Could you tell us about yourself? Where are you from, what do you do, etc.?
Hi, I am a graphic designer and font maker, I’m 37 years old and I run my online business as Skyla Design. I love creating, photography, shopping & sunny bike rides with my boys, and always start my day with a strong cup of tea.
How did your design journey begin?
As a young girl I was always drawing and sketching but I was never really sure what I wanted to do when I grew up. It wasn’t until I enrolled in Graphic Design School that I knew this what I wanted to do with my talent. After graduation, I got a job at a publisher where I designed magazines, logo’s and websites. But after almost 10 years of working at the office, it was time for something new so I took a part-time job cleaning and in my spare time, I worked on my own designs. I started selling my designs online and they did so well I was able to quit my cleaning job after a few months and focus on design full time.
Featured product: Riverjade
Where do you usually find your inspiration?
I love photography and nature. When the weather is good I grab my camera and our youngest boy and we go out for a bike ride. Flowers and plants are my favorite to photograph, and my boys of course. I use my nature photo’s for Instagram or as inspiration for my new products.
Featured product: Sweet Mia
Any favorite design references that you can share that might be helpful for other designers as well?
Pinterest & Instagram are my favorite places to go for inspiration online. I’ve been on Pinterest since the very beginning and I’ve created so many boards that are bursting with inspiration.
Featured product: February Love
What are the most common design problems that you face?
Running my own design business is something I wasn’t taught at school. It’s one thing to make a pretty design with pen & paper but learning how to digitize my work, finding the right places to sell it and market it is something I had to figure out on my own. Managing my own business is definitely a challenge and when I first started out I had no idea that there were so many different aspects to manage. Creating new products, marketing, social media, customer support, licensing, affiliate programs, collaborations and accounting are some of the many tasks that I’ve had to learn to do.
Featured product: Tilly
Final question, do you have any advice or tips for anyone starting to sell their designs?
For those of you that are just starting out, I’d say, give it time! It’s discouraging when you compare yourself to other established designers. But if you are passionate about what you do, you will find your style and your voice. You will have to put in the time and effort and work harder than you ever have, but it’s is so very rewarding in the end.
Featured product: 15 Valentines Day Quotes SVG bundle
