Interview - Jaynika Veitch
As a freelance Graphic Designer based on the banks of the beautiful Murray River at Echuca Moama, Jaynika is a passionate creative, freedom seeker and lover of all things design. Specialising in branding, identity design, brand communication, editorial layout, publication design and print.
Tell us how you ended up here as a freelancer? Where did it all begin?
Freedom to fly, bringing my dreams to life and I collaborate with clients to bring their big dreams to life – creating designs that truly challenge mediocrity. It all started after the birth of my now 2yr son, and needing flexibility to work around him and deciding it was time to turn my side hustle into a full time gig.
What was your last “real” job?
Graphic Designer, In the early days of my career, I fine-tuned my craft working in a print, web media and digital design studio, helping businesses stand out from the pack through powerful visual design.
What inspired you to start freelancing? Was there a ‘moment’ that made you realise it was time?
Running my own small business allows me to connect with my clients at their level, providing everything they need to move forward with a killer new branding identity.
For me, good graphic design is a delicate dance of strategic thinking, problem-solving and high level creativity, and it’s how I set businesses up with the tools and confidence they need to launch into the market with a bang! More than anything, I love seeing an idea come to visual fruition. It’s what stokes the creative fire in my belly and has me jumping out of bed to hit the studio every day.
How did you prepare to start working for yourself?
I fell into it a bit, I had clients asking me to do their work on the side but when it was time to turn it into a full time gig I started by setting up the basic business foundations and getting a business coach to help and support me along the way. And joining groups, like cool wow collective, to network and connect with other like minded creatives.
What was your biggest fear before you started freelancing? Any tips to overcome these fears?
Being good enough and making it work. Biggest tip, trust your own self worth & experience.
In three emojis, describe your life as a freelancer…
☕️👩💻💕💻
Walk us through a typical work day?
Morning: Day Care drop off, Coffee from my fav local, Emails / Start with the biggest/ longest task Client Work that takes a bit more deep creative thinking.
Afternoon: Gym class at lunch / Emails / Client Work
Evening: Family time. Although some nights there is a night shift finishing / doing extra client work. I try not to work too much at night if I can help it. But sometimes you have too.
How has COVID-19 impacted your everyday life?
Think mindset, work life, routine. (optional) Being a freelancer and working from a home studio there wasn’t a big shift. Biggest shift would be the pivot to having a more online presence, social media / lots of zoom calls! I like the fact its allowed us to connect more online with people who we normally wouldn’t. Different client reach / Different way to connect and network. If anything I’m very fortunate to be able to keep working through it.
Name three qualities you need to succeed as a freelancer?
Flexibility, Discipline, Determination, Passion ( sorry that’s 4!)
I know we’re not supposed to have favourites, but can you share a favourite client project of yours?
Oh tough one! Creative director on a new wedding mag this year! Now I’m working on lots of fun new branding and tourism work for our beautiful area.
Best thing about freelancing?
Flexibility, Working and dictating your own hours, working with the clients you want to work with, Collaborating with other like minded creatives.
Suckiest thing about freelancing?
Boundary setting, Work hours, knowing when to log off. Loneliness – at the end of the day its just you. So to have a groups like this to connect with is great!
What advice would you give to someone just starting out on their freelancer journey?
Go for it! But have that support around you, whether it be partners, families, colleagues. Networking groups, business coach; people to support you, talk to, vent to and champion you on.
What’s next for you in business?
Launching new brands and tourism guides for the end of 2020, having a break and then working on my own brand! Fresh new launch that’s been a long time in the making.
This or that
Tea or coffee? Coffee
Introvert or extrovert? Introvert
Earlybird or night owl? Night owl
Home office or coworking space? Home office / virtual co working !
Emails or calls? Email
Paper or digital to-do list? Paper
Books or podcasts? Podcast