me develop my passion for art,” she reflects, acknowledging their influence on her journey.
A Catalyst for Change: From Grief to Freelancing
Rachel’s transition to freelancing was not a straightforward career choice but a response to the tragic loss of a close friend. This life event prompted her to reassess her priorities. “I realized that I wanted to pursue my passions now rather than wait until retirement,” she reflects. The weight of grief and the realization of life’s unpredictability ignited a desire for a more fulfilling career.
With her youngest child starting school, Rachel recognized an opportunity to embark on a new path. She understood that she only needed to earn half of her previous salary to maintain her family’s lifestyle. This shift in perspective transformed her initial apprehension about freelancing into a calculated risk. “I thought I could always go back to a traditional job if it didn’t work out,” she recalls.
Navigating Financial Fears
As with many creatives, Rachel faced financial apprehensions when considering freelancing. As a parent, the stakes felt particularly high. However, she approached her freelance career as an experiment, allowing herself the freedom to explore this new venture without the pressure of long-term commitments. “Connecting with a great accountant helped alleviate my financial worries,” Rachel explains. This support enabled her to focus on her creative work rather than be paralyzed by the fear of financial instability.
Building Community: The Power of Networking
One of the most crucial aspects of Rachel’s journey has been her emphasis on networking. For her, networking is not just about selling services; it’s about building a community of support and guidance. “I found a network of freelancers and small business owners who shared experiences and advice,” she explains.
Rachel encourages newcomers to embrace networking as a way to connect with others in their field. Whether through local meetups, online forums, or social media, finding a community can provide invaluable resources and emotional support. “Everybody’s just the same, really. We’re all here for the same reason,” she notes, highlighting the camaraderie within the freelance community.
Managing Client Expectations: Communication is Key
As a freelancer, managing client expectations is vital to maintaining successful working relationships. Rachel emphasizes that understanding the decision-makers and their needs is essential when navigating different budgets and expectations, whether with small businesses or larger corporations.
“Clear communication is key,” she stresses. Regular check-ins and updates help ensure that everyone is on the same page, reducing misunderstandings and fostering a collaborative environment. Rachel’s experience has taught her that being proactive in communication makes a significant difference in the overall project outcome.
Creativity in Balance: Finding the Right Mix
Freelancing offers unique flexibility, enhancing creativity and allowing for personal projects and charitable work. Rachel appreciates how this flexibility enables her to balance client work with her creative passions. “It keeps my creative juices flowing,” she shares. However, she acknowledges that finding the right balance can be challenging.
Despite having numerous ideas for books and projects, Rachel recognizes that turning them into reality is often difficult. “Maybe that’s something I’ll explore more fully in retirement,” she muses, illustrating how creative aspirations can sometimes take a backseat to practical considerations.
Understanding the Difference: Art vs. Design
In her discussion about the creative industry, Rachel highlights a crucial distinction between art and design. “The main difference is probably communication,” she explains. While both fields are creative and subject to interpretation, design serves a clear purpose: to communicate a specific message to an audience.
“In design, you have a job to ensure that your audience understands what you’re communicating,” she elaborates. Conversely, art invites subjective interpretation, evoking emotions and provoking thoughts without needing to deliver a specific message.
Rachel underscores the importance of brand consistency in design. “Brand guidelines are crucial,” she asserts. “They keep you aligned with the brand’s values and messaging.” Consistency is essential for creating a cohesive brand identity, allowing businesses to present a unified front across various platforms.
Investing in Design: The Icing on the Cake
Rachel likens graphic design to the icing on a cake, emphasizing its role as a visual representation of a business. “If you don’t invest in your marketing or digital presence, what are people actually remembering about you?” she questions. In a visually driven world, first impressions matter, and a well-designed visual identity can set a business apart from its competitors.
“People are visual,” Rachel explains. “Everyone wants to be remembered, and the best way to achieve that is through strong visuals.” She highlights the importance of presenting a polished and professional image, stating, “If you have a beautiful cake next to something that’s not decorated at all, which one are they going to remember?”
The ROI of Graphic Design
Investing in quality design can yield significant returns for businesses. Rachel stresses that the ROI of graphic design extends beyond immediate profits; it includes building brand recognition and customer loyalty. “When people see your branding consistently across different channels, they start to trust you,” she notes.
For businesses looking to establish themselves, Rachel advises spending time and resources on developing a strong visual identity. “It’s about getting all your ducks in a row,” she says. “Your brand should be communicated correctly across all channels, from your website to your business cards and how you present yourself.”
Advice for Aspiring Freelancers
As a veteran in the graphic design field, Rachel has invaluable advice for those just starting their freelance journeys. One key piece of advice that resonated with her was to save a year’s worth of finances before venturing into freelancing. “If I could have done that, it would have meant I was always working a year in advance,” she reflects.
Rachel encourages new freelancers to focus on planning, networking, and not being afraid to ask for help. “Finding someone that you’re comfortable with and getting support is essential,” she advises. Networking can provide insights into the industry, helping newcomers navigate the challenges of freelancing.
The Importance of Collaboration
Rachel also emphasizes the importance of collaboration in the creative field. Initially, she felt hesitant to collaborate with other designers, fearing competition. However, she soon realized that working together could foster creativity and lead to better outcomes. “You might specialize in different areas, but you can still be creative together,” she explains.
Finding a team or community to share ideas with can be incredibly beneficial. Rachel mentions her experience working with a client’s design team, where she gains creative feedback and energy. “You can’t work on your own as a designer for 20 years and not need that kind of conversation,” she states.
Conclusion: Embracing the Freelance Journey
Rachel Boyle’s journey from traditional employment to freelancing illustrates the power of resilience, community, and creativity in shaping a fulfilling career. Her insights provide valuable guidance for aspiring freelancers navigating the complexities of the creative industry.
By embracing networking, managing client expectations, and investing in design, newcomers can build a solid foundation for their freelance careers. Rachel’s story is a testament to the importance of pursuing one’s passions while maintaining a balanced approach to work and life.
As she continues to thrive in her freelance career, Rachel reminds us that while the path may be challenging, it is also incredibly rewarding. “At the end of the day, we’re all here for the same reason—to create and make a difference in our fields,” she concludes, inspiring the next generation of creative professionals to embark on their own journeys.
——————————————————-
For more info on Rachel Boyle at It’s Your Designer check out
www.meetyourdesigner.co.uk
With over 75 attendees, Smiley Happy People continues to be a standout networking event in Altrincham, bringing together inspiring speakers like Rachel Boyle, who share their real-world insights and practical advice. A big thank you to Rachel for her engaging talk, and to all the attendees who make these events so impactful!
Follow On Eventbrite here
https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/o/alex-mccann-18007752018
